Frisium 10 (clobazam) and a farewell to veritas

"Man shall not live by meth alone, but by every pill that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Frisium pack."
- Methew 4:4

veritas!

Greetings! veritas has finally decided to reveal himself in a candid self portrait photo for this occasion. Some of you might have read the previous post that mentions sixthseal.com would be moving hosts soon, so there would be an interruption in service which may last as long as 48 hours while the new name servers propagate. Please send all emails effective immediately to me@castitas.com until the server move is complete. This would be the last post from this server and the next one would be from the new VPS server. Thus, it was decided that we'll do one last veritas post before the migration for closure. We want to ensure that everyone remains entertained during the temporary transition. ;)

Today, we are going to talk about Frisium 10. I realize that this topic might not be of interest to everyone, so I also put up a photo depicting a messy and scattered looking veritas taken just a minute ago. Yes, that's the first full frame picture of veritas without any mosaic! The picture only took a second to take, so it wasn't the result of a hard afternoon's work. ;) My apologies, private joke there.

Frisium 10

Anyway, the three people at the back that's genuinely surprised would be interested to know that I have an identical twin, which, as the word suggests, looks exactly like me. In the grand tradition of epics, yes, he is not just my twin but my evil twin. :) However, he has quit the scene so there would be no more posts about illicits by veritas. This can be considered the official announcement.

Here at sixthseal.com, we always aim to entertain (or was that to please?) so it's fitting that the interim period while sixthseal.com moves is filled with a final post from veritas. Unfortunately, my wayward sibling (sibling and alter ego are synonyms right?) has really quit the illicits so on this bright Thursday morning, we shall talk about another favorite topic - benzodiazepines! We will be focusing on clobazam in this post.

Frisium, or Frisium 10 as some like to call it, is made in Germany and contains 10 mg of clobazam per tablet. It is also listed as clobazamum at the back of the blister packs, which is an alternate name which seems to be isolated to European countries. I have been prescribed (or was that my evil twin? nevermind, let's not deviate) Frisium and Hypnodorm [sixthseal.com] (that's flunitrazepam) in Melbourne.

100 tablets of 10 mg clobazam

I did not find anything noteworthy about Frisium and dismissed it as a weak benzo due to its complete lack of hypnotic effects and the fact that it requires doses in excess of 100 mg for effects to be felt. However, I enjoyed the flunitrazepam (better known as Rohypnol) very much, thank you doctor, I really felt much better. :) Flunitrazepam is not available through legal channels in Malaysia, but clobazam is a prescription drug here.

It's sold in a box containing 10 blister packs with 10 pills each for a total of 100 tablets or 1,000 mg (1 kilogram) of clobazam. The package insert states that "Clobazam, the active ingredient of Frisium 10 relieves anxiety and prevents or arrests convulsions. It is a substance belonging to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines." The insert also states that it's indicated for "Acute and chronic anxiety states, which may produce the following symptoms in particular: Anxiety, tension, restlessness, excitement, irritability, somatic disorders, and emotional instability." Sounds very familiar. ;)

Other choice quotes:
"Frisium 10 must not be taken by patients with any history of drug or alcohol dependence (increased risk of dependence)."
"Concomitant consumption of alcohol can increase by 50% the availability of clobazam in the body, and therefore increase the effects of clobazam."
"Tell your doctor if you have suffered or are still suffering from alcohol or drug dependence. If this is the case, you must not take benzodiazepines, except in rare situations determined only by the doctor."
"Never take benzodiazepine-containing medicines because "they have been a great help to someone else", and do not pass these preparations on to others."

Anyway, I was interested in giving this particular benzo another try, since it has properties that would be conducive to my taper (*cough*) plan. As stated in the previous post, clobazam is one of them newfangled benzodiazepines with a 1,5 ring structure instead of the older 1,4 benzodiazepines. Without going into things like "selectivity for omega 2 receptors" lets just put it in easier to parse statements.

