Erimin 5

What is Erimin 5?

Erimin 5 is a street name for a drug called Nimetazepam, a type of Benzodiazepine manufactured in Sumitomo, Japan. It is an intermediate-acting hypnotic drug. It was first synthesized in 1962 by a team from Hoffman La Roche. Since early November 2015, it has ceased to be manufactured in Japan.

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It was prescribed for the short-term treatment of patients with severe insomnia, but in recent times, patients have been prescribed other hypnotics like Etizolam and Flunitrazepam to treat their illnesses due to the addictive and harmful consequences of Nimetazepam use. Erimin 5 is most popular in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is also known on the street as “Happy 5”.

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Erimin 5 and Its Medical Uses

Erimin 5 is not just a sleep-inducing drug. It's a benzodiazepine derivative, which means it has several properties. It's a strong hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, and skeletal muscle relaxant. This combination of properties makes it a potent drug, but also one that's prone to misuse.

While Erimin 5 has a reputation on the streets, it also has legitimate medical uses. It's primarily used as an anticonvulsant in children and for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia. However, its potential for misuse has led to decreased prescriptions since 2005.

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Why do addicts abuse Erimin 5?

The effects of Erimin 5 have a soothing effect on its user. Addicts do not have healthy coping mechanisms due to the nature of addiction. Erimin 5 sets off addiction in addicts because it feeds what is lacking in their brain: dopamine. It does so because the drug is a hypnotic, anxiolytic (it eradicates anxiety), sedative, musculoskeletal relaxant, as well as an anticonvulsant substance.

One of the reasons Erimin 5 is misused is because of its soothing effect on users. It feeds the dopamine deficiency in their brains, leading to feelings of relaxation and euphoria, often referred to as the 'Happy 5' effect.

Method of use

It is usually taken orally in tablet form. The fact that it is manufactured as a tablet of 5mg gives it the street names of Erimin 5 and Happy 5.  

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What is Erimin 5 used with?

Rarely do addicts use Erimin 5 by itself. It is used along with other drugs. Some users drink alcohol alongside taking Erimin 5. It is also a come down pill for Ecstasy (MDMA) and Methamphetamine users.

Counterfeit tablets, often containing other benzodiazepines like diazepam or nitrazepam, are common. These counterfeit tablets pose additional risks to users, who may not be aware of what they're actually consuming.

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