Etizolam

Etilaam, Etizest, Depas, Sedekopan, Pasaden

Psychoactive Class

Depressant Anxiolytic Sedative Muscle Relaxant GABAergic

Chemical Class

Etizolam is a depressant substance of the thienodiazepine class, structurally related to benzodiazepines but distinguished by a thiophene ring replacing the characteristic benzene ring.¹ While prescribed medically for anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorder in some countries,² it has gained widespread use as a research chemical and is commonly employed as a substitute for pharmaceutical benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam.³ Like benzodiazepines, it carries significant habit-forming potential.⁴

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Threshold~0.2 mg

Light0.5-1 mg

Moderate1-2 mg

Strong2-4 mg

Heavy4+ mg

Doses of 4 mg or more may cause anterograde amnesia. Doses as low as 2 mg have been reported to produce prolonged sleep with pronounced next-day grogginess.

Duration

Onset15-30 minutes

Come Up30-60 minutes

Peak2-3 hours

Offset1.5-2.5 hours

After Effects6-24 hours

Total5-7 hours

Half-life

~3.4 hours

Subjective Effects

Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.

Physical

The physical effects of etizolam can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.

Physical euphoria Motor control loss Respiratory depression Muscle relaxation Dizziness Temporary erectile dysfunction

Cognitive

The cognitive effects of etizolam can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of etizolam is described by many as one of recreationally intense sedation and decreased inhibition. It contains a large number of typical depressant cognitive effects.

Anxiety suppression Thought deceleration Disinhibition Information processing suppression Euphoria Compulsive redosing Amnesia

Forked from Subjective Effect Documentation

by Josie KinsSeptember 2015.

Reagent Testing

Loading reagent data

Expected colorimetric results are being prepared.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Etizolam acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor at the benzodiazepine binding site, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by increasing its capacity to bind to the receptor.⁵ It has been described as a full agonist at this site. Unlike most other benzodiazepines, etizolam also exhibits prolactogenic effects, leading to increased blood levels of prolactin.

Pharmacokinetics

Etizolam is absorbed fairly rapidly, with peak plasma levels reached between 30 minutes and 2 hours after administration. It has a mean elimination half-life of approximately 3.4 hours. The compound is easily oxidized and rapidly metabolized, resulting in a lower risk of accumulation even after prolonged treatment. Its primary metabolites in humans are alpha-hydroxyetizolam, which is pharmacologically active and has a half-life of approximately 8.2 hours, and 8-hydroxyetizolam.⁶

Interactions

Dangerous

Highest risk

These 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.

AlcoholGHB/GBLOpioidsTramadol

Unsafe

Avoid

There is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.

DiphenhydraminePCP

Caution

Use caution

These 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.

DXMKetamineMXE

TripSit

Tolerance

Full Tolerance

Tolerance to sedative-hypnotic effects can appear after only several days of uninterrupted use. Notably, some research suggests etizolam may have a reduced liability to induce tolerance compared to classic benzodiazepines; in controlled studies comparing etizolam with lorazepam, tolerance to anticonvulsant effects developed with lorazepam but not etizolam. Paradoxically, one clinical trial found etizolam became more effective over time for treating generalized anxiety disorder, suggesting a possible reverse tolerance phenomenon for anxiolytic effects.

Cross Tolerance

Benzodiazepines, Thienodiazepines

Baseline Reset

Tolerance typically returns to baseline within 7-14 days after cessation of use. However, for individuals with prolonged or intensive use patterns, this recovery period may be significantly longer, proportional to the duration and intensity of prior consumption.

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

High

Etizolam is considered highly addictive with significant abuse potential.⁷ Compulsive redosing is commonly reported, particularly during states of reduced inhibition, and many users struggle with long-term addiction that is extremely difficult to overcome.

Physical

High

Physical dependence develops with regular use, and discontinuation can be dangerous or even life-threatening for heavy or long-term users.⁷ Withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, physical weakness, inner restlessness, tremors, sleep disturbances, headaches, sweating, nausea, hallucinations, and depression.⁸ Some studies suggest etizolam may have reduced liability to induce dependence compared to classic benzodiazepines, though significant risk remains.⁹

Toxicity

Ocular/Neurological

Long-term use may result in blepharospasms (involuntary eyelid muscle contractions), with this effect appearing more frequently in women and those with chronic abuse patterns.¹⁰

Dermatological

In rare cases, etizolam abuse has been associated with erythema annulare centrifugum skin lesions.¹¹

Central Nervous System

Long-term use has been associated with adverse effects on cognitive function, including memory impairment, as well as emotional and social dissociation or derealization;⁴ doses of 4 mg or more may cause anterograde amnesia acutely.

