Flualprazolam

Flualprazolam is a novel depressant substance of the benzodiazepine class. It is a structural analog of alprazolam (Xanax), a widely used prescription benzodiazepine with high recreational potential. The mechanism is unknown, but it likely acts as a GABA receptor agonist.

Flualprazolam appears to have first become available for sale in 2017 on the online research chemical market.[2] The origins of its development is not clear. It has been marketed or deceptively sold as a replacement for alprazolam despite differing in substantive ways, according to some reports.

Subjective effects include sedation, muscle relaxation, disinhibition, anxiety suppression, memory suppression, and euphoria. Its effects are somewhat similar to alprazolam; however, it is reported to be more hypnotic and sedating than anxiolytic, and not as recreational. It appears to be more potent-by-weight than alprazolam.

Limited data exists on the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicology of this compound. It likely possesses high abuse potential due to its similarity to alprazolam. The health risks of forming physical dependence to this compound are not known, and may possess additional risks relative to traditional benzodiazepines.

Additionally, it should be noted that the sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines can be dangerous or even life-threatening for individuals for heavy or long-term users. As a result, individuals who are physically dependent on this substance are advised to taper their dose by gradually lowering the amount taken each day over a prolonged period instead of stopping use abruptly.[3]

Flualprazolam has been reported by users to dramatically and rapidly increase benzodiazepine cross-tolerance. It is strongly advised to only use Flualprazolam for short periods of time, and if used as an emergency substitute to avoid benzodiazepine withdrawal, to avoid compulsive redosing and minimize the administered dose as much as possible.

The potency of Flualprazolam compared to Alprazolam has been reported to vary dramatically by users (anywhere between 1.5x and 5x stronger than Alprazolam).

It is strongly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.