Flualprazolam is a designer benzodiazepine drug that can be purchased online as a ‘research chemical’ and has become more commonly abused because of its sedative and hypnotic effects. Flualprazolam is a derivative of the drug alprazolam (xanax), but is formulated in a way that makes its effects stronger and longer-lasting. [1][2] While it is possible to detect flualprazolam in blood and urine, testing for this drug is more common in criminal and post-mortem investigations. [3]
- Flualprazolam is a designer benzodiazepine drug that is chemically similar to the drug alprazolam (xanax), but has longer and stronger effects.
- Flualprazolam is not regulated or available as a prescription medication, and can be purchased online as a ‘research chemical’, which has led to it becoming more commonly abused.
- Flualprazolam can sometimes be detected by standard 12-panel drug tests that test for benzodiazepines, and may be detected in urine for up to a week or longer after the last dose.
Overview of flualprazolam
Flualprazolam is a benzodiazepine analog drug that was first developed in 1970, but never marketed by pharmaceutical companies. Flualprazolam is chemically similar to the drug alprazolam, but is chemically different enough to be considered a different drug. This allows flualprazolam to operate in a legal and regulatory gray zone, along with other ‘designer benzodiazepine drugs’ (DBZDs). [1][4]
Currently, it can be purchased as a research or test chemical online and is becoming more commonly abused in America, Europe, and other countries around the world. It is reported to have potent and long-lasting effects, and is increasingly cited in DUI cases as well as reports of fatal overdose. [1][4][5]
Post-mortem toxicology reports find that flualprazolam is rarely fatal when taken alone, but can intensify the effects of alcohol, opioids, and other CNS depressants. Increasingly, flualprazolam is involved in a number of fatal overdoses that lead to respiratory depression. [4][5]
Flualprazolam half-life and metabolism
Flualprazolam is a fluorinated version of the drug alprazolam, or xanax. The addition of fluorine makes flualprazolam’s effects more intense and long-lasting, compared to alprazolam. It is estimated that flualprazolam’s effects onset within 10-30 minutes and last for 6-14 hours. [1][2]
Flualprazolam has an estimated half-life that is double that of xanax, and many users describe that they struggle with ‘hangover’ effects that last into the next day. There can be individual variability in the metabolism of flualprazolam, with factors like age, weight, medical history, and other substances and medications possibly having an effect on how long the drug stays in the system. [5]
Flualprazolam detection windows
Flualprazolam can be detected in blood, urine, and saliva, and may also be tested in hair samples, although this is uncommon. Flualprazolam will sometimes show up on standard 12-panel drug tests that have a test for benzodiazepines. However, because the drug is unregulated, different formulations can exist, which may affect detection on standard drug tests. Designer benzodiazepines like flualprazolam may or may not show up on standard drug tests. [3][4][5]
It is more common for flualprazolam to be tested in criminal investigations, like driving under the influence tests, or in postmortem toxicology tests, trying to determine a cause of death. Most commonly, these tests involve using blood or tissue samples. Urine drug testing is more common in routine drug testing for things like employment, court monitoring, or supervision.
How long flualprazolam can be detected will be determined largely by the type of test being used. [3]
Urine testing
Urine testing is one of the most common and standard methods of drug testing, and often uses a 12-panel drug test that tests for different types of substances. One of the types of drugs commonly tested in standard drug tests is benzodiazepines. Flualprazolam is a designer benzodiazepine and analog of the drug alprazolam, and will sometimes be detected on standard drug tests.
Most urine tests can detect benzodiazepines for a few days after the last use, or possibly up to one week later. High-dose, long-term users may find that the drug stays in their system for longer than one week.
Blood testing
Blood tests have shorter windows of detection for flualprazolam, which can detect the presence of drug metabolites for about 48 hours after the drug was taken. Blood testing is most commonly used in criminal and post-mortem investigations, which aim to determine both the presence of the drug and the level or amount present in the bloodstream.
Saliva testing
In theory, saliva testing may be able to detect flualprazolam for 24-72 hours after the drug was taken, although this method is not commonly used.
Factors that affect detection
Aside from the type of drug test being used, a number of different factors can influence how long a drug remains in your system. Flualprazolam is primarily metabolized by the liver, so people with impaired hepatic functioning and existing liver disease may metabolize the drug more slowly.
Metabolisms tend to slow as people age, so older adults may find that the drug remains in their system for longer durations. Taking other medications, alcohol, or other illicit substances in combination with flualprazolam may also make the drug metabolize more slowly, resulting in a longer detection window.
Can you speed up elimination?
There are many factors that determine how long it takes for flualprazolam to be eliminated from your system, including your age, weight, and overall health. While basic recommendations like drinking more water, exercising, and sleeping may help you metabolize the drug more quickly, there is no reliable method to speed up elimination.
If you have an upcoming drug test that you worry will test positive for flualprazolam, it is important to come up with a plan of how you will discuss the results with the doctor or professional who will be receiving them.
Being open and honest about substance use can be difficult, especially if there are potential consequences that arise from a positive drug screen. However, an open and honest dialogue about substance use can open up options for treatment and recovery programs that can support long-term sobriety.
Withdrawal timeline and risks
People who have been taking benzodiazepines or analogs like flualprazolam regularly for several weeks or longer often develop a physical and psychological dependence. Signs of dependence often include increased drug cravings, tolerance, and the experience of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when cutting back or trying to stop. Common symptoms of flualprazolam withdrawal include intense anxiety, insomnia, agitation, drug cravings, racing heart, and tics or tremors. [6]
In some instances, flualprazolam withdrawal can cause life-threatening complications, including the risk for delirium and seizures, and may require inpatient, medically-monitored detox. Flualprazolam withdrawal will usually begin within 24 hours of the last dose, will peak around days 3-7, and will persist for several weeks, becoming less intense over time. [6]
Because of the medical and mental health risks associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal, most people require professional treatment to safely stop. Getting a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation can help you determine which treatment option is right for you and provide the best chance for lasting recovery.
From test anxiety to recovery
Being anxious about an upcoming drug test involves a lot of pressure, stress, and worry. Depending on your situation, a positive drug test may have negative consequences in very important areas of your life, including impacting your ability to work, remain in your home, or parent your children.
Drug test anxiety can sometimes help people recognize the high stakes involved in their addiction and to admit that they need to do something differently. For many, recovery from substance abuse and addiction begins with the admission of how big and unmanageable the addiction has become.
If you are struggling with an addiction to flualprazolam, there are options and pathways to a healthy and sober life, no matter how severe the addiction has become. Reaching out for professional help and scheduling an appointment with a licensed addiction professional is often the best first step towards recovery.
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