Psychosis Risk

Hallucinations and delusions are rare but may occur during severe overdose or as part of withdrawal syndrome. Long-term use has been associated with derealization. Paradoxical reactions including aggression, violent behavior, and loss of impulse control occur rarely, with an incidence rate below 1% in the general population, though more frequently in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, and those on high-dosage regimes.

Seizure Risk

Etizolam itself has anticonvulsant properties;⁷ however, there is an increased risk of seizures following abrupt discontinuation, particularly in long-term or heavy users.¹² Paradoxical increases in seizure activity may occur in epileptics. Gradual tapering is essential to minimize withdrawal seizure risk, and substances that lower the seizure threshold should be avoided during discontinuation.

History & Culture

Development and Medical Approval

Etizolam was patented in 1972¹³ and first received approval for medical use in Japan in 1984.⁸ Medical literature documenting its therapeutic application for anxiety conditions has appeared since at least the early 1990s. The compound has been

Legality

International

Etizolam is listed in Schedule IV of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

By Country

United StatesIllegalSchedule I

Controlled Substances Act, Schedule I (21 CFR 1308.11(e)(3))⁵⁵⁵⁶

Etizolam is listed as a Schedule I depressant at 21 CFR 1308.11(e)(3). The DEA's final rule permanently placed it in Schedule I effective 1 April 2026.

AustriaIllegalAnlage 1 Z 2

Psychotropenverordnung, Anlage 1 Z 2; Suchtmittelgesetz § 30¹⁶¹⁷

Austria's Psychotropenverordnung lists etizolam in Anlage 1 Z 2. The Suchtmittelgesetz prohibits unauthorized possession and handling of psychotropic substances.

BrazilPrescription onlyList B1

Portaria SVS/MS no. 344/1998, List B1²⁰

Illegal since March 23, 2021 following ANVISA Resolution RDC nº 473.²¹ Listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344, prohibiting possession, production, and sale.

ChinaRestrictedClass II psychotropic drug

National Medical Products Administration, Ministry of Public Security, and National Health Commission Announcement No. 55 of 2025²³

China's 2025 Catalogue of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Drugs lists etizolam as a Class II psychotropic drug.

FinlandIllegalAnnex I

Government Decree on substances, preparations and plants regarded as narcotics²⁵

Classified as a controlled drug since 2016.²⁶ Not approved for medical use in Finland.

IndiaPrescription onlySchedule H

Drugs and Cosmetics (Third Amendment) Rules, 2017, G.S.R. 303(E)²⁸

Etizolam is included in Schedule H to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. Schedule H medicines may be supplied only on a registered medical practitioner's prescription.

IrelandIllegalSchedule 4

Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, section 3; S.I. No. 176/2022; S.I. No. 210/2022³⁰³¹³²

Etizolam is declared a controlled drug and listed in Schedule 4, Part 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 prohibits possession subject to statutory exceptions.

JapanRestrictedPsychotropic drug

Cabinet Order No. 238 of 1990, Article 4 item 32³⁴³⁵

Etizolam and its salts are designated as psychotropic drugs under Cabinet Order No. 238 of 1990.

New ZealandIllegalSchedule 3

Misuse of Drugs (Classification and Presumption of Supply) Order 2025³⁷

The 2025 Order adds etizolam as a restricted drug to Schedule 3, Part 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

PolandIllegalIV-P

Rozporządzenie Ministra Zdrowia w sprawie wykazu substancji psychotropowych; ustawa o przeciwdziałaniu narkomanii³⁹⁴⁰

Etizolam is listed as a Group IV-P psychotropic substance. The Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction limits Group IV-P substances to medical, industrial, or research purposes.

RussiaRestrictedList III

Government Resolution No. 681 of 30 June 1998⁴³

Etizolam is listed in List III of Government Resolution No. 681, covering psychotropic substances with restricted circulation.

South KoreaIllegalAnnex 6 item 22

Enforcement Decree of the Narcotics Control Act, Annex 6; Narcotics Control Act, Article 4⁴⁵⁴⁶

Annex 6 lists etizolam as a psychotropic drug. Article 4 prohibits unauthorized possession and handling of narcotic or psychotropic drugs.

