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Flualprazolam

8-Chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-benzo[f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine

Flualp, F-Alp, 2'-Fluoro-Alprazolam

Psychoactive Class

Depressant Anxiolytic GABAergic Muscle Relaxant

Chemical Class

Benzodiazepine (triazolobenzodiazepine)

Flualprazolam is a synthetic depressant of the triazolobenzodiazepine class and a fluorinated analog of alprazolam (Xanax)¹. It first appeared on the research chemical market in 2017¹, though its developmental origins remain unclear. Flualprazolam is notably more potent than alprazolam², producing effects at lower doses with a relatively rapid onset. It has reportedly been deceptively sold as alprazolam despite differing in substantive ways²¹, posing significant harm reduction concerns.

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Threshold~0.05 mg

Light0.1-0.25 mg

Moderate0.25-0.5 mg

Strong0.5-1 mg

Heavy1+ mg

Reported to be more potent by weight than alprazolam, with user estimates ranging from roughly 1.5 to 5 times stronger; onset of effects is relatively rapid.

Duration

Onset10-30 minutes

Peak1-2 hours

Offset2-6 hours

After Effects6-24 hours

Total5-8 hours

Subjective Effects

The experience is dominated by heavy sedation, anxiety relief, and muscle relaxation, with a relatively rapid onset and greater potency than alprazolam. Central nervous system depression dampens feelings and perceptions rather than altering them, producing a calm, blunted state that can progress into sleep at higher doses. Memory of the period after ingestion frequently becomes unreliable, and compulsive redosing during these gaps is a recognized hazard.

Physical

Pronounced muscle relaxation and a heavy, sedated body feeling are the primary physical effects, often accompanied by dizziness, impaired coordination and reaction time, and slowed breathing at higher doses. Prolonged fatigue and hangover-like lethargy can persist after the main effects subside.

Sedation

Muscle relaxation

Uncomfortable

Dizziness HeadachesMuscle weakness

Cognitive

The headspace is calm, quieted, and disinhibited, with reduced anxiety and dampened emotional response. Thought slows noticeably, and confusion and anterograde amnesia become prominent at moderate to high doses; paradoxical aggression, irritability, and outbursts of anger have also been reported.

Suppressions

Cognitive effects are dominated by suppression, consistent with reduced information flow between neurons and general dampening of feelings and perceptions.

Thought decelerationConfusion

Reagent Testing

Expected colorimetric results for common reagent tests. Colors show reaction change over 1–2 minutes.

Zimm(ZI)

PROtestkit.eu

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Flualprazolam acts as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A receptor via the benzodiazepine binding site, enhancing the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).³⁴ This mechanism is consistent with its classification as a triazolobenzodiazepine.³ It appears to be more potent by weight than its parent compound alprazolam, from which it is derived as the 2'-fluoro substituted analog.³⁵

Pharmacokinetics

Limited pharmacokinetic data is available for flualprazolam.⁵ It is reported to have a significantly longer elimination half-life than alprazolam, though specific values have not been well characterized.⁵

Metabolitesnone documented yet

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 emerge quickly, often after only several days of uninterrupted use. Reports suggest flualprazolam can sharply accelerate cross-tolerance with benzodiazepines, so limiting use to short periods is strongly advised.

Cross Tolerance

Benzodiazepines, Other GABAergic depressants

Baseline Reset

Tolerance generally returns to baseline within 7-14 days after cessation. However, following prolonged or intensive use, this recovery period may extend significantly longer in proportion to the duration and intensity of prior consumption.

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

High

Considered highly addictive with a high potential for abuse.⁶ The short-lasting euphoric effects (1-2 hours) encourage compulsive redosing while still intoxicated. Rapidly increases benzodiazepine cross-tolerance, making short-term use strongly advised.

Physical

Extremely High

Regular use leads to physical dependence with potentially life-threatening withdrawal. Discontinuation after prolonged use can cause dizziness, physical weakness, tremors, sleep disturbances, sweating, nausea, hallucinations, depression, and seizures. Gradual dose tapering under medical supervision is necessary; abrupt cessation is dangerous.

Psychosis Risk

Paradoxical reactions including aggression, violent behavior, and suicidal behavior occur rarely in the general population (below 1% incidence). These effects occur with greater frequency in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, children, and those on high-dosage regimens. Hallucinations may occur as a withdrawal symptom.

