Clonazolam

clonazolam (also known as clonitrazolam) is a novel depressant substance of the benzodiazepine chemical class which produces anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and amnesic effects when administered. this compound is a novel research chemical derivative of the fda-approved drugs clonazepam (klonopin, rivitrol) and alprazolam (xanax). clonazolam is reported to be roughly 2.5x as potent as alprazolam.

the synthesis of clonazolam was first reported in 1971. it was described as the most active compound in the series tested. clonazolam is reputed to be highly potent, and concerns have been raised that it and flubromazolam may pose comparatively higher risks than other designer benzodiazepines due to their ability to produce strong sedation and amnesia at oral doses as low as 0.5 mg, or 500 micrograms (ug). it is reported to have a medium-length onset of action (20 – 60 minutes).

very little is known about this substance, but it has recently become easily accessible through online research chemical vendors where it is being sold as a designer drug. due to its extremely high potency, it is often found on blotter paper or in volumetrically dosed solutions. ingestion of raw clonazolam powder is unsafe due to its microgram-range potency and the ease in which it can lead to multi-day blackouts.

sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines can cause seizures (which may be life-threatening in certain cases) for individuals who have been heavily using them for a prolonged period of time. for this reason, it is recommended to gradually lower the daily dose over a period of time instead of stopping abruptly — a technique known as tapering.

due to the high dependence-forming and addiction potential that this substance shares with other members of the benzodiazepine class, as well as its alcohol-like ability to induce dangerously disinhibited black-out states, it is strongly advised to use proper harm reduction practices if choosing to use this substance.

chemistry

clonazolam is a drug of the benzodiazepine class. benzodiazepine drugs contain a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring, which is a seven membered ring with the two nitrogen constituents located at r₁ and r₄. the benzyl ring of clonazolam is substituted at r₈ with a nitro group, no₂-. further, the diazepine ring is bonded at r₆ to a 2-chlorinated phenyl ring.

clonazolam also contains a 1-methylated triazole ring fused to and incorporating r₁ and r₂ of its diazepine ring. clonazolam belongs to a class of benzodiazepines containing this fused triazole ring, called triazolobenzodiazepines, distinguished by the suffix “-zolam.” clonazolam is also a nitrobenzodiazepine, a subclass of benzodiazepines which contain a nitro (no₂-) group. other nitrobenzodiazepines include clonazepam and flunitrazepam.

pharmacology

benzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site and magnifying the efficiency and effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (gaba) by acting on its receptors. as this site is the most prolific inhibitory receptor set within the brain, its modulation results in the sedating (or calming effects) of clonazelam on the nervous system.

the anticonvulsant properties of benzodiazepines may be, in part or entirely, due to binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels rather than benzodiazepine receptors.