Quick info
Etizolam belongs to the benzodiazepine group of substances. In most countries it is marketed as a research chemical for non-human use. In Italy, it is used in medicine under the drug name Pasaden. Etizolam is more widely used in the medical field in India (trade names: Etilaam, Etizola and Etizest) and in Japan (Arophalm, Capsafe, Dezolam and Eticalm).
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, agitation and tension, sleep disorders and epilepsy, among other things. Etizolam is primarily used for sleep disorders due to its particularly hypnotic effect, but can also be used as an anxiolytic drug.
Etizolam is a new psychoactive substance with antianxiety, anticonvulsant, sedative and sleep-inducing properties. Since it is a poorly researched substance, only vague information regarding its effects is available.
General information on benzodiazepines:
Taking benzodiazepines increases the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor. This triggers sedative (calming), hypnotic, anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving), anticonvulsant (anticonvulsant) and muscle-relaxing effects in the body. Benzodiazepines have a depressant effect on the central nervous system. The flow of information in the brain between the brain cells (neurons) is thereby reduced / disturbed and feelings and perceptions are dampened.
The breakdown of the individual active ingredients of benzodiazepines in the body is age-dependent and therefore varies from person to person.
Onset of effect
after approx. 10 - 40 minutes.
Duration of action
approx. 4 - 8 hours. After-effects may occur during up to 12 hours.
Light: 0.5 - 1 mg
Medium: 1 - 1.5 mg
Strong: 1.5 - 2 mg
1 mg etizolam corresponds to 10 mg diazepam
Risks
There is little information available on risks, toxicity, side effects and long-term consequences. Therefore, the general information on benzodiazepines applies:
When mixing with other downers (alcohol, GHB/GBL, heroin) there is a risk of respiratory paralysis!
Taking benzodiazepines can cause numerous undesirable side effects. In addition, regular and long-term use carries a very high risk of physical and psychological dependence. Benzodiazepines should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and only for a short period of time (max. 4-6 weeks). Longer-term use should be discussed with the treating specialist. The dosages and duration of action of the individual benzodiazepines differ considerably.
Side effects of benzodiazepines may be as follows: Prolonged fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, impaired reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, headaches, dizziness, motor difficulties, visual disturbances, slowed breathing, muscle weakness, confusion, sexual dysfunction, aggression, outbursts of anger, restlessness, random movements, allergies, skin problems/rashes and speech and movement disorders. Some benzodiazepines can cause seizures in epileptics.
Long-term risks/consequences
Regular and long-term use can lead to psychological and physical dependence (very high dependence potential). Immediate discontinuation of the drug after prolonged use can lead to negative withdrawal symptoms (including dizziness, physical weakness, inner restlessness, tremors, sleep disturbances, headaches, sweating, nausea, hallucinations and depression).
In addition, seizures and memory disorders/loss and listlessness (hangover effects) may occur. In case of possible dependence, withdrawal should be discussed with a doctor beforehand and the withdrawal should be medically accompanied. It is enormously important that the reduction of the dose is gradual.
If medicines are obtained on the black market or on the internet and not from a pharmacy/medical facility, the contents are unclear. Have the medicine tested for the exact ingredients in a drug check!
Do not rely on dosage information from colleagues who regularly use benzodiazepines. Due to habituation or dependence, their doses can be much higher and fatal for new users.
Blisters of counterfeits may look identical to the original packaging.
The simultaneous consumption of depressant substances such as alcohol, ketamine, GHB/GBL, nitrous oxide, opioids and/or other benzodiazepines is dangerous as there is an increased risk of vomiting and unconsciousness. The risk of suffocation is high!
When consuming benzodiazepines, mixed consumption should be avoided!
Mixing with other downers (alcohol, drugs, GHB/GBL, heroin, opioids) can lead to dangerous interactions, as the substances reinforce each other. This poses the risk of respiratory paralysis/breathing depression, lowering of blood pressure or coma and in the worst case it can lead to death!
Mixed use with uppers (cocaine, MDMA, amphetamine, etc.) can lead to high stress on the body, resulting in the risk of circulatory collapse. If benzodiazepines are taken at the same time, the effect of the uppers may be delayed (up to 3 hours later!). Therefore, there is a risk of taking the upper too early and causing an overdose.
Due to the mixed use of benzodiazepines with other psychoactive substances, there have been several deaths among adolescents and young adults in Switzerland in the last two years.
LSD analogues are substances that are chemically very similar to LSD and can have comparable effects. Some of them have been known for a long time (e.g. ALD52, ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, PRO-LAD etc.) and have been studied pharmacologically as well as psychopharmacologically, at least in part. Others are newer "creations" (e.g. the derivatives 1P-LSD,1B-LSD, 1cP-LSD, 1V-LSDetc.), for which only few or no data are available. Certain LSD analogues can (still) be legally produced, traded and consumed in some countries, which is the main reason for their distribution.
Most LSD analogues are naturally different from LSD in their effect and/or potency (e.g. ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, LSZ etc.). In contrast, the so-called 1-acylated LSD compounds (e.g. 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1B-LSD, ALD-52, etc.) are presumed, on the basis of pharmacological studies, to convert into LSD in the body (they function as so-called prodrugs) and thus have a comparable psychoactive effect to LSD.
In the case of prodrugs of LSD and LSD analogues, it has not been conclusively clarified whether, in addition to their psychoactive effect, they can produce other pharmacological effects. How potent these prodrugs are compared to the resulting substance (e.g., 1P-LSD to LSD), and to what extent a delay in onset of action occurs in each case, may be substance-dependent and cannot be generalized. Therefore, it is important to approach the dose/effect carefully to avoid overdoses.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.