Flualprazolam is a designer benzodiazepine analog drug that is becoming more commonly abused because of its potent sedative and hypnotic effects. Flualprazolam is not a prescribed medication, but instead is purchased online as a ‘research chemical’. Flualprazolam is chemically similar to other benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax) and carries similar risks for abuse, addiction, and overdose. [1][2][3][4]
- Flualprazolam is a research chemical that is chemically similar in structure and effects to benzodiazepines like xanax
- Flualprazolam is not an approved or registered prescription medication, and is instead sold online by retailers who market it as a ‘research chemical’ that is ‘not for human consumption.’
- Flualprazolam carries similar risks for abuse, addiction, and overdose as other benzodiazepine drugs
Understanding Flualprazolam: A designer benzodiazepine
Flualprazolam is a designer benzodiazepine drug that is sold online as a research chemical. While the drug is designated as ‘not for human consumption’, it is widely purchased by people who consume it for its sedating effects. Designer benzodiazepines like Flualprazolam are often analogues of benzodiazepines that produce similar effects, but are legal because of their unregistered status. [2]Â
Designer benzodiazepines are becoming more commonly abused by people who have discovered they can purchase them online without a prescription. Often, flualprazolam is abused in combination with other drugs like alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives to enhance the effects. Using flualprazolam in combination with other drugs increases the risk for adverse effects, including addiction and accidental overdose or poisoning. [2][4]
As flualprazolam access has increased, there have been more reports of abuse, addiction, and fatal overdose. There has been increased concern about this designer drug in particular because of high rates of reported post-mortem toxicology reports that suggest it is linked to higher incidences of fatal overdose. The risks associated with flualprazolam are exacerbated by the fact that this drug is unregulated, with no independent oversight to ensure the purity, potency, or quality. [2][3][4]
How flualprazolam works
Flualprazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine, and works similarly to other benzodiazepine drugs. This drug binds to GABA receptors in the brain, which work to inhibit certain Central Nervous System (CNS) responses, causing people to feel sedated, calmer, and sometimes euphoric. The chemical composition of flualprazolam may make it more potent and long-lasting, compared to other drugs in the benzodiazepine class. [3][4]
Flualprazolam legality and federal scheduling status
Flualprazolam is unregistered and not available in any country as a prescribed medication. Flualprazolam was first discovered in the 1960s, patented in 1976, but was never registered or tested as a pharmaceutical drug or treatment. Because of this, it is not regulated by the FDA or other governing health institutions, and is able to be sold online as a designer drug or ‘research chemical’. This is a risk to consumers, who are unable to verify the contents, dose, or purity of the drug they are receiving. [2][4]Â
Because flualprazolam is becoming more widely abused, it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This means that flualprazolam has no approved medical use, and carries a high risk for abuse, addiction, and overdose. Recently, post-mortem toxicology samples have found evidence of increased use of flualprazolam, which is believed to have contributed to a number of overdose deaths in recent years. Because of this, there is growing pressure to work on classifying flualprazolam as a drug of abuse and working to restrict access to it online. [2][3][4]
Potent effects and health risks
Flualprazolam is chemically similar to benzodiazepines and produces similar effects in the body and brain. According to research, most people take doses ranging between 0.25 mg and 2 mg, and experience an onset of effects within 30 minutes. The effects of flualprazolam are intense and can last for 6-14 hours, and many users report experiencing residual ‘hangover’ effects into the next day. [4]
Here are some of the reported effects of flualprazolam: [1][4]
- Extreme sedation and drowsiness.
- Feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
- Amnesia and short-term memory problems.
- Poor coordination and motor functioning.
- Slower thinking, processing, and impaired decision-making.
Adverse effects are more commonly reported in high doses, when abused in combination with other drugs, or when abused long-term. Some of the potential health and mental health risks associated with flualprazolam use include: [1][4][5]
- Addiction and dependence.
- Tolerance and withdrawal.
- Memory and cognitive impairment.
- Changes in mood, energy, and motivation levels.
- Rebound anxiety or insomnia (especially during withdrawal).
- Overdose leading to respiratory depression.
Flualprazolam vs. Alprazolam
Flualprazolam is chemically similar to the medication alprazolam (xanax), which is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine. Xanax is often prescribed to people struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia, and is considered safe and effective for short-term or occasional use. Long-term or chronic use is not advised because of the risks for addiction and withdrawal. [3]Â
Flualprazolam is a fluorinated version of alprazolam. The addition of fluorine is believed to make the drug more potent and long-lasting, with nearly double the half-life of xanax. Flualprazolam is believed to have similar effects to xanax, but some users report more intense effects that are slower to wear off. Unlike xanax, flualprazolam remains unregulated, meaning there is a much higher risk for contaminants or inconsistency in dose or purity. [3][4]Â
Specifically, flualprazolam users have reported next-day ‘hangovers’ that included feeling excessively tired and groggy or unfocused. Some have also reported experiencing short-term amnesia or memory loss after taking flualprazolam. While all benzodiazepines can cause these effects, flualprazolam has been reported to be especially potent. [3][4]Â
Addiction and dependence risks
Like other benzodiazepines, flualprazolam is believed to be addictive when abused, used in combination with other drugs, or used long-term. Dependence on benzodiazepines is unlikely to form unless the drug is used long-term, chronically, and in escalating doses. Research also suggests that individuals who have struggled with polysubstance use and dependence on other drugs are most likely to develop an addiction. [1][5]
Anecdotal reports of users online describe that tolerance and addiction to flualprazolam can develop quickly, making it difficult to stop. When people escalate their use or dosage to overcome tolerance, it becomes more likely that they will develop an addiction. When an addiction to benzodiazepines forms, it can be difficult and even dangerous to stop suddenly. Serious withdrawal symptoms can develop and, in some instances, can be life-threatening. [4][5]
Flualprazolam withdrawal risks
When an addiction to flualprazolam has developed, users will experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut back or stop using. The symptoms of flualprazolam withdrawal mimic benzodiazepine withdrawal and commonly include symptoms like rebound anxiety and insomnia, irritability, trouble concentrating, sweating, and hand tremors. [5]Â
In more severe cases, withdrawals can include delirium, psychosis, and even seizures. Severe instances of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be fatal and require inpatient medically monitored detox to safely withdraw from. In these instances, a slower taper off the drug may be required to prevent serious and life-threatening complications. [5]
Overdose signs and response
It is possible to overdose on flualprazolam, which can result in problems that are life-threatening or even fatal. In recent years, more reports have shown that flualprazolam has been cited in post-mortem toxicology reports, suggesting the number of fatal overdoses is on the rise.
Some of the potential signs of flualprazolam overdose include: [4][5]
- Extreme sedation
- Altered mental status
- Poor coordination
- Nonresponsiveness
- Shallow or staggered breathing
If you or a loved one suspects an overdose on flualprazolam, it is important to seek emergency medical treatment. Make sure to disclose any other substances or medications in the person’s system (if known or suspected) in order to help medical professionals provide the right treatments needed.
Treatment for Flualprazolam dependence
Flualprazolam dependence is a treatable problem. The most important step is to reach out to an addiction treatment center that can conduct a full substance abuse assessment to help determine the level of treatment needed. In some instances, inpatient care or medically monitored detox is needed to help the person safely withdraw and stabilize. [5]Â
In other cases, it is possible to refer the person to an outpatient level of treatment where they can receive group, individual, or family therapy. Medications may be a part of recovery for some individuals, especially those with co-occurring medical or mental health conditions. Often, treatment for addiction requires long-term support and major lifestyle changes that support healthy habits and sober communities of support.
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