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WARNINGMIXING OR WITHDRAWAL CAN BE DANGEROUS
Ordinary doses in combination with other depressants can fatally stop breathing. After prolonged dependency, stopping suddenly can also cause seizures or delirium; seek medical help.
Diclazepam
Ro5-3448
Chlorodiazepam, 2'-chloro-diazepam
Diclazepam is a benzodiazepine and functional analog of diazepam (Valium).citation needed Leo Sternbach and colleagues at Hoffman-La Roche first synthesized it in 1960, but it is not approved for medical use and is instead sold as a research chemical.1 In animal models, diclazepam exhibits long-acting anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and amnestic properties comparable to diazepam.citation needed Its efficacy and safety have not been evaluated in humans.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold~0.5 mg
Light0.5-1 mg
Moderate1-2 mg
Strong2-4 mg
Heavy4+ mg
Duration
Onset15-90 minutes
After Effects1-24 hours
Total8-12 hours
Half-life
~42 hours
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of diclazepam can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Cognitive
The cognitive effects of diclazepam can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of diclazepam is described by many as one of intense sedation and decreased inhibition. It contains a large number of typical depressant cognitive effects. Paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines such as increased seizures (in epileptics), aggression, increased anxiety, violent behavior, loss of impulse control, irritability and suicidal behavior sometimes occur (although they are rare in the general population, with an incidence rate below 1%). These paradoxical effects occur with greater frequency in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, children, and patients on high-dosage regimes.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Diclazepam acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor at the benzodiazepine binding site, enhancing the inhibitory activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In animal models, it exhibits approximately ten times the potency of diazepam. Its anticonvulsant properties may also involve binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels, a mechanism that has been proposed for benzodiazepines more broadly.citation needed Efficacy and safety have not been systematically tested in humans.
Pharmacokinetics
Diclazepam has an approximate elimination half-life of 42 hours.2 It undergoes N-demethylation to produce delorazepam, with concurrent hydroxylation by cytochrome P450 enzymes yielding lorazepam and lormetazepam as additional metabolites.citation needed Delorazepam is detectable in urine for approximately 6 days following administration of the parent compound, while lorazepam and lormetazepam remain detectable for up to 19 and 11 days, respectively.
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Full Tolerance
Tolerance to the sedative-hypnotic effects develops rapidly, typically within 3-4 days of continuous use.
Cross Tolerance
GABAergic substances, Benzodiazepines
Baseline Reset
Tolerance returns to baseline within 7-14 days after cessation of use. However, following prolonged or intensive use, this process may take significantly longer in proportion to the duration and intensity of prior consumption.
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely HighDiclazepam is described as extremely psychologically addictive. Compulsive redosing is commonly reported, and rebound anxiety following use can drive cycles of dependence and repeated administration.citation needed
Physical
Extremely HighPhysical dependence develops with regular use and can become severe. Abrupt discontinuation after extended use is potentially life-threatening, with risks including hypertension, seizures, and death.citation needed Gradual tapering over weeks is essential for safely discontinuing use.
Psychosis Risk
Paradoxical reactions including aggression, violent behavior, irritability, and loss of impulse control occur rarely, with an incidence rate below 1% in the general population.citation needed These effects are more common in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, children, and those on high-dose regimens. Delusions of sobriety may occur at heavy doses.
Seizure Risk
Diclazepam possesses anticonvulsant properties during active use. Paradoxical increases in seizures may occur rarely in epileptics, with incidence below 1%. The primary seizure risk is during abrupt withdrawal from chronic use, where discontinuation without tapering can trigger potentially fatal seizures.citation needed
History & Culture
Diclazepam was first synthesized in 1960 by Leo Sternbach and his research team at Hoffman-La Roche, the same laboratory responsible for developing numerous other benzodiazepines including diazepam (Valium).citation needed Despite being created during the golden age of benzodiazepine discovery,…
Legality
International
Diclazepam is included in Schedule IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 by Commission on Narcotic Drugs decision 64/2. It is not listed in the schedules to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
By Country
Illegal12
United StatesIllegalSchedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Clonazolam, Diclazepam, Etizolam, Flualprazolam, and Flubromazolam in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act2930
Diclazepam is permanently listed in Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act under 21 CFR 1308.11(e)(2). The DEA final rule took effect on 1 April 2026; manufacture, distribution, import, export, research, and possession are subject to the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to Schedule I controlled substances.
By state
Across the 50 states, D.C., and the permanent territories, most jurisdictions treat Diclazepam consistently with federal control; listed entries record independently verified differences in state classification or coverage.
North CarolinaPrescription onlyN.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-92(a)(1)n231
Diclazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance in North Carolina. The statute lists it among Schedule IV depressants, rather than treating it as Schedule I.
Czech RepublicIllegalGovernment Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll., on lists of addictive substances, as amended by Government Regulation No. 242/2018 Coll.78
Diclazepam is listed as a psychotropic substance in List No. 4 of the Czech Government Regulation on lists of addictive substances, under the alternative name 2-chlorodiazepam and its IUPAC name. The amendment listing diclazepam takes effect on the day of its promulgation; unauthorized handling of a listed addictive substance is subject to the Czech Republic’s controlled-substances regime.
FinlandIllegalValtioneuvoston asetus huumausaineina pidettävistä aineista, valmisteista ja kasveista9
Diclazepam is classified in Finland as a narcotic drug under the Government Decree on substances, preparations and plants regarded as narcotics. The decree places diklatsepaami in List IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Its possession, production, import, export, sale and supply are subject to the controls applying to narcotic drugs under Finnish law.
NetherlandsIllegalDiclazepam is listed on List II of the Dutch Opium Act under the Decision of 25 October 2021, effective 28 October 2021. Its import, export, preparation, processing, sale, supply, transport, possession, and manufacture are prohibited under Article 3 of the Opium Act.
NorwayIllegalDiclazepam is listed in Norway’s Narkotikalisten annex to the Forskrift om narkotika as a psychotropic substance in P IV and is prohibited under section 5. The regulation prohibits manufacture, acquisition, sale, import, export, storage, possession, and use of substances in the list that refer to section 5, unless an exception is granted for medical or scientific needs.
PhilippinesIllegalDangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 7, Series of 202215
Diclazepam is classified as a dangerous drug in the Philippines under Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 7, Series of 2022, adopted on 18 November 2022. The regulation also covers its salts, isomers, salts of isomers, and all compounds, mixtures, and preparations containing it, and subjects them to the regulatory and control measures in Republic Act No. 9165, as amended, and its implementing rules.
South KoreaIllegalNarcotics Control Act Enforcement Decree21
Diclazepam is listed as a psychotropic substance in Appendix 6 to the Narcotics Control Act Enforcement Decree. The Narcotics Control Act prohibits unlicensed possession, manufacture, sale, import, export, and other handling of psychotropic substances, so diclazepam is prohibited outside the statutory authorization system.
SwedenIllegalDiclazepam is listed as a narcotic substance in Annex 1 to Sweden's Ordinance (1992:1554) on the control of narcotics, under sleep medicines and sedatives. Unauthorised possession, use, transfer, manufacture, acquisition for transfer, and other handling of the substance constitute narcotics offences under the Narcotic Drugs Criminal Act (1968:64). The basic offence is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years; minor offences may be punished by a fine or imprisonment for up to six months.
SwitzerlandIllegalBetäubungsmittelverzeichnisverordnung des EDI (BetmVV-EDI)24
Specifically named as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis E of Swiss narcotics legislation.
TurkeyIllegalClassified as a controlled drug substance.25 Possession, production, supply, and importation are prohibited.
Controlled / restricted4
CanadaRestrictedControlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV6
Listed as a controlled benzodiazepine under Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. All benzodiazepines fall under this classification in Canada.
RussiaRestrictedGovernment Resolution No. 681 of 30 June 199818
Controlled as a Schedule III substance since 2017 under Russian narcotics legislation.
SingaporeRestrictedDiclazepam is a psychotropic substance under the First Schedule to the Health Products (Therapeutic Products) Regulations 2016. The Health Products (Therapeutic Products) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2023 inserted diclazepam into that Schedule with effect from 1 November 2023. The therapeutic-products regulations define a psychotropic substance as a substance specified in the First Schedule and regulate the manufacture, import and supply of therapeutic products containing such substances.
Prescription2
AustriaPrescription onlyDiclazepam is listed as a psychotropic substance in Annex IV to Austria’s Psychotropenverordnung. The regulation subjects listed substances to the Suchtmittelgesetz regime: production, processing, acquisition, and possession require a Health Minister permit except for specified lawful uses. Medicines containing psychotropic substances may be dispensed only on a prescription that meets the regulation’s requirements.
BrazilPrescription onlyResolução da Diretoria Colegiada – RDC nº 784, de 31 de março de 20235
Brazil lists diclazepam in Lista B1, the list of psychotropic substances subject to a B prescription notification under Portaria SVS/MS nº 344/1998. The consolidated list published with RDC nº 784 entered into force on 6 April 2023, so diclazepam is subject to Brazil's special prescription-control regime for its dispensing and lawful commercial handling.
References
Source Pages
Citations
- World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. (2020). Critical Review Report: Diclazepam. World Health Organization. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/43rd-ecdd/final-diclazepam-a.pdf?sfvrsn=dea906ed_41
- Bjoern Moosmann, Philippe Bisel, & Volker Auwärter. (July–August 2014). Characterization of the designer benzodiazepine diclazepam and preliminary data on its metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Drug Testing and Analysis, 6(7–8), 757–763. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.1628123456
- Psychotropenverordnung (PV). ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=1&Artikel=&Gesetzesnummer=10011054&Paragraf=&Uebergangsrecht=1
- Psychotropenverordnung (PV). ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=100110541
- Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada – RDC nº 784, de 31 de março de 2023. anvisalegis.datalegis.net (n.d.). https://anvisalegis.datalegis.net/action/UrlPublicasAction.php?acao=abrirAtoPublico&num_ato=00000784&sgl_tipo=RDC&sgl_orgao=RDC/DC/ANVISA/MS&vlr_ano=2023&seq_ato=0001
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca (n.d.). https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-12.html1
- Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll., on lists of addictive substances, as amended by Government Regulation No. 242/2018 Coll.. e-sbirka.gov.cz (n.d.). https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/2013/4631
- Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll., on lists of addictive substances, as amended by Government Regulation No. 242/2018 Coll.. e-sbirka.gov.cz (n.d.). https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/2018/2421
- Valtioneuvoston asetus huumausaineina pidettävistä aineista, valmisteista ja kasveista. finlex.fi (n.d.). https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2008/200805431
- Anlage II BtMG. (2019). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_ii.html12
Further Reading
Article Status
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24 January 2026
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
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