Adinazolam
Adinazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine originally investigated in the 1980s as an antidepressant-anxiolytic but never marketed. It is now encountered as a grey-market designer benzodiazepine. It has both anxiolytic and sedative activity and is metabolised to the more potent N-desmethyladinazolam.
01 Overview
Adinazolam was developed by The Upjohn Company and studied in small human trials for depression and panic disorder, but it was never approved or brought to market. It circulates today as an unregulated research chemical sold as powder or in blotter/pellet form with no quality control over dose.
Like other triazolobenzodiazepines it is a positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A receptor. Its active metabolite N-desmethyladinazolam contributes substantially to its clinical effect and prolongs duration. Because street products are not standardised, users cannot reliably gauge the dose, which raises the risk of oversedation and dependence.
02 Mechanism
Positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor at the benzodiazepine site, enhancing chloride conductance and CNS inhibition; the active metabolite N-desmethyladinazolam extends and intensifies effects.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 5–15 mg | Oral | Anxiolytic range; onset and metabolite accumulation make redosing hazardous. |
| Common | 15–40 mg | Oral | Sedation and amnesia increasingly likely. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnxiolysisReduction in anxiety, reported in early trials and by users. | dose-dependent | Anecdotal | |
| SedationDrowsiness and reduced arousal that intensifies with dose. | moderate | Anecdotal | |
| Muscle relaxationGeneral reduction in muscle tension typical of the class. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical dependenceTolerance and dependence develop with repeated use; abrupt cessation can cause seizures. | Severe | Common with regular use | Observational | |
| Blackouts / anterograde amnesiaMemory gaps for events during intoxication. | Moderate | Common at higher doses | Anecdotal | |
| Additive respiratory depressionDangerous when combined with opioids or alcohol. | Life-threatening | Uncommon alone, high risk in combination | Observational |