Basically, 1,5 benzodiazepines have a high affinity...sorry, relapse, I meant it targets the receptors in your brain that is associated with anticonvulsive properties and doesn't go as much for the receptors that produces hypnotic/sedative effects (makes you sleepy and well, sedated). Benzodiazepines is a wonderfully interesting group of chemicals where each one has different affinities for the three main effects (detailed later).

This means that different benzos like clonazepam, alprazolam, nitrazepam is going to differ in their effects. Granted, all benzodiazepines have:
1. Hypnotic (Zzz...)
2. Anticonvulsive (that means it prevents seizures)
3. Anxiolytic (what makes them beautiful - anti anxiety properties)
effects, but to a different extent and thus, they're marketed as such. Examples of the common ones are Xanax (alprazolam) which is prescribed for its strong anti-anxiety effects, Mogadon (nitrazepam) which is prescribed for insomnia and Klonopin or Rivotril (clonazepam) for its anticonvulsant effects.

However, as stated before the three effects overlap, so clonazepam would provide relief from anxiety as well, in fact, it's my favorite benzodiazepine due to its long lasting effects and strong anxiolytic properties. As you can well imagine, medications with such wonderful offerings would be subject to what some might call "off label" use. ;) Xanax and Klonopin, for example, would provide a very nice "stoned" effect and it makes people feel (wait, here comes another cringe inducing word) "mellow" and that makes them "recreational" in addition to being a lifesaver for meth comedowns.

*gasp* Habit forming! Why didn't anyone tell me? ;)
Check out the red racun (poison) sticker. Jauhi dari kanak kanak, ya.

Combined with alcohol, and the effects are potentiated (intensified). Which reminds me, to avoid being accused of being irresponsible and not preaching harm minimization, let me add that alcohol and benzodiazepines, which are both CNS depressants, may and have led to deaths from respiratory depression (you stop breathing) in the past. Now that I've done my part, please look away while I type the next sentence. The dangers of mixing benzos and alcohol are greatly exaggerated. Jesus Christ, some people make it seem like a couple of benzos and several drinks mean a straight trip to the morgue. *rolls eyes*.

Nevertheless, exercise caution and my mom sends word that you shouldn't do it, because medications are supposed to make you healthy, and you're not supposed to derive (God forbid!) enjoyment from them. ;) I've always thought that mothers tend to give out good advice so I decided to give Frisium another try. It did have satisfactory anxiolytic effects at higher doses and the strong anticonvulsant effects is good for people who're dependant on high doses of benzodiazepines while tapering, because you may seize if you taper too fast.

Which is why my (not so evil now) twin chose this particular benzodiazepine. However, as I've mentioned before, the biggest benefit Frisium provides is that it's completely non sedating at all! Well, at least to people with a high tolerance. That is a Good Thing (TM) because it's always nice to have a clearer head while working. Research suggests that the 1,5 benzos (like Frisium) are associated with less sedation and psychomotor impairment (a fancy term that means you'll be less of a road hazard) than the older 1,4 benzos (like Valium), which will produce drowsiness and such in non tolerant people.

It is now my civic duty to tell you that all benzodiazepines are indicated for 2-4 weeks of use only. Prolonged, continuous and wanton consumption of large doses would result in physical dependence. It may seem that popping Xanax and Klonopins like candy in the day and Dormicum and Mogadon washed down with liberal amounts of alcohol translates to a stress less life, but it would not be fun 3 years down the line when you realize that you're taking 8 mg of clonazepam and 10 mg of alprazolam each day and 40 mg nitrazepam without alcohol does not make you sleep at all.

You'll definitely think it's not fun when you get the shakes and your legs twitches and your hands are trembling when you accidentally consumed your supply before getting more. Also, I would imagine that the extremely irritable and pissed off state you get when you take lower doses after dependence has formed would be a liability. It's a little inconvenient to have to carry benzos around so that you won't get charged with assault when you physically reprimand someone in an inappropriately violent manner just because he was looking at you the "wrong way" coz you're all cracked up from withdrawal (I don't like this term, but I can't find a better one) symptoms.

