Etizolam Withdrawal and Detox

Though it is sold legally on the internet, etizolam is not completely safe to use. Learn about how people can easily become addicted to etizolam.

Etizolam may sound familiar because of its similarity to some other popular prescription medications. It is most similar to benzodiazepines, which are a class of drugs that treat anxiety and seizure disorders.

Examples of these types of medications include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

Etizolam belongs to the class thienodiazepine and is not in the same class as these drugs. However, it is very similar to benzodiazepines in how it functions. For example, both classes of medications are used to treat anxiety.

A primary difference between etizolam and benzodiazepines is that etizolam is not available by prescription in the United States, while benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed.

However, etizolam and other thienodiazepines are available in other countries by prescription and are often purchased for illicit use from the internet. The Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes the potential for addiction and abuse of etizolam, but it has not been classified as a controlled medication. The Food and Drug Administration also has not approved etizolam for medical use.

Despite the fact that it can be purchased online and that its use is not illegal, there is evidence that etizolam has a high potential for addiction and abuse. It carries a similar abuse potential as benzodiazepines.

Etizolam Withdrawal Symptoms

Etizolam is known to cause withdrawal symptoms in people who become dependent. Developing a dependency means that a person must continue taking a drug, or else they will feel uncomfortable side effects from stopping.

Etizolam over-activates GABA-A receptors in brain cells (neurons). Normally, these receptors are located on the surface of cells and function as “off” switches for signals in the brain.

When etizolam is present in the brain for long periods, neurons become used to high levels of the drug and how much they activate GABA-A receptors. In response, neurons make less of these receptors.

When a person stops taking etizolam or tries to lower their dose, their neurons do not have enough GABA-A. Therefore, they feel symptoms of withdrawal. Some etizolam withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Agitation or anxiety
• Confusion
• Cravings for etizolam
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Nausea and vomiting
• Panic attacks
• Tremors
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping

Etizolam Withdrawal Causes and Diagnosis

A person experiences withdrawal symptoms when etizolam changes the chemistry of their brain cells. These changes occur when a person takes it for long periods, such as weeks or months.

Taking increased doses of the drug for extended periods will cause dependency. Once someone is physically dependent, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.

A recent study showed that a person could become addicted to etizolam in as little as one month. The person required medical support to stop using the drug and experienced severe withdrawal symptoms consistent with addiction.

Etizolam Detox

During addiction treatment, there are three different phases:

• Detox
• Treatment
• Maintenance

The detox period describes when the body metabolizes the drug and removes it from the body and then returns to normal functioning.

For most drugs, the detox period is the amount of time it takes the body to remove a drug plus how long it takes for withdrawal symptoms to go away.

Etizolam is removed from the body in about 13 hours, which is based on five half-lives of the drug’s metabolism. However, the removal process is not that simple. When the body breaks down etizolam, it breaks it into other drugs that are also active themselves. These “active metabolites” function in a similar way to the parent drug and prolong the symptoms of impairment and addiction.

Etizolam has active metabolites that can stay in the body for up to 40 hours. Also, some people metabolize etizolam slower than others and it can stay in their body for up to three-and-a-half days.

Like benzodiazepines, the return to normal functioning after initial detox can take anywhere from several days to months, or even years, depending on how long a person has been abusing the drug.

What to Expect During Etizolam Detox

Detox for etizolam and similar drugs is often slow and uncomfortable. Expect withdrawal symptoms to continue for long periods and impact daily life.

People experiencing etizolam withdrawal can greatly benefit from the support provided by a medical detox program. Rehab programs like the ones offered by The Recovery Village have medical teams to provide support and lessen the permanent harm that could result from the detox process.

How Long Does Etizolam Withdrawal Last?

The detox process may take months to years, depending on how long a person has abused etizolam. Similar drugs may require a slower tapering schedule to ensure that withdrawal symptoms are kept to a minimum.

Each person’s journey to recovery is a little different, and factors like individual metabolism, length of drug abuse and willingness to seek treatment will all play roles in the length of the recovery process.

Etizolam is sold online as a “research chemical,” and people can obtain it legally. This does not mean it’s safe. If you or someone you know has been purchasing etizolam, it is a very addictive substance with a high potential for addiction and abuse. Call The Recovery Village to learn about treatment options today.

Editor – Rob Alston

Rob Alston has traveled around Australia, Japan, Europe, and America as a writer and editor for industries including personal wellness and recovery. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS, CACP

Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more