Norfludiazepam
Norfludiazepam (norflurazepam) is a long-acting designer benzodiazepine and an active metabolite of several licensed benzodiazepines including flurazepam and fludiazepam. It is sold as a research chemical and produces prolonged sedation and anxiolysis.
01 Overview
Norfludiazepam is the N-desalkyl metabolite common to several fluorinated benzodiazepines, meaning it forms in the body after use of drugs such as flurazepam. As a standalone research chemical it is notable for a long half-life, which causes accumulation and prolonged effects.
It acts at the GABA-A benzodiazepine site. Because of its long duration, repeated dosing readily leads to accumulation, oversedation and dependence. No dedicated human safety studies exist for its use as a designer benzodiazepine.
02 Mechanism
Positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A benzodiazepine site; long elimination half-life leads to accumulation with repeated dosing.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 1–3 mg | Oral | Long duration; effects accumulate over days. |
| Common | 3–8 mg | Oral | Prolonged sedation; redosing risks accumulation. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnxiolysisReduction in anxiety. | Anecdotal | ||
| SedationLong-lasting drowsiness owing to slow elimination. | prolonged | Anecdotal | |
| Muscle relaxationReduced muscle tension. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical dependenceLong half-life promotes accumulation and dependence; withdrawal can be protracted and include seizures. | Severe | Common with regular use | Observational | |
| Oversedation from accumulationDaily-life impairment and hangover from build-up of drug. | Moderate | Common with repeated dosing | Anecdotal | |
| Additive respiratory depressionDangerous with opioids or alcohol. | Life-threatening | High risk in combination | Observational |