SwedenIllegalFörteckning IV

Läkemedelsverkets föreskrifter (LVFS 2011:10) om förteckningar över narkotika⁴⁸

Sweden's narcotics schedules list etizolam in Förteckning IV.

ThailandRestrictedCategory 4

Ministry of Public Health Announcement Re: Specifying Names of Psychotropic Substances in Category 4 B.E. 2561 (2018)⁴⁹⁵⁰

Thailand's Food and Drug Administration classifies etizolam as a Category 4 psychotropic substance under the Narcotics Code.

UkraineRestrictedTable III

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 770, Table III List No. 2⁵¹

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 770 includes etizolam in List No. 2 of Table III.

AustraliaSchedule 4Citation needed

Listed as Schedule 4 by the Office of Drug Control under Regulation 5 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. License and permit required for import and export.¹⁵

BelgiumIllegalAnnexe III

Arrêté royal du 6 septembre 2017 réglementant les substances stupéfiantes et psychotropes¹⁸¹⁹

Etizolam is listed in Annexe III of Belgium's Royal Decree on narcotic and psychotropic substances. Unauthorized handling is subject to the decree's authorization requirements and the Law of 24 February 1921.

CanadaRestrictedSchedule IV

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV²²

Etizolam is controlled under Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as a benzodiazepine derivative. The Act restricts trafficking, importing, exporting, and producing Schedule IV substances.

Czech RepublicRestrictedSeznam č. 4

Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb., Příloha č. 4²⁴

Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll. lists etizolam in Annex 4, List No. 4 of psychotropic substances.

GermanyPrescription onlyAnlage III

Betäubungsmittelgesetz, Anlage III²⁷

Controlled under Anlage III of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act) since July 17, 2013.²⁷ Can only be prescribed using a narcotic prescription form (Betäubungsmittelrezept).

IndonesiaRestrictedGolongan II

Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 14 Tahun 2025²⁹

Etizolam is listed as a Group II psychotropic substance under Minister of Health Regulation No. 14 of 2025.

ItalyRestrictedTabella IV

Decreto del Ministero della salute 8 gennaio 2015³³

Italy's Ministry of Health decree of 8 January 2015 inserts etizolam into Tabella IV of D.P.R. 309/1990.

NetherlandsIllegalList II

Opiumwet, List II³⁶

Controlled as a List 2 substance under the Opium Act (Opiumwet). Possession and distribution are illegal.

NorwayIllegalP IV

Forskrift om narkotika (narkotikaforskriften)³⁸

Norway's narcotics list places etizolam in P IV.

PortugalIllegalTabela II-A

Decreto-Lei n.º 15/93, Tabela II-A, as amended by Portaria n.º 45/2023⁴¹⁴²

Portugal's controlled-substances tables list etizolam in Tabela II-A.

SingaporeRestrictedPsychotropic substance

Medicines (Export Licence for Psychotropic Substances) Regulations⁴⁴

Singapore's Medicines (Export Licence for Psychotropic Substances) Regulations list etizolam as a psychotropic substance. Export requires a valid licence.

SpainRestrictedLista IV

Orden SND/473/2021, de 11 de mayo⁴⁷

Orden SND/473/2021 adds etizolam to Lista IV of Annex 1 to Real Decreto 2829/1977.

SwitzerlandControlled (Verzeichnis B)

Specifically named as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis B of Swiss narcotics legislation. Medicinal use is permitted with appropriate authorization.

TurkeyIllegal

Classified as a controlled drug under Turkish law. Possession, production, supply, and import are prohibited.

United KingdomIllegalClass C

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2 Part III⁵²⁵³

Controlled as a Class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 since May 31, 2017.⁵⁴ Possession, production, and supply are criminal offenses.

References

Source Pages

Citations

Suggest an edit

Spotted a mistake, an outdated claim, or something missing from the Etizolam article? Send the editors a private note. Feedback lands in a moderation queue and is never shown on the site.

Etizolam

Etilaam, Etizest, Depas, Sedekopan, Pasaden

Psychoactive Class

Depressant Anxiolytic Sedative Muscle Relaxant GABAergic

Chemical Class

Thienodiazepine Thienotriazolodiazepine

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Threshold~0.2 mg

Light0.5-1 mg

Moderate1-2 mg

Strong2-4 mg

Heavy4+ mg

Doses of 4 mg or more may cause anterograde amnesia. Doses as low as 2 mg have been reported to produce prolonged sleep with pronounced next-day grogginess.