Seizure Risk

Has anticonvulsant properties during use (seizure suppression). However, there is an increased risk of seizures following discontinuation, particularly after heavy or long-term use. Paradoxically, some benzodiazepines can cause seizures in epileptics. Substances that lower seizure threshold should be avoided during withdrawal.

History & Culture

Flualprazolam was first synthesized in 1976 as part of broader benzodiazepine research,⁶ representing the triazolo analog of fludiazepam and structurally related to alprazolam as its 2'-fluoro derivative. Despite its early synthesis, the compound was never developed…

Legality

International

Flualprazolam is not listed under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. It is listed in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. It is not listed under the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

By Country

United StatesSchedule ICitation needed

Designated as a Schedule I controlled substance effective January 23, 2023.⁴⁷ Classified as having high potential for abuse with no currently accepted medical use in treatment.⁴⁷

AustraliaIllegalSchedule 4

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956¹¹

Australia lists flualprazolam in Schedule 4 to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. The listing makes its importation prohibited unless the relevant permission or licence is obtained under the regulations.

ChileIllegalArtículo 1

Decreto Supremo N.º 867 de 2007, Reglamento de la Ley N.º 20.000¹⁶¹⁷

Chile classifies flualprazolam as a narcotic or psychotropic substance capable of producing physical or psychological dependence and serious toxic effects or considerable harm to health under Article 1 of the regulation to Law No. 20.000. The regulation identifies the substance by its chemical name and as “Flualprazolam”; conduct involving substances in this category is subject to Law No. 20.000's illicit-drug-trafficking regime. Flualprazolam was added to the consolidated Article 1 list by Supreme Decree No. 220 of 2022, published on 13 September 2022.

FinlandIllegalLiite II

Valtioneuvoston asetus huumausaineina pidettävistä aineista, valmisteista ja kasveista (543/2008); Huumausainelaki (373/2008)²⁰²¹

Flualprazolam is listed as Flualpratsolaami in Annex II of the Government Decree on substances, preparations and plants to be regarded as narcotics. Finland's Narcotics Act prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, distribution, trade, handling, possession and use of narcotics, subject to statutory exceptions for medical, research, supervisory and industrial purposes.

IndonesiaIllegalGolongan I

Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 14 Tahun 2025 tentang Penetapan Dan Perubahan Penggolongan Psikotropika²⁴²⁵²⁶

Flualprazolam is listed as a Psikotropika Golongan I under Minister of Health Regulation No. 14 of 2025, which took effect on 28 November 2025. Indonesian law treats Group I psychotropics as prohibited articles except for scientific purposes; unauthorized use, production, distribution, import, possession, storage, or carrying is criminalized.

NetherlandsIllegalLijst II

Opiumwet³⁰³¹

Flualprazolam has been listed in Lijst II of the Netherlands' Opiumwet since 28 October 2021. The Opiumwet prohibits bringing it into or out of the Netherlands, preparing, processing, selling, supplying, transporting, possessing, or manufacturing it.

PolandIllegalIV-P

Rozporządzenie Ministra Zdrowia z dnia 17 sierpnia 2018 r. w sprawie wykazu substancji psychotropowych, środków odurzających oraz nowych substancji psychoaktywnych³³³⁴³⁵

Flualprazolam is listed as a psychotropic substance in Group IV-P of Poland’s ministerial controlled-substances schedule. Its handling is subject to Poland’s controlled-substance regime. The current schedule is the 2018 regulation’s consolidated text, most recently amended on 7 July 2026; that amendment added another IV-P entry and did not change Flualprazolam’s listing.

SwedenIllegalBilaga 1

Förordning (1992:1554) om kontroll av narkotika³⁸³⁹

Flualprazolam is listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance (1992:1554) on control of narcotics, which deems the substances in that annex narcotics under the Swedish Narcotic Drugs Penal Law. Unauthorized possession, use, supply, manufacture, transport, and other dealings in the substance are narcotics offences punishable by up to three years' imprisonment; minor offences carry a fine or imprisonment for up to six months.

TurkeyControlled substance

Classified as a controlled drug under national drug legislation. Possession, production, supply, and importation are all prohibited.

