NBOMes

What do they look like?

NBOMes can be in the form of blotting paper (similar to LSD) with images and logos from popular culture, a clear liquid, a white powder, or a pill.^{2, 3}

How are they used?

NBOMes may be taken under the tongue, held in the cheek, snorted or swallowed.³

Effects of NBOMes

There is no safe level of drug use. Severe intoxication and death has been linked to the use of NBOMes, which are reported to be very potent in small doses.^{1, 2}

NBOMes can affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken

Using NBOMes carries a high risk of overdose due to the small difference between the amount required to produce a high and that which causes overdose. The inconsistent amount of NBOMe on a blotter or in a pill means it can be easy to take too much.

The amount of time someone experiences the effects of NBOMes will be different for each person and depend on the dose and the batch of the drug they have, but might range from 4 – 10 hours.³

NBOMes affects everyone differently, but reported effects have included:

• seeing and hearing things that aren’t there
• mood changes which can include relaxation or agitation
• euphoria
• increased appreciation for music
• enhanced sense of touch
• confusion
• sweating
• short term memory problems
• high blood pressure
• fast heartbeat
• high body temperature
• panic and paranoia.^{1, 4, 5}

Overdose

NBOMes can be very potent even in moderate doses, which increases the risk of overdose. In case of a suspected overdose, triple zero (000) should be called immediately (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police).

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• intense confusion
• severe agitation
• seizure
• kidney failure
• nausea and vomiting
• rapid heart rate
• rapid or difficulty breathing
• overheating
• attempted suicide
• coma
• death.^{1, 2, 4, 5}

Long-term effects

As the use of NBOMes is relatively new, long term effects are still being determined.

Taking an NBOMe with other drugs

The effects of mixing NBOMes with other drugs, including alcohol or prescription medication are not known. Mixing drugs can be unpredictable and may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Getting help

If your use of NBOMes is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you can seek help and support.

Call 1300 85 85 84 to speak to a real person and get answers to your questions as well as advice on practical ‘next steps’.

You can also search our list of Support Services for services in your local area: