Metizolam
Metizolam (desmethyletizolam) is a thienotriazolodiazepine designer benzodiazepine and a metabolite/analogue of etizolam. It has essentially no clinical study in humans and is sold only as a research chemical. It produces sedation, anxiolysis and amnesia typical of the class.
01 Overview
Metizolam, also called desmethyletizolam, is structurally related to etizolam and emerged as one of many novel benzodiazepines sold to circumvent drug legislation. It has never been a licensed medicine and there is no formal human pharmacokinetic or safety data.
As a thienodiazepine it acts at the GABA-A benzodiazepine site. Reported effects and risks are extrapolated from etizolam and from user reports. Uncertain potency and unregulated products make accidental overdose and dependence realistic hazards.
02 Mechanism
Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors at the benzodiazepine site, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 1–2 mg | Oral | Potency poorly defined; treat all doses as approximate. |
| Common | 2–4 mg | Oral | Sedation and amnesia likely. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnxiolysisReduction in anxiety reported by users. | Anecdotal | ||
| SedationDrowsiness and reduced arousal. | Anecdotal | ||
| Muscle relaxationReduced muscle tension. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical dependenceTolerance and dependence with repeated dosing; withdrawal can include seizures. | Severe | Common with regular use | Observational | |
| Blackouts / anterograde amnesiaMemory gaps during intoxication. | Moderate | Common at higher doses | Anecdotal | |
| Additive respiratory depressionDangerous with opioids or alcohol. | Life-threatening | High risk in combination | Observational |