Deschloroetizolam

Deschloroetizolam is a synthetic thienotriazolodiazepine related to etizolam. It differs from etizolam by the absence of a chlorine atom on the phenyl ring. The compound appeared on the research-chemical market in the mid-2010s, but very little direct pharmacological or clinical research has been published. Most descriptions of its effects come from user reports and a small number of forensic studies.

Chemistry

Deschloroetizolam retains the fused thienodiazepine and triazole structure of etizolam. The main structural change is removal of the chlorine substituent from the phenyl ring. It is therefore a close analogue of etizolam, but not simply a different name for the same substance.

The compound was identified in a seized tablet in the United Kingdom in 2014. A review of designer benzodiazepines describes it as a short-acting thienotriazolodiazepine, while emphasising that its pharmacological and toxicological properties have not been adequately investigated (New/Designer Benzodiazepines: An Analysis of the Literature and Psychonauts’ Trip Reports, 2020).

Pharmacology

Like etizolam, deschloroetizolam is expected to act at the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA_A receptor, enhancing the inhibitory effect of GABA. The available literature suggests lower potency than etizolam, but there are not enough controlled studies to establish a reliable comparison or a detailed receptor profile.

In an in-vitro study of designer benzodiazepine metabolism, deschloroetizolam was incubated with human liver microsomes. Hydroxylated metabolites were identified, and hydroxy-deschloroetizolam was detected in a forensic urine sample. These findings are useful for toxicological identification but do not establish its clinical effects (Wagmann and colleagues, 2017).

Reported effects

The PsychonautWiki profile of deschloroetizolam draws mainly on a small number of anecdotal accounts. These describe effects resembling those of other benzodiazepines and thienodiazepines, but are too few to establish a consistent profile.

Physical effects

Reported physical effects include sedation, muscle relaxation and dizziness. Some accounts describe reduced coordination and slowed responses. Respiratory depression is also listed as a possible adverse effect, particularly in the context of other central nervous system depressants.

Cognitive effects

Users describe anxiety suppression, disinhibition, thought deceleration and memory impairment. Some reports mention a misleading sense of sobriety, in which subjective confidence does not reflect actual coordination or judgement. Dream intensification has also been reported.

Metabolism and toxicology

Human metabolism data are limited. The available in-vitro research indicates that hydroxylation contributes to its biotransformation, but there is no comprehensive human pharmacokinetic study. A forensic case involving deschloroetizolam and diclazepam showed why metabolite testing is important: the parent substances were not always detected in the same biological samples in which their metabolites were found.

No reliable clinical toxic range or long-term safety profile has been established. As with other benzodiazepines, combining deschloroetizolam with alcohol, opioids or other sedatives can increase central nervous system depression. Regular use may lead to dependence, and abrupt discontinuation after dependence has developed can cause serious withdrawal.

Related compounds

Deschloroetizolam is closely related to Etizolam and Metizolam. All three belong to the thienodiazepine group, but differences in their ring substituents may alter their pharmacological properties.