Frisium is Made in Germany

Also, it's not considered appropriate for men to have panic attacks, even if they're manly panic attacks. ;) I'm not out to demonize benzodiazepines, don't get me wrong. I firmly believe that if there's anyone to blame, it would be the person who chose to self medicate, not the drug. A drug is inanimate, and I do not have much respect at all for the people who sue the pharmaceutical companies or blames the medication for what they got themselves into, being fully aware of the risks. I will not go into a tangent about how it seems that there's a culture of pushing blame away instead of accepting responsibility for personal actions. Let us move on.

Anyway, on a cost effectiveness basis, Frisium, being a patented medication would cost more, so that might be something to consider. I get it at RM 100 for the 100 tablet box from my pharmacy contact. He's a big fan of selling prescriptions in sets of 100's. I get 100 x 10 mg brand name Valium (diazepam) in two 5 joined blister packs for RM 100 as well, so obviously this would be the most cost effective one. Xanax 1 mg blister packs go for a premium RM 200 for 10 blister packs (told you he's a big fan of 100s), so at least this is cheaper than that.

It is reasonable prices though, and some offerings are undercutting what a GP would charge. I can only think of one doctor who's happy to sell me as many 2 mg Rivotril (clonazepam) tablets as I want for RM 1.20 each or generic 2 mg Rivopam (clonazepam) ones for RM 0.80 so I usually go that route since it has the added security of actually possessing a prescription for the things. Enterprising pharmacies would not be able to offer that value added service, so caveat emptor!

It would be a non issue if you're not traveling, but if you are, my advice (which is common sense really) is to pack them in different places (working on the basis that it looks less than when it's chucked together) and never carry them as hand luggage. Always check in - Malaysian customs officers are not vigilant (er...at all) at exit points so checks are extremely rare, especially with the added hassle of opening up a locked checked in suitcase. Personal experience suggests that not many customs officials possess the sophistication to identify the items as restricted pharmaceuticals.

This batch was manufactured in 2003 and expires in 2007. Imagine this catching on in the streets:
"Eh, 2003 not nice lah, feel very sleepy, all fake one, made in Taiwan. If get must get 2007, that one sui sui makes me very song! Sure make in Japan, worth the 20 I paid."
The horror...

I imagine they don't really care anyway, since it's professionally packaged and thus does not tend to raise alarm bells, but please be ready to have a good excuse if you're carrying large quantities. It's not easy to explain why you have a big container of 1,000 x 2 mg Rivopam (generic clonazepam) tablets intended for dispensing in clinics. It would raise eyebrows even if it looks legit due to the amount. Tried methods of getting out of a sticky situation (but this doesn't mean that it'll work for you too) are:

"This medicine is cheaper in (insert your departure place) so I bought more back".

This one works in small airports where the personnel do not recognize that a prescription is required for the possession of the things you're carrying. It's important to act nonchalant but polite. Think about all the people who bring in those gigantic bottles with 2,000 tablets of solidified goat's milk or whatever homeopathic bullshit passes as medication nowadays. Tell them it's for your mom or something.

"I suffer from epileptic fits so I usually bring enough because I can't afford to have a seizure".

This is somewhat similar to #1 and is to be used if you think they know what you're carrying since saying that covers your ass. Works better on females if you're male and males if you're females so if you want to play the sympathy card, walk to the official of the opposite sex if you think you're going to be searched.

"I don't know what this is, it's for my dad, he requested I buy some back since it's cheaper at (insert departure place)".

This is another variant of the above. Act dumb, they probably don't know what it is anyway. Oh, and a branch here is to act shocked if it turns out that they do know what it is, and tell you you're not supposed to have it without a prescription. Small airports are fairly lenient, insert a few "sorry ya, encik, saya tidak tahu" and they'll probably not bother with you and let you through with the goods. They either have bigger fish to fry or they couldn't be fucked with the paperwork. ;) I'll say it's the latter.

