Flualprazolam, also known as ‘flualp’ is a ‘novel’ or ‘designer’ benzodiazepine, similar to alprazolam (Xanax) and structurally different from benzodiazepines such as diazepam. It was first patented in the 1970’s but was never marketed. Preclinical studies described in the patent documentation demonstrate that flualprazolam has sedative effects similar to other benzodiazepines. It is a higher potency benzodiazepine with relatively short onset of action, similar to alprazolam.
There is very little published literature to describe the pharmacology, toxicology or dependence potential for flualprazolam itself, though what is known suggests that the effects are comparable to the structurally similar alprazolam. Flualprazolam is manufactured by several laboratories for research purposes and is easily available by internet. It is sold by several internet companies for research purposes with discussions on online forums, indicating that some people consume flualprazolam for its psychoactive effects, and report similar effects, including adverse effects, to alprazolam.
Is flualprazolam addictive?
Yes, flualprazolam is highly addictive. Although benzodiazepines have a calming effect, they are highly addictive, and a person who abuses them faces a host of symptoms. What starts as recreational and occasional flualprazolam use can shift into a serious flualprazolam dependence that requires treatment to kick the habit. Designer drugs may seem like a fun time in college or for one night out, but they can have devastating consequences on a person’s life as well as everyone around them.
Is Flualprazolam legal?
Flualprazolam is now a control substance in the United States, after the Controlled Substances Act was amended by the Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement of 1986, which attempted to ban designer drugs pre-emptively by making it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess chemicals that were substantially similar in chemistry and pharmacology.
As a result, flualprazolam is classified under the same category as Xanax ( Schedule 4) under the Controlled Substances Act and therefore illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess without valid prescription or license.
Due to the recent development of many designer drugs, laws banning or regulating their use have not been developed yet, and in recent cases novel drugs have appeared directly in response to legislative action, to replace a similar compound that had recently been banned. Many of the chemicals fall under the various drug analogue legislations in certain countries, but most countries have no general analogue act or equivalent legislation and so novel compounds may fall outside of the law after only minor structural modifications.
What are the side effects of Flualprazolam?
Although flualprazolam produce side effects, there are limited reports that document adverse reactions, which is likely to be due to the lack of availability of registered therapeutic product. No published literature covering adverse reactions have been identified. It is likely that adverse reactions would be similar to alprazolam due to its similar potency, onset and action and half-life. Given its structural similarity, flualprazolam is thought to have similar sedative effects.
A report on an online forum describes an instance where loss of memory, disinhibition and criminal activity occurred. Anecdotal evidence suggest confirms that the side effects of Flualprazolam are similar to those of alprazolam which include:
- Drowsiness.
- Tiredness.
- Dizziness.
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Memory problems.
- Poor balance or coordination.
- Slurred speech.
- Trouble concentrating.
Flualprazolam Safety Information
Do not mix alcohol and flualprazolam together. Alcohol and flualprazolam both increase activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and the overall activity of the central nervous system. This chemical causes a sedative effect. When depressants are mixed together, over-sedation occurs, which can then result in respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and loss of consciousness. Flualprazolam intensifies the symptoms of alcohol and vice versa.
Designer drugs like flualprazolam, while seemingly harmless for a fun night out, can have devastating results. Designer drugs are so dangerous because their potency and chemical makeup can vary greatly depending on where it was made. These underground chemistry labs are not regulated, and the result can be irregular ingredient amounts as well as the presence of other potentially harmful drugs. If designer drugs are laced with another drug that the consumer is not aware of, it could lead to overdose. Also, because they lack uniformity, designer drugs can lead to dangerous side effects like hallucinations, dizziness, violent outbreaks, headaches, vomiting, heart complications, and more. Not to mention the fact that because these drugs are often taken in a party environment, many users will also consume alcohol at the same time that can make these side effects worse or lead to even more health problems.
Most designer drugs sold in stores like flualprazolam are most times clearly marked that they are not meant to be consumed. Because of this, designer drugs are still a problem, even though they are now clearly banned. The DEA usually does not become aware of a new designer drug until it has started to make people sick or cause problems. It is difficult to monitor every new substance that comes on the market, especially when some stores import from suppliers who are out of the country and may not obey United States laws.
