Etizolam is a thienodiazepine, a type of anxiolytic (inhibits anxiety) and anticonvulsant depressant similar to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Other common brand-name benzodiazepines include Valium® (diazepam) and Xanax® (Alprazolam).
Many times, because of its structural make-up, etizolam is considered as a “designer” benzodiazepine. The difference between etizolam and benzodiazepines is that a benzene ring is replaced with a thiophene ring. The triazole ring has been fused, making the drug a thienotriazolodiazepine.
However, like benzodiazepines, etizolam can bond to the benzodiazepine site in GABAA receptors to affect the central nervous system (CNS). This means that etizolam could help treat different medical conditions, such as:
It is an extremely short-acting drug, with an approximate elimination half-life of 5 to 7 hours. This means that drug concentration in the body will drop to half of the starting dose after this time.
Yet, despite this, etizolam has been shown to be more potent than diazepam (10 times more in hypnotic effects).
This benzodiazepine analog is available in powder or tablet form, or even spiked onto blotter paper.
Etizolam is not a legal prescription medication in the United States, unlike in Japan, Italy, and India.
However, many laboratories manufacture etizolam for research purposes, making obtaining the substance more accessible via the internet. Etizolam is described as a “research chemical” on different sites or at local retail shops.
This ease of availability can encourage some to buy the drug for medical use without a healthcare professional’s advice. Other individuals may misuse this drug for recreational purposes (street names include Etilaam, Etizest, Depas, Etizola, Sedekopan, and Pasaden).
A study of calls to the National Poison Data System in the U.S. showed that exposure to “designer” benzodiazepines is rising. Out of the 234 exposure cases across 40 US states, 162 were etizolam.
Regardless of the reason for drug use, etizolam does have side effects, and users could run the risk of severe conditions like overdose or death.
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Because of the recent use of etizolam as a drug, more studies are needed to understand its nature and health consequences.
A recent, extensive report published by the World Health Organization sheds some light on the effects of etizolam.
For example, some common side effects of etizolam may include:
Here is a list of other events that occurred as a result of etizolam use:
Etizolam use was not found to affect cognition, i.e., memory loss.
Finally, because etizolam is a central nervous system depressant, there is the risk of respiratory depression (slow, ineffective breathing), coma, or death.
The misuse of drugs like etizolam may result in psychological and physical addiction. However, there is evidence that etizolam may not cause tolerance as much as other benzodiazepines.
Still, using and quitting etizolam could cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms could be similar to those associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal. These symptoms may include:
In one case, long-term use of etizolam of 2mg to 4mg per day led to withdrawal catatonia (syndrome).
Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders may choose to take etizolam despite its health risks. Etizolam has anxiolytic effects that may help treat such anxiety.
However, because more evidence is needed to understand etizolam and its effects on the body, it is not recommended to self-medicate. Instead, individuals with anxiety and panic disorders should seek professional help to discuss a treatment plan.
For those individuals who have already developed an addiction, other options are available for recovery. These include inpatient care and a detoxification program. In such cases, healthcare professionals can personalize treatment plans and taper dosing accordingly to ensure a healthy, controlled comeback.
The duration of etizolam withdrawal will vary according to different factors. For example, a person who has used the drug for an extended time may experience withdrawal symptoms longer than a person who has used it for less time. High doses of etizolam may also extend the withdrawal timeline.
When an individual stops taking the drug, withdrawal syndrome may arise and last between a few days to months. Each case is unique.
Etizolam could be comparable to alprazolam (Xanax®). Both drugs offer sedative effects and help to treat anxiety or seizure disorders.
Etizolam (thienodiazepine derivative) withdrawal is similar to benzodiazepine withdrawal. An individual who has become dependent on the drug may go through withdrawal symptoms after quitting. These symptoms may vary from individual to the next but could include:
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“Critical Review Report: ETIZOLAM.” Controlled Substances, World Health Organization, Oct. 2019, www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/Final_Etizolam.pdf?ua=1.
“Etizolam.” Drug Enforcement Administration. Diversion Control Division. Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section, Drug Enforcement Administration, Mar. 2020, www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/etizolam.pdf.
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