ArgentinaPrescription onlyLista IV

Ley 21.704 (Convenio sobre Sustancias Sicotrópicas de 1971), modificada por la Decisión 63/12 de la Comisión de Estupefacientes⁸⁹¹⁰

Flualprazolam is included in Lista IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 through Commission on Narcotic Drugs Decision 63/12 of 4 March 2020. Argentina approved the Convention as Law 21.704; its amended lists form part of that instrument. List IV substances may be supplied to individuals only with a medical prescription and their manufacture, import, export, distribution, trade, use, and possession are limited to medical and scientific purposes.

AustriaPrescription onlyAnhang IV

Psychotropenverordnung (PV), Anlage 1, Punkt 2^12131415

Flualprazolam is a psychotropic substance listed in point 2 of Annex 1 to Austria’s Psychotropenverordnung, which implements Annex IV of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. It has been listed since 1 January 2021. Austria permits acquisition, possession, production, transport, import, export, and supply of controlled substances only for medical, dental, veterinary, or scientific purposes under the Suchtmittelgesetz; unauthorized dealings in a psychotropic substance are criminal offences.

Czech RepublicIllegalSeznam č. 4

Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll. on lists of addictive substances; Act No. 167/1998 Coll. on addictive substances¹⁸¹⁹

Flualprazolam is listed in List No. 4 of psychotropic substances in Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll. Czech law requires a handling permit for addictive substances and preparations containing them, and confines List No. 4 substances to limited research, scientific, and very limited therapeutic purposes specified in that permit. Unauthorised possession, production, supply, and other handling are therefore prohibited outside those authorised purposes.

GermanyIllegalAnlage II

Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG)²²²³

Flualprazolam is listed in Anlage II to Germany's Betäubungsmittelgesetz as a marketable but non-prescribable narcotic. Since 21 January 2021, its manufacture, trade, acquisition, possession, import, and export require the authorizations provided by the Act; unauthorized handling is prohibited. It may not be supplied on prescription.

JapanRestricted向精神薬

麻薬、麻薬原料植物、向精神薬、麻薬向精神薬原料等を指定する政令²⁷²⁸²⁹

Flualprazolam and its salts are designated as psychotropic drugs under Japan’s Cabinet Order Designating Narcotics, Narcotic Raw Material Plants, Psychotropic Drugs, and Narcotic and Psychotropic Drug Raw Materials. The Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act regulates psychotropic drugs through licensed handling and other statutory controls.

NorwayRestrictedP IV

Forskrift om narkotika (narkotikaforskriften)³²

Flualprazolam is listed in Norway’s Narkotikalisten as a psychotropic substance in category P IV under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. As a listed narcotic, it is subject to the Narcotics Regulation’s controls on manufacture, trade, import, export, storage, possession and use; manufacture requires authorization, and import or export requires both authorization and a certificate. Flualprazolam is not marked as subject to the Regulation’s section 5 blanket prohibition.

South KoreaIllegalSchedule 6

Narcotics Control Act Enforcement Decree³⁶³⁷

Flualprazolam is listed as a psychotropic drug under Article 2(3)(d) of the Narcotics Control Act in Schedule 6 to the Narcotics Control Act Enforcement Decree. Its manufacture, possession, import, export, sale, and provision are prohibited unless handled under the Act's authorization framework for narcotics.

ThailandIllegalCategory 1

Ministerial Notification of the Ministry of Public Health: Specifying Names of Psychotropic Substances in Category 1, B.E. 2565 (2022)⁴⁰⁴¹⁴²

Flualprazolam is a Category 1 psychotropic substance under Thailand’s Narcotics Code. The Ministry of Public Health notification took effect 30 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette on 5 August 2022. Unauthorized manufacture, import, export, sale, or possession of a Category 1 psychotropic substance is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 1,000,000 baht.

United KingdomIllegalSchedule 1

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2021; Misuse of Drugs and Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2021; Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021^43444546

Flualprazolam is a Class C controlled drug throughout the United Kingdom under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It has been designated in Schedule 1 since 18 August 2021: the England, Wales and Scotland instrument places it in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, while the Northern Ireland order places it in Part I of Schedule 1 of the Northern Ireland designation order. Schedule 1 drugs are subject to the tightest controls; access requires a Home Office licence in England, Wales and Scotland, and the Northern Ireland designation bars prescribing, administration, production, compounding and supply except under a Department of Health licence or other authority.

References

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