"Oh, I have prescriptions for this, wait, call this doctor, he'll explain everything".

Risky unless it's true, but it's not is it? ;) This would be a last resort measure. Ensure that you have put on your extra large set of balls that day since you're telling a whopper here. You need to be calm and confident to pull this off. I don't recommend this, but it worked even though the officer said these are "psychotropic pills" (a term I really dislike) and asked why I had it. Basically, you try and act indignant at this unacceptable affront at a law abiding citizen (that's you), and cross your fingers - trust in the dictum that people work because they need the money, and that not many people love their job and pursues it with a burning passion. They will not call and check. This is Malaysia, goyang kaki, pass the day and go home ok liaw lah, no need to go out of the way, too troublesome.

The tablets look exactly like the ones in Australia, but the blister pack design differs

Generally the customs in Malaysia do not bother with such minor transgressions, so it's not that risky. Chances are, they won't even bother to search your luggage. However, if all else fails, use the tried and true "ah encik, tak apa lah, tolong sikit ya" while discreetly slipping a bank note of an appropriate denomination method. Do at your own risk. Yeah, everyone knows bribes are common to the point of society acceptance, but you could get the clean one. Also, the denomination would ideally reflect how much you're willing to pay to avoid hassles. Don't shortchange them, it's rude. I always hear about people boasting that they just slipped the police officer a RM 10 note and that was that. I've also heard of people bargaining. Come on guys, give them some respect, of course it depends on the nature of the transgression, but what's RM 100 to get off a DUI charge? It's a bargain, that's what.

I wouldn't worry too much though, airport security regarding these things are slack - I've hand carried on board my backpack and camera case and sent it through the X-Rays, with full knowledge that the backpack had my Marquis and Mandelin solutions, a meth pipe, a cannabis pipe and shredder that Frank got me from Amsterdam (thanks!), which were obviously drug paraphernalia as well as various different benzodiazepines, most of which does not have a doctor's prescription. There were different ones in my camera case as well, and no one even blinked. I have a friend who was stupid enough to forget the three straws of meth stashed in his wallet and boarded a domestic flight and walked out fine. From what I've seen, checks are so rare it's a non issue. However, I'll have to insert "caveat emptor" again, making me sound like some pretentious fuck, sorry. :) There are occasions when checks would be done which accounts for the situations above.

#1 Method: This one hasn't failed me yet. This works for pills of all kinds, but of course I mean pharmaceuticals tablets. It also works for bottles and boxes, if you're sensible and don't get the ridiculous 500/1000 tablet monsters. Basically, go and see a doctor before your flight, get the nurses to put the pills in those doctor's baggies, try and get more, ask nicely and say something like you want to divide the meds into two baggies so you can keep one at home and one at the office. Then, insert more pills (which would have to look similar) into the bag, or empty it and put whatever you want inside. For small bottles (100-200 pills) and boxes, just wrap the baggie around the circumference and tape it so both ends stick together vertically. You know how they always do that in clinics.
There you have it. The instant legitimate look. :) Also, get generics if you're going for pharmaceuticals and get less decorative pills if you're going for non pharms. That makes it difficult to identify the pills and it looks like everything is in order so there would be no hassles. Worse case scenario, they call the doctor and the busy GP would go yeah, yeah, gave him some meds that day. I've never had that happen though, like I said, customs don't care about these things that much here so they just let you though. I usually don't bother and just walk through, unless I'm feeling paranoid or it's an amount that could not be considered for personal use only.

Disclaimer: This is not a post that "promotes and glorifies" (seriously, one hosting company said that to me when he refused to host the drug related content) activities which may violate the law. It's just personal experiences with customs in Malaysia and while methods for circumventing detection is discussed, the site (sixthseal.com), my evil twin brother by day and alter ego by night (veritas) and myself does not condone any activity which violates the laws of Malaysia.

I'll catch you all in the new server! Bye, from veritas.

veritas was here.
Guest writer - sixthseal.com, castitas.com
2002 - 2004