This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-08T03:33:20Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.
Metizolam: Difference between revisions
>Josikins No edit summary |
>Dextromethorphan , classifying it as a thienotriazolodiazepine |
||
| (433 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Headerpanel|{{DepressantOD|thienodiazepines}}}} | |||
{ | {{SummarySheet}} | ||
| {{ | |||
{{SubstanceBox/Metizolam}} | {{SubstanceBox/Metizolam}} | ||
'''Metizolam''' (also known as '''Desmethyletizolam''') is a synthetic [[psychoactive class::depressant]] of the [[chemical class::thienodiazepine]] chemical class that reportedly produces [[etizolam]]-like effects such as [[anxiety suppression]], [[disinhibition]], [[sedation]], [[muscle relaxation]] and [[memory suppression]] when [[Routes of administration|administered]]. It is half as potent and has a 60% longer half-life than etizolam.{{citation needed}} | |||
This compound was patented in 1995 by a Japanese company as a medication for treating anxiety.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Weber, K.-H.)), ((Bauer, A.)), ((Langbein, A.)), ((Daniel, H.)) | journal=Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie | title=Heteroaromaten mit anellierten Siebenringen, III. Umwandlung von Thienotriazolooxazepinen in Diazepine | volume=1978 | issue=8 | pages=1257–1265 | date=20 September 1978 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jlac.197819780806 | issn=00754617 | doi=10.1002/jlac.197819780806}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Nakanishi, M.)), ((Tahara, T.)), ((Araki, K.)), ((Shiroki, M.)) | title=Triazolothienodiazepine compounds | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US3904641/en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Kitajima, H.)), ((Ehara, S.)), ((Sato, H.)), ((Moriwaki, M.)), ((Onishi, K.)) | title=Thienylazole compound and thienotriazolodiazepine compound | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/CA2191756A1/en}}</ref> Despite this, it has little to no history of human usage prior to its release as a grey area [[research chemical]] by online vendors in September 2015.{{citation needed}} | |||
Similar to [[benzodiazepines]], [[Thienodiazepine#Discontinuation|the sudden discontinuation of thienodiazepines]] can be potentially dangerous or life-threatening for individuals using regularly for extended periods of time, sometimes resulting in seizures or death. It is highly recommended to [[taper]] one's dose by gradually lowering the amount taken each day for a prolonged period of time instead of stopping abruptly.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Kahan, M.)), ((Wilson, L.)), ((Mailis-Gagnon, A.)), ((Srivastava, A.)) | journal=Canadian Family Physician | title=Canadian guideline for safe and effective use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain. Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | volume=57 | issue=11 | pages=1269–1276 | date= November 2011 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215603/ | issn=0008-350X}}</ref> | |||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
Metizolam, or desmethyletizolam, is the demethylated analogue of the closely related etizolam. It is a structural relative of [[benzodiazepines]] whereby the benzene ring has been replaced by a thiophene ring, classifying it as a [[thienodiazepine]]. It differs structurally from its parent compound [[etizolam]] through the removal of the methyl group on the triazole ring. | |||
Metizolam contains a thiophene ring fused to a diazepine ring, which is a seven member ring with the two nitrogen constituents located at R<sub>1</sub> and R<sub>4</sub>. Thiophene is a five member aromatic ring with one sulfur atom. This forms the thienodiazepine core of metizolam. An ethyl chain is bound to this bicyclic structure at R<sub>7</sub>. | |||
Additionally, an R<sub>2</sub> chlorine-substituted phenyl ring is bound to this structure at R<sub>5</sub>. Metizolam also contains a triazole ring fused to and incorporating R<sub>1</sub> and R<sub>2</sub> of its diazepine ring, classifying it as a thienotriazolodiazepine. Deschloroetizolam shares this fused triazole ring substitution with certain [[benzodiazepine]] substances, called triazolobenzodiazepines (distinguished by the suffix "-zolam"). | |||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
Thienzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site and magnifying the efficiency and effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) by acting on its receptors.<ref>Benzodiazepine interactions with GABA receptors | | [[Thienzodiazepines]] produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site and magnifying the efficiency and effects of the [[neurotransmitter]] gamma aminobutyric acid ([[GABA]]) by acting on its receptors.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Haefely, W.)) | journal=Neuroscience Letters | title=Benzodiazepine interactions with GABA receptors | volume=47 | issue=3 | pages=201–206 | date=29 June 1984 | issn=0304-3940 | doi=10.1016/0304-3940(84)90514-7}}</ref> As this site is the most prolific inhibitory receptor set within the brain, its modulation results in the [[sedating]] (or [[anxiety suppression|calming effects]]) of metizolam on the nervous system. | ||
