Etizolam (also known as Etilaam, Etizest, and many others) is a novel depressant substance of the thienodiazepine class. Thienodiazepines are closely related to benzodiazepines and act as receptor agonists for GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Etizolam is not commonly prescribed and is not recognized as a controlled substance in many parts of the world. It has been sold as a research chemical substitute for pharmaceutical benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax) or diazepam (Valium). Etizolam is commonly found in pellet or pill form, laid on blotter paper, or as a pure powder.

Notable effects include anxiety suppression, disinhibition, muscle relaxation, sedation, and euphoria. Etizolam is commonly administered orally and sublingually due to the high bioavailability of these routes. Anecdotal reports suggest that in terms of its relative potency, 1 mg of etizolam is approximately equivalent to 0.5 mg of alprazolam (Xanax), 0.5 mg of clonazepam (Klonopin), or 10 mg of diazepam (Valium). It is often compared to a less potent and sedating version of alprazolam in terms of the speed of its onset, total duration, and recreational effect.

Users should note that that as with benzodiazepines, the sudden discontinuation of thienodiazepines can be dangerous or even life-threatening for individuals who have been using the substance regularly for extended periods of time, as it can result in fatal seizures. As a result, individuals who find themselves physically dependent on this substance are highly advised to taper their dose by gradually lowering the amount taken each day over a prolonged period of time instead of stopping their intake abruptly.[2]

Due to its high abuse and addiction potential and ability to cause alcohol-like blackout states, it is highly advised to use proper harm reduction practices if using this substance.