Etizolam

Etizolam is a thienodiazepine derivative which is a benzodiazepine analog. The etizolam molecule differs from a benzodiazepine in that the benzene ring has been replaced by a thiophene ring and triazole ring has been fused, making the drug a thienotriazolodiazepine.

Although a thienodiazepine, etizolam is clinically regarded as a benzodiazepine because of its mode of action via the benzodiazepine receptor and directly targeting GABA_A allosteric modulator receptors.

It possesses anxiolytic, amnesic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.

It was patented in 1972 and first approved for medical use in Japan in 1984.

As of April 2021, the export of etizolam has been banned in India.

Long term use may result in blepharospasms, especially in women. Doses of 4 mg or more may cause anterograde amnesia.^{[citation needed]}

In rare cases, erythema annulare centrifugum skin lesions have resulted.

Abrupt or rapid discontinuation from etizolam, as with benzodiazepines, may result in the appearance of the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, including rebound insomnia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare event in benzodiazepine withdrawal, has been documented in a case of abrupt withdrawal from etizolam. This is particularly relevant given etizolam's short half-life relative to benzodiazepines such as diazepam resulting in a more rapid drug level decrease in blood plasma levels.