Duration

Onset15-30 minutes

Come Up30-60 minutes

Peak2-3 hours

Offset1.5-2.5 hours

After Effects6-24 hours

Total5-7 hours

Half-life

~3.4 hours

Subjective Effects

Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.

Physical

The physical effects of etizolam can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.

Physical euphoria Motor control loss Respiratory depression Muscle relaxation Dizziness Temporary erectile dysfunction

Cognitive

Anxiety suppression Thought deceleration Disinhibition Information processing suppression Euphoria Compulsive redosing Amnesia

Forked from Subjective Effect Documentation

by Josie KinsSeptember 2015.

Reagent Testing

Loading reagent data

Expected colorimetric results are being prepared.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Interactions

Dangerous

Highest risk

These 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.

AlcoholGHB/GBLOpioidsTramadol

Unsafe

Avoid

There is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.

DiphenhydraminePCP

Caution

Use caution

DXMKetamineMXE

TripSit

Tolerance

Full Tolerance

Cross Tolerance

Benzodiazepines, Thienodiazepines

Baseline Reset

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

High

Physical

High

Toxicity

Ocular/Neurological

Long-term use may result in blepharospasms (involuntary eyelid muscle contractions), with this effect appearing more frequently in women and those with chronic abuse patterns.¹⁰

Dermatological

In rare cases, etizolam abuse has been associated with erythema annulare centrifugum skin lesions.¹¹

Central Nervous System

Psychosis Risk

Seizure Risk

History & Culture

Development and Medical Approval

Legality

International

Etizolam is listed in Schedule IV of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

By Country

United StatesIllegalSchedule I

Controlled Substances Act, Schedule I (21 CFR 1308.11(e)(3))⁵⁵⁵⁶

Etizolam is listed as a Schedule I depressant at 21 CFR 1308.11(e)(3). The DEA's final rule permanently placed it in Schedule I effective 1 April 2026.

AustriaIllegalAnlage 1 Z 2

Psychotropenverordnung, Anlage 1 Z 2; Suchtmittelgesetz § 30¹⁶¹⁷

Austria's Psychotropenverordnung lists etizolam in Anlage 1 Z 2. The Suchtmittelgesetz prohibits unauthorized possession and handling of psychotropic substances.

BrazilPrescription onlyList B1

Portaria SVS/MS no. 344/1998, List B1²⁰

Illegal since March 23, 2021 following ANVISA Resolution RDC nº 473.²¹ Listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344, prohibiting possession, production, and sale.

ChinaRestrictedClass II psychotropic drug

National Medical Products Administration, Ministry of Public Security, and National Health Commission Announcement No. 55 of 2025²³

China's 2025 Catalogue of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Drugs lists etizolam as a Class II psychotropic drug.

FinlandIllegalAnnex I

Government Decree on substances, preparations and plants regarded as narcotics²⁵

Classified as a controlled drug since 2016.²⁶ Not approved for medical use in Finland.

IndiaPrescription onlySchedule H

Drugs and Cosmetics (Third Amendment) Rules, 2017, G.S.R. 303(E)²⁸

Etizolam is included in Schedule H to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. Schedule H medicines may be supplied only on a registered medical practitioner's prescription.

IrelandIllegalSchedule 4

Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, section 3; S.I. No. 176/2022; S.I. No. 210/2022³⁰³¹³²

JapanRestrictedPsychotropic drug

Cabinet Order No. 238 of 1990, Article 4 item 32³⁴³⁵

Etizolam and its salts are designated as psychotropic drugs under Cabinet Order No. 238 of 1990.

New ZealandIllegalSchedule 3

Misuse of Drugs (Classification and Presumption of Supply) Order 2025³⁷

The 2025 Order adds etizolam as a restricted drug to Schedule 3, Part 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

PolandIllegalIV-P

Rozporządzenie Ministra Zdrowia w sprawie wykazu substancji psychotropowych; ustawa o przeciwdziałaniu narkomanii³⁹⁴⁰

Etizolam is listed as a Group IV-P psychotropic substance. The Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction limits Group IV-P substances to medical, industrial, or research purposes.

RussiaRestrictedList III

Government Resolution No. 681 of 30 June 1998⁴³

Etizolam is listed in List III of Government Resolution No. 681, covering psychotropic substances with restricted circulation.

South KoreaIllegalAnnex 6 item 22

Enforcement Decree of the Narcotics Control Act, Annex 6; Narcotics Control Act, Article 4⁴⁵⁴⁶

Annex 6 lists etizolam as a psychotropic drug. Article 4 prohibits unauthorized possession and handling of narcotic or psychotropic drugs.

