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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.
Etizolam
Etizolam
Etilaam, Etizest, Depas, Sedekopan, Pasaden
Etizolam is a depressant substance of the thienodiazepine class, structurally related to benzodiazepines but distinguished by a thiophene ring replacing the characteristic benzene ring.citation needed While prescribed medically for anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorder in some countries, it has gained widespread use as a research chemical and is commonly employed as a substitute for pharmaceutical benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam. Like benzodiazepines, it carries significant habit-forming potential.1
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold~0.2 mg
Light0.2-1 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
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 etizolam can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
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.
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.citation needed 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.citation needed
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 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
HighEtizolam is considered highly addictive with significant abuse potential.citation needed 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
HighPhysical dependence develops with regular use, and discontinuation can be dangerous or even life-threatening for heavy or long-term users.citation needed Withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, physical weakness, inner restlessness, tremors, sleep disturbances, headaches, sweating, nausea, hallucinations, and depression. Some studies suggest etizolam may have reduced liability to induce dependence compared to classic benzodiazepines, though significant risk remains.
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.citation needed
Dermatological
In rare cases, etizolam abuse has been associated with erythema annulare centrifugum skin lesions.citation needed
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;citation needed 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;2 however, there is an increased risk of seizures following abrupt discontinuation, particularly in long-term or heavy users.citation needed 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 1972citation needed and first received approval for medical use in Japan in 1984. Medical literature documenting its therapeutic application for anxiety conditions has appeared since at least the early 1990s. The compound has been prescribed as an
Legality
International
Etizolam is listed in Schedule IV of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
By Country
Illegal14
BelgiumIllegal
NetherlandsIllegalOpiumwet, List II24
Controlled as a List 2 substance under the Opium Act (Opiumwet). Possession and distribution are illegal.
New ZealandIllegalMisuse of Drugs (Classification and Presumption of Supply) Order 202525
The 2025 Order adds etizolam as a restricted drug to Schedule 3, Part 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
NorwayIllegalForskrift om narkotika (narkotikaforskriften)26
Norway's narcotics list places etizolam in P IV.
PolandIllegal
SwedenIllegalLäkemedelsverkets föreskrifter (LVFS 2011:10) om förteckningar över narkotika36
Sweden's narcotics schedules list etizolam in Förteckning IV.
TurkeyIllegalCouncil of Ministers Decision No. 2013/5742 dated 16 December 2013, published 25 January 2014 in Official Gazette No. 28893, Annex 2 item 97. Under this decision, 113 new psychoactive substances were subjected to Law No. 2313 on the Control of Narcotic Drugs; Turkish Penal Code No. 5237 (TCK), Articles 188 and 191 for unauthorized supply/manufacture/import/export and possession or use for personal consumption.404142434445
Etizolam is a controlled drug; its possession, production, supply and import are prohibited. The official Turkish EGM/TUBIM 2014 national report identifies Etizolam in Annex 2 item 97 with its chemical identity under Decision No. 2013/5742, and states that the decision subjected 113 NPS to Law No. 2313. The Law No. 2313 NPS control route remains active, according to the current Narkotik EWS page and 2025 report. Under the current TCK, Article 188 covers unauthorized manufacture/import/export and domestic sale, supply, transport, storage, purchase, acceptance or possession, while Article 191 separately addresses possession for use/use.
Controlled / restricted13
AustraliaSchedule 4Listed 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.3
CanadaRestrictedControlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV10
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.
ChinaRestrictedNational Medical Products Administration, Ministry of Public Security, and National Health Commission Announcement No. 55 of 202511
China's 2025 Catalogue of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Drugs lists etizolam as a Class II psychotropic drug.
Czech RepublicRestrictedNařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb., Příloha č. 412
Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll. lists etizolam in Annex 4, List No. 4 of psychotropic substances.
IndonesiaRestrictedPeraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 14 Tahun 202517
Etizolam is listed as a Group II psychotropic substance under Minister of Health Regulation No. 14 of 2025.
ItalyRestrictedDecreto del Ministero della salute 8 gennaio 201521
Italy's Ministry of Health decree of 8 January 2015 inserts etizolam into Tabella IV of D.P.R. 309/1990.
RussiaRestrictedGovernment Resolution No. 681 of 30 June 199831
Etizolam is listed in List III of Government Resolution No. 681, covering psychotropic substances with restricted circulation.
SingaporeRestrictedMedicines (Export Licence for Psychotropic Substances) Regulations32
Singapore's Medicines (Export Licence for Psychotropic Substances) Regulations list etizolam as a psychotropic substance. Export requires a valid licence.
SpainRestrictedOrden SND/473/2021, de 11 de mayo35
Orden SND/473/2021 adds etizolam to Lista IV of Annex 1 to Real Decreto 2829/1977.
SwitzerlandRestrictedSwiss BetmVV-EDI Annex 3 Verzeichnis b37
Etizolam is listed as a controlled substance in Verzeichnis b; no broader medicinal authorization is specified.
UkraineRestrictedCabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 770, Table III List No. 246
Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 770 includes etizolam in List No. 2 of Table III.
Prescription3
IndiaPrescription onlyDrugs and Cosmetics (Third Amendment) Rules, 2017, G.S.R. 303(E)16
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.
References
Source Pages
Citations
- High-Dose Dependence and Cognitive Side Effects to Medical Prescription of Etizolam. (2020). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7671959/1
- Drug & Chemical Evaluation - Etizolam. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (March 2020). https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/etizolam.pdf1
- Etizolam | Office of Drug Control (ODC). Office of Drug Control (n.d.). https://www.odc.gov.au/controlled-substances/list/etizolam1
- Psychotropenverordnung, Anlage 1 Z 2; Suchtmittelgesetz § 30. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40267457/NOR40267457.html1
- Psychotropenverordnung, Anlage 1 Z 2; Suchtmittelgesetz § 30. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10011040&FassungVom=2026-07-26&Artikel=&Paragraf=30&Anlage=&Uebergangsrecht=1
- Arrêté royal du 6 septembre 2017 réglementant les substances stupéfiantes et psychotropes. ejustice.just.fgov.be (n.d.). https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/arrete/2017/09/06/2017031231/justel1
- Arrêté royal du 6 septembre 2017 réglementant les substances stupéfiantes et psychotropes. ejustice.just.fgov.be (n.d.). https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/mopdf/2022/01/12_1.pdf#Page281
- Portaria SVS/MS no. 344/1998, List B1. gov.br (n.d.). https://www.gov.br/anvisa/pt-br/assuntos/medicamentos/controlados/lista-de-substancias-sujeitas-a-controle-especial1
- RESOLUÇÃO DE DIRETORIA COLEGIADA – RDC ANVISA Nº 473, DE 24 DE FEVEREIRO DE 2021. InfoConsult (2021-02-24). http://www.infoconsult.com.br/legislacao/resolucao_rdc_anvisa/2021/r_rdc_anvisa_473_2021.htm1
- 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/FullText.html#h-956611
Further Reading
Article Status
Step 1 · Automated synthesisAn autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins compiled this article's foundation from information published across the web.
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Recent changes8 human edits · latest
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19 August 2026
Lyrea · Changed a word in Dosage & Duration › Routes 1 › Dose ranges › Light
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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