Metizolam is absorbed fairly rapidly, with peak plasma levels achieved between 30 minutes and 2 hours. It has a mean elimination half life of about 3.4 hours. Metizolam acts as a full agonist at the benzodiazepine/GABAa receptor to produce its range of therapeutic and adverse effects. | |||
Thienotriazolodiazepines are easily oxidized, rapidly metabolized, and have a lower risk of accumulation, even after prolonged treatment. Metizolam has a powerful anxiolytic action that is about 6 times greater than that of diazepam. At higher dosages, metizolam allows for a reduction in time taken to fall asleep, an increase in total sleep time, and a reduction in the number of awakenings. Metzolam has also shown some similar characteristics to tricyclic antidepressants. | |||
Although Metizolam has certain potential benefits such as anxiety suppression and muscle rest, it should be administered with caution and in small doses because of its harm and abuse potential. Metizolam can be life-threatening if administered with other depressants, including alcohol and opiates. | |||
The harm potential due to long-term usage and toxicity dosage levels of Metizolam are not yet clear since the substance has not been adequately studied and analyzed in a scientific context. This is simply because of the lack of a known history of human usage. | |||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
{{ | {{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | ||
{{effects/base | |||
|{{effects/physical| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Motor control loss]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Motor control loss]]''' | ||
| Line 26: | Line 36: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]''' | ||
}} | |||
|{{effects/cognitive| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]''' | |||
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect:: | *'''[[Effect::Analysis suppression]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria|Euphoria]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria|Euphoria]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Delusions|Delusions of sobriety]]''' - This is the false belief that one is perfectly sober despite obvious evidence to the contrary such as severe cognitive impairment and an inability to fully communicate with others. | *'''[[Effect::Emotion suppression]]''' - Although this compound primarily suppresses anxiety, it also dulls other emotions in a manner which is distinct but less intensive than that of [[antipsychotic]]s. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Delusions|Delusions of sobriety]]''' - This is the false belief that one is perfectly sober despite obvious evidence to the contrary such as severe cognitive impairment and an inability to fully communicate with others. It most commonly occurs at heavy dosages. | |||
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]''' | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
==Potentially dangerous interactions== | |||
Although many drugs are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be safe in low doses of each but still increase the potential risk of death. [https://www.google.com/ Independent research] should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption. | |||
*'''[[Depressants]]''' (''[[1,4-Butanediol]], [[2-methyl-2-butanol]], [[alcohol]], [[barbiturates]], [[GHB]]/[[GBL]], [[methaqualone]], [[opioids]]'') - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of [[respiratory depression]]. These substances potentiate the [[muscle relaxation]], [[sedation]] and [[amnesia]] caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the [[recovery position]] or have a friend move them into it. | |||
*'''[[Dissociatives]]''' - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the [[recovery position]] or have a friend move them into it. | |||
*'''[[Stimulants]]''' - It is dangerous to combine thienzodiazepines with [[stimulant]]s due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants decrease the [[sedation|sedative]] effect of benzodiazepines, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of thienzodiazepines will be significantly increased, leading to intensified [[disinhibition]] as well as [[benzodiazepine#Subjective effects|other effects]]. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of thienzodiazepines per hour. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored. | |||
==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational metizolam use have not been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because | {{Further|Research chemicals#Toxicity and harm potential}} | ||
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational metizolam use have not been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because metizolam is a [[research chemical]] with very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence from people within the psychonaut community who have tried metizolam suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the substance by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). [https://www.google.com/ Independent research] should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption. | |||
It is strongly recommended that one use [[harm reduction practices]], such as [[volumetric dosing]], when using this substance to ensure the accurate administration of the intended dose. | |||
===Lethal dosage=== | ===Lethal dosage=== | ||