SwedenIllegalFörteckning IV

Läkemedelsverkets föreskrifter (LVFS 2011:10) om förteckningar över narkotika⁴⁸

Sweden's narcotics schedules list etizolam in Förteckning IV.

ThailandRestrictedCategory 4

Ministry of Public Health Announcement Re: Specifying Names of Psychotropic Substances in Category 4 B.E. 2561 (2018)⁴⁹⁵⁰

Thailand's Food and Drug Administration classifies etizolam as a Category 4 psychotropic substance under the Narcotics Code.

UkraineRestrictedTable III

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 770, Table III List No. 2⁵¹

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 770 includes etizolam in List No. 2 of Table III.

AustraliaSchedule 4Citation needed

Listed as Schedule 4 by the Office of Drug Control under Regulation 5 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. License and permit required for import and export.¹⁵

BelgiumIllegalAnnexe III

Arrêté royal du 6 septembre 2017 réglementant les substances stupéfiantes et psychotropes¹⁸¹⁹

CanadaRestrictedSchedule IV

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV²²

Czech RepublicRestrictedSeznam č. 4

Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb., Příloha č. 4²⁴

Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll. lists etizolam in Annex 4, List No. 4 of psychotropic substances.

GermanyPrescription onlyAnlage III

Betäubungsmittelgesetz, Anlage III²⁷

Controlled under Anlage III of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act) since July 17, 2013.²⁷ Can only be prescribed using a narcotic prescription form (Betäubungsmittelrezept).

IndonesiaRestrictedGolongan II

Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 14 Tahun 2025²⁹

Etizolam is listed as a Group II psychotropic substance under Minister of Health Regulation No. 14 of 2025.

ItalyRestrictedTabella IV

Decreto del Ministero della salute 8 gennaio 2015³³

Italy's Ministry of Health decree of 8 January 2015 inserts etizolam into Tabella IV of D.P.R. 309/1990.

NetherlandsIllegalList II

Opiumwet, List II³⁶

Controlled as a List 2 substance under the Opium Act (Opiumwet). Possession and distribution are illegal.

NorwayIllegalP IV

Forskrift om narkotika (narkotikaforskriften)³⁸

Norway's narcotics list places etizolam in P IV.

PortugalIllegalTabela II-A

Decreto-Lei n.º 15/93, Tabela II-A, as amended by Portaria n.º 45/2023⁴¹⁴²

Portugal's controlled-substances tables list etizolam in Tabela II-A.

SingaporeRestrictedPsychotropic substance

Medicines (Export Licence for Psychotropic Substances) Regulations⁴⁴

Singapore's Medicines (Export Licence for Psychotropic Substances) Regulations list etizolam as a psychotropic substance. Export requires a valid licence.

SpainRestrictedLista IV

Orden SND/473/2021, de 11 de mayo⁴⁷

Orden SND/473/2021 adds etizolam to Lista IV of Annex 1 to Real Decreto 2829/1977.

SwitzerlandControlled (Verzeichnis B)

Specifically named as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis B of Swiss narcotics legislation. Medicinal use is permitted with appropriate authorization.

TurkeyIllegal

Classified as a controlled drug under Turkish law. Possession, production, supply, and import are prohibited.

United KingdomIllegalClass C

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2 Part III⁵²⁵³

Controlled as a Class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 since May 31, 2017.⁵⁴ Possession, production, and supply are criminal offenses.

References

Source Pages

Citations

Suggest an edit

Spotted a mistake, an outdated claim, or something missing from the Etizolam article? Send the editors a private note. Feedback lands in a moderation queue and is never shown on the site.

Etizolam

Contents

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Duration

Subjective Effects

Physical

Cognitive

Reagent Testing

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Interactions

Dangerous

Unsafe

Caution

Tolerance

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

Physical

Toxicity

Psychosis Risk

Seizure Risk

History & Culture

Development and Medical Approval

Legality

International

By Country

References

Source Pages

Citations

Further Reading

Suggest an edit

Etizolam

Contents

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Duration

Subjective Effects

Physical

Cognitive

Reagent Testing

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Interactions

Dangerous

Unsafe

Caution

Tolerance

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

Physical

Toxicity

Psychosis Risk

Seizure Risk

History & Culture

Development and Medical Approval

Legality

International

By Country

References

Source Pages

Citations

Further Reading

Suggest an edit