Drugs of Abuse (Misused Medicines)

8 guides

Diazepam (Misused)Also known as: C5, Valium, Blues, Mzigo, Yellow tabletsKenya's most commonly misused prescription drug. Diazepam is legally a sedative and anti-seizure medicine, but on the street it is used to enhance heroin…6 min read Benzhexol (Artane)Also known as: Cosmos, Artane, Bugizi, BZL, TrihexyphenidylStreet name 'Cosmos.' A medicine prescribed to manage movement side effects of antipsychotics, now widely misused for its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects. The second…6 min read Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)Also known as: Mchele, Roofie, Forget-me pill, Date rape drug, Red Devils, FluniesKnown as 'mchele' on Kenyan streets. A powerful sedative misused both as a standalone drug and as the so-called 'date rape drug' to spike…6 min read Codeine Cough SyrupAlso known as: Lean, Purp, Cough syrup, Tussin, Actifed, Benylin misuseCough medicines containing codeine are widely misused in Kenya for their opioid effect. Often mixed with soft drinks and candy to make a social…6 min read Mandrax (Methaqualone)Also known as: Mandrax, Mandies, Buttons, White pipe, Spoor, MXA powerful sedative that was withdrawn from medical use worldwide due to its abuse potential. Mandrax persists in East and Southern Africa, particularly in…5 min read MDMA (Ecstasy)Also known as: Ecstasy, Molly, E, Pills, XTC, MandyA club and party drug that floods the brain with serotonin, producing intense feelings of closeness and euphoria. Present in Nairobi's nightlife and increasingly…6 min read Amitriptyline (Misused)Also known as: Ami, Antidepressant pills, Sleeping tablets, Depressant misuseA prescription antidepressant misused for its sedative effect and, dangerously, in self-harm overdoses. The third most commonly detected abused prescription drug in Kenya's 2026…6 min read New Psychoactive SubstancesAlso known as: Spice, K2, Fake weed, Designer drugs, Legal highs, Bath salts, NPSThe fastest-growing threat in Kenya's drug landscape. Chemically tweaked to stay one step ahead of the law, these synthetic substances have been detected in…6 min read