The lethal dosage of metizolam has not been established; however, (like many [[benzodiazepines]]) it has a large therapeutic index and margin of safety. Complications may arise when administered in excess as this compound has not been formally studied and has little to no history of human usage. | The lethal dosage of metizolam has not been established; however, (like many [[benzodiazepines]]) it has a [[Toxicity::large therapeutic index and margin of safety]]. Complications may arise when administered in excess as this compound has not been formally studied and has little to no history of human usage. | ||
As with all [[GABA|GABAergic]] drugs, overdose can be lethal when mixed with other [[depressants]] including [[alcohol]] or [[opioids]]. | As with all [[GABA|GABAergic]] drugs, overdose can be lethal when mixed with other [[depressants]] including [[alcohol]] or [[opioids]]. | ||
It is strongly recommended that one use [[harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | |||
===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ||
Tolerance | Thienzodiazepines are [[Addiction potential::extremely addictive]]. Tolerance to the sedative-hypnotic effects develops [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of days of repeated administration]]. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::3 - 7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::1 - 2 weeks]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Metizolam presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[thienzodiazepines]] and [[benzodiazepines]]]], meaning that after the consumption of metizolam all compounds of the same class will have a reduced effect. | ||
Abrupt discontinuation of metizolam following regular dosing over several days can result in a withdrawal phase which includes rebound symptoms such as increased anxiety and insomnia. It is possible to gradually reduce the dose over the course of several days, which will lengthen the duration of the withdrawal period, but reduce the perceived intensity. | |||
==Legal | [[Benzodiazepine#Discontinuation|Thienzodiazepine discontinuation]] is notoriously difficult; it is potentially life-threatening for individuals using regularly to discontinue use without tapering their dose over a period of weeks. There is an increased risk of seizure following discontinuation. Drugs which lower the seizure threshold such as [[tramadol]] should be avoided during withdrawal. | ||
===Overdose=== | |||
Thienodiazepine overdose may occur when a [[thienodiazepine]] is taken in extremely heavy quantities or concurrently with other depressants. This is particularly dangerous with other GABAergic depressants such as [[barbiturate |barbiturates]] and [[alcohol]] since they work in a similar fashion, but bind to distinct allosteric sites on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor. Thus their effects potentiate one another. Thienodiazepines increase the frequency in which the chlorine ion pore opens on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor while barbiturates increase the duration in which they are open, meaning when both are consumed, the ion pore will open more frequently and stay open longer.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Twyman, R. E.)), ((Rogers, C. J.)), ((Macdonald, R. L.)) | journal=Annals of Neurology | title=Differential regulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor channels by diazepam and phenobarbital | volume=25 | issue=3 | pages=213–220 | date= March 1989 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.410250302 | issn=0364-5134 | doi=10.1002/ana.410250302}}</ref> Thienodiazepine overdose is a medical emergency that may lead to a coma, permanent brain injury or death if not treated promptly and properly. | |||
Symptoms of a thienodiazepine overdose may include severe [[thought deceleration]], [[language suppression|slurred speech]], [[confusion]], [[delusions]], [[respiratory depression]], coma or death. Thienodiazepine overdoses may be treated effectively in a hospital environment, with generally favorable outcomes. Thienodiazepine overdoses are sometimes treated with [[flumazenil]], a GABA<sub>A</sub> antagonist,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hoffman, E. J.)), ((Warren, E. W.)) | journal=Clinical Pharmacy | title=Flumazenil: a benzodiazepine antagonist | volume=12 | issue=9 | pages=641–656; quiz 699–701 | date= September 1993 | issn=0278-2677}}</ref> however care is primarily supportive in nature. | |||
===Paradoxical effects=== | |||
Paradoxical reactions to [[benzodiazepines]] such as increased seizures (in epileptics), aggression, increased anxiety, violent behavior, loss of impulse control, irritability and suicidal behavior sometimes occur (although they are rare in the general population, with an incidence rate below 1%).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Mancuso, C. E.)), ((Tanzi, M. G.)), ((Gabay, M.)) | journal=Pharmacotherapy | title=Paradoxical Reactions to Benzodiazepines: Literature Review and Treatment Options | volume=24 | issue=9 | pages=1177–1185 | date= September 2004 | url=http://doi.wiley.com/10.1592/phco.24.13.1177.38089 | issn=0277-0008 | doi=10.1592/phco.24.13.1177.38089}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Paton, C.)) | journal=Psychiatric Bulletin | title=Benzodiazepines and disinhibition: a review | volume=26 | issue=12 | pages=460–462 | date= December 2002 | url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0955603600001240/type/journal_article | issn=0955-6036 | doi=10.1192/pb.26.12.460}}</ref> | |||
These paradoxical effects occur with greater frequency in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, children, and patients on high-dosage regimes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Bond, A. J.)) | journal=CNS Drugs | title=Drug-Induced Behavioural Disinhibition: Incidence, Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications | volume=9 | issue=1 | pages=41–57 | date= 1998 | url=http://link.springer.com/10.2165/00023210-199809010-00005 | issn=1172-7047 | doi=10.2165/00023210-199809010-00005}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Drummer, O. H.)) | journal=Forensic Science Review | title=Benzodiazepines - Effects on Human Performance and Behavior | volume=14 | issue=1–2 | pages=1–14 | date= February 2002 | issn=1042-7201}}</ref> Due to the close structural and pharmacological similarities they share, it is likely that these same risks apply to [[thienodiazepines]] as well. | |||
==Preparation methods== | |||
*'''[[Volumetric liquid dosing]]''' - If one's thienodiazepines are in powder form, they are unlikely to weigh out accurately without the most expensive of scales due to their extreme potency. To avoid this, one can dissolve the thienodiazepine volumetrically into a solution and dose it accurately based upon the methodological instructions linked within this tutorial [[Volumetric liquid dosing|here]]. | |||
==Legal status== | |||
{{legalStub}} | |||
Metizolam is currently a grey area compound within most parts of the world. This means that it is not known to be specifically illegal within any country, but people may still be charged for its possession under certain circumstances such as under analogue laws and with intent to sell or consume. | Metizolam is currently a grey area compound within most parts of the world. This means that it is not known to be specifically illegal within any country, but people may still be charged for its possession under certain circumstances such as under analogue laws and with intent to sell or consume. | ||
== | |||
*'''Canada''': All benzodiazepines are Schedule IV controlled substances in Canada.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Branch, L. S.)) | year=2022 | title=Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act | url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-15.html}}</ref> | |||
* [ | *'''Germany''': Metizolam is controlled under the NpSG (''New Psychoactive Substances Act'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/anlage.html|title=Anlage NpSG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=de}}</ref> as of July 18, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&jumpTo=bgbl119s1083.pdf|title=Verordnung zur Änderung der Anlage des Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetzes und von Anlagen des Betäubungsmittelgesetzes|publisher=Bundesanzeiger Verlag|work=Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2019 Teil I Nr. 27|publication-date=July 17, 2019|access-date=December 28, 2019|language=de}}</ref> Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not penalized.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/__4.html|title=§ 4 NpSG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=de}}</ref> | ||
*'''Sweden''': Following its sale as a [[designer drug]], metizolam was made illegal in Sweden on January 26, 2016.<ref>(in Swedish) Folkhälsomyndigheten. | https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/nyheter-och-press/nyhetsarkiv/2016/januari/31-nya-substanser-klassas-som-narkotika-eller-halsofarlig-vara/</ref> | |||
*'''Switzerland''': Metizolam is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis E.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/index.html|title=Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien|publisher=Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]|access-date=January 1, 2020|language=de}}</ref> | |||
*'''Turkey:''' Metizolam is a classed as drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.<ref>{{cite web|title=Karar Sayısı: 2016/9019|url=https://resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2016/08/20160803-15.pdf|publication-date=June 22, 2016|date=June 22, 2016|work=Resmî Gazete, Sayı: 29790|language=tr}}</ref> | |||
*'''United Kingdom''': It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26, 2016.<ref>{{Citation | title=Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 | url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Responsible use]] | |||
**[[Volumetric liquid dosing]] | |||
*[[Etizolam]] | |||
*[[Thienodiazepine]] | |||
*[[Benzodiazepine]] | |||
==External links== | |||
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmethyletizolam Metizolam (Wikipedia)] | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmethyletizolam Metizolam (Wikipedia)] | ||
*[https://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/explore.php?id=3051 Metizolam (Isomer Design)] | |||
*[http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads/769635-Novel-Thienodiazepine-Metizolam Metizolam (Bluelight)] | |||
*[https://www.ukchemicalresearch.org/Thread-Metizolam Metizolam (UK Chemical Research)] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Substance]][[Category:Psychoactive | [[Category:Substance]] | ||
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]] | |||
[[Category:Depressant]] | |||
[[Category:Anxiolytics]] | |||
[[Category:Thienodiazepine]] | |||
[[Category:Research chemical]] | |||