| Drug Name: | Clonazolam |
| Type: | Benzodiazepine |
| Iupac Name: | 6-(2-Chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-8-nitro-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine |
| Width: | 170 |
| Dependency Liability: | Very high |
| Legal Au: | Unscheduled |
| Legal Br: | B1 |
| Legal Br Comment: | [1] |
| Legal Us: | Schedule I (partially) |
| Legal Ca: | Unscheduled |
| Legal De: | NPSG |
| Legal Uk: | Class C |
| Legal Un: | Unscheduled |
| Legal Status: | In general legal for medical and research uses. |
| Routes Of Administration: | Oral |
| Cas Number: | 33887-02-4 |
| Pubchem: | 12317881 |
| Chemspiderid: | 15468596 |
| Unii: | HJH52YYC1X |
| Kegg: | C22814 |
| Chemical Formula: | C17H12ClN5O2 |
| C: | 17 |
| H: | 12 |
| Cl: | 1 |
| N: | 5 |
| O: | 2 |
| Smiles: | CC1=NN=C2N1C3=C(C=C(C=C3)[N+](=O)[O-])C(=NC2)C4=CC=CC=C4Cl |
| Stdinchi: | 1S/C17H12ClN5O2/c1-10-20-21-16-9-19-17(12-4-2-3-5-14(12)18)13-8-11(23(24)25)6-7-15(13)22(10)16/h2-8H,9H2,1H3 |
| Stdinchikey: | XJRGLCAWBRZUFC-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Legal Status: | Clonazolam is controlled by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in Japan, making it illegal to possess or sell. |
Clonazolam (also known as clonitrazolam) is a drug of the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) class, which are benzodiazepines (BZDs) fused with a triazole ring. Although little research has been done about its effects and metabolism, it is sold online as a designer drug.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
The synthesis of clonazolam was first reported in 1971 and the drug was described as the most active compound in the series tested.[7]
Depending on dose consumed, clonazolam may pose comparatively higher risk than other designer benzodiazepines due to its ability to produce strong sedation and amnesia at doses as small as 0.5 mg.[2] [8]
In the UK, clonazolam has been classified as a Class C drug by the May 2017 amendment to The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 along with several other designer benzodiazepine drugs.[9]
It is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and is not FDA approved for human consumption. Virginia state law has declared all of the following related medications are Schedule I: clonazolam, etizolam, flualprazolam, flubromazolam, and flubromazepam.[10] Minnesota declared clonazolam a Schedule I drug in August 2020.
On December 23, 2022, the DEA announced it had begun consideration on the matter of placing clonazolam under temporary Schedule I status.[11] Later on July 25, 2023, the DEA published a pre-print notice that clonazolam would become temporarily scheduled as a controlled substance from 26 July 2023 to 26 July 2025.[12]
In Australia, clonazolam is Schedule 9 under federal law.[13]
Sweden's public health agency suggested classifying clonazolam as a hazardous substance on June 1, 2015.[14]
Clonazolam's effects are similar to other benzodiazepines, such as anxiolysis, disinhibition, lethargy, muscle relaxation, and euphoria.[2] [8] While no dose of clonazolam is considered "safe" due to its lack of research and extreme potency, doses higher than 0.5 mg can cause benzodiazepine overdose in some individuals.[2] [8] The effects of a benzodiazepine overdose include sedation, confusion, amnesia, insufficient breathing, loss of consciousness, and death.[2] [8] Because dependence can occur in a short period of time, or even with a large initial dose, withdrawal symptoms (including seizures and death) may occur acutely following the period of intoxication.[2] [8]