Desalkylflurazepam
Desalkylflurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, chemically identical to norflurazepam, that is both a major active metabolite of flurazepam and a standalone designer benzodiazepine on the research-chemical market. It is a GABA-A positive allosteric modulator with a very long half-life, so effects and impairment accumulate over successive doses.
01 Overview
Desalkylflurazepam (N-desalkylflurazepam) accounts for much of the prolonged sedative action of the licensed hypnotic flurazepam and also appears directly in grey-market products. Its long elimination means it lingers in the body for days.
Standalone human data are limited to metabolite pharmacokinetics and forensic reports. Potency and dosing are not well defined, and unregulated products vary in purity. Dependence, withdrawal and accumulation follow the general long-acting benzodiazepine pattern.
02 Mechanism
Positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride flux and GABAergic inhibition.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 2–5 mg | Oral | Anecdotal. |
| Common | 5–15 mg | Oral | Anecdotal only; long half-life causes accumulation across days. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SedationProlonged drowsiness and CNS depression. | Anecdotal | ||
| Muscle relaxationSkeletal muscle relaxation. | Anecdotal | ||
| AnxiolysisAnxiety reduction typical of benzodiazepines. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependence and withdrawalTolerance, physical dependence and protracted withdrawal with seizure risk. | Severe | Common with regular use | Anecdotal | |
| Respiratory depressionDepressed respiration, greatly increased with opioids or alcohol. | Life-threatening | Uncommon alone, higher with CNS depressants | Anecdotal | |
| Cumulative sedation and impairmentDay-to-day accumulation of sedation, impaired coordination and memory. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal |