Diclazepam
Diclazepam is considered as a research chemical that closely resembles the popularly known valium (diazepam) in chemical structure. Although it was first developed in 1960 by Leo Sternbach, reports indicate that it appeared in the market in recent years, 2014 to be exact. The popularity of Diclazepam is projected to skyrocket as other benzodiazepines become scarce since it is mostly used for recreation. This drug’s safety and efficacy has not undergone human trials and is, therefore, not officially used as prescribed medication. Diclazepam is an illicit substance that has a potency that is 10 times stronger than Valium.
Properties
According to research conducted in 2014, Diclazepam once consumed takes quite a little bit of time to move through the body. It has an elimination half-life of 42 hours indicating that it remains active in humans for several days. Since it breaks down and converts quickly into benzodiazepine drugs, it continuously remains potent. A single dose of this drug will, therefore, remain present in one’s urine for around 11 days after consuming a single dose.
This illicit drug stops panic attacks, lowers inhibitions, relaxes muscles, and slows neuron firing. Although its effects last for several days, it takes longer for this drug to become active when compared to diazepam. When taken correctly, Diclazepam can be used to relieve stress, anxiety, and mental health disorders significantly.
Diclazepam is usually prescribed for three weeks or less, and this is to ensure it doesn’t lead to addiction. When used in small doses, this drug cannot be used the form more than three weeks at a single time without leading to addiction. After three weeks, the human body starts developing a tolerance to the drug. The individual will need to increase the dosage to achieve the required effect, and soon after, addiction kicks in. However, people with mental health disorders can self-medicate continually to manage their symptoms.
Abstaining from the drug after addiction naturally creates similar withdrawal symptoms as the rest of the benzodiazepines. This can be quite dangerous, and it mostly leads to hospitalization.
Potential dangers
All consumption of the Diclazepam is considered as abuse simply because it is not prescribed, and therefore, no guidelines are set. This means that overusing this drug is quite common, and most people cannot avoid it. Now, when you use this drug to feel healthy, your body will build a tolerance, and you will find yourself increasing the dosage gradually.
When dealing with problems such as anxiety, the more you will use the drug, the more you will increase your anxiety issues. This is a common disorder referred to as rebound insomnia, which is quite dangerous, especially when not diagnosed early.
The immediate side effects are as follows:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Vertigo
- Depression
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- Euphoria
Long-term side effects are as follows:
- Impaired memory
- Mood swings
- Rebound insomnia
- Depression
- Erratic behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Impaired concentration
- Brain damage
- Erratic behavior
Detoxification and treatment of Diclazepam addiction
Quitting Diclazepam abruptly is considered very dangerous, and you should not attempt to do so. You need to visit a medical detoxification center. At these centers, clinicians will wean you off Diclazepam while curbing the withdrawal symptoms.
Since the withdrawal symptoms are considered as dangerous, Diclazepam detox must be done onsite to guarantee comfort and safety. Once the detox stage is complete, an addiction recovery specialist needs to take you through the treatment process.
Depending on several factors such as the dose you ingested, home environment, and duration of drug use, you will need to stay in a residential treatment center for a 30 days-90 days period. There will be treated and therapies to help you deal with your addiction.
Etizolam
Etizolam is essentially a thienodiazepine meaning that it is closely related to the benzodiazepine in chemical structure. However, the thiophene ring which replaces the benzene ring makes it differ from the benzodiazepine drug class. Etizolam was first introduced as a treatment in japan around the year 1983. It was used to treat neurological conditions that included sleeping disorders and anxiety. This drug is hugely marketed in Italy, Japan, and India. The FDA has not approved it for use in the USA, although it is legal when conducting research, and some states have it used as an unscheduled drug.
Properties
Etizolam takes effect about one hour after consumption making it act quickly to relieve anxiety disorders. The half-life of a single dose is about 3.4 hours, and thus it doesn’t remain active in the human body for an extended period. This drug will remain present in the urine for about three days after a single dose since it is eliminated quickly.
Etizolam is considered a CNS depressant with seductive-hypnotic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. Studies have shown that Etizolam has about 6-10 times more potency when compared to diazepam. Clinical human tests done in Italy have indicated that Etizolam is quite useful when it comes to patients with depressive anxiety disorders symptoms. It is therefore considered as a generalized treatment for panic disorder, anxiety disorder, and insomnia.
Etizolam also exhibits behavioral, neuropharmacological, and minor cognitive functioning effects. It can, therefore, substitute short-acting barbiturate, which makes it more practical for use in patients with anxiety and panic disorders.
Since Etizolam is doctor prescribed in some countries, small doses hardly lead to addiction, and it can be closely monitored. Prolonged use and abuse of the drug, however, will lead to addiction, which can be quite dangerous. In the US, Etizolam is allowed in some states but only as self-medicating and not doctor prescribed since the FDA does not approve it.
Potential dangers
Although India, Japan, and Italy have legal, accepted Etizolam and officially use it as medication, it has potential dangerous and side effects that you need to know. The significant adverse effects include the following:
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Confusion
- Visual disturbances
- Slurred speech
Detoxification and treatment of Etizolam abuse
Etizolam overdose, however, is easy to deal with thank to Flumazenil, which is a GABA-A receptors competitive antagonist. Flumazenil is used to reverse an overdose of the Etizolam drug, quickly making it not as dangerous as the benzodiazepines.
When it comes to addiction, Etizolam is pretty easy to deal with, and most people can quit at home since the withdrawal symptoms and not dangerous. Since everybody is different, some people find it challenging to leave the Etizolam drug, and such individuals will need the help of a residential treatment center.
Even after a year of use, withdrawal from Etizolam usually takes around 2-3 weeks. It may be challenging to deal with, but you could always do it by yourself
Diclazepam Vs Etizolam
Dosage
Diclazepam and Etizolam have the same dosage, which is around 1-2mg. However, Diclazepam should not be used continually for more than three weeks to avoid addiction. Etizolam, when taken properly, can be used for more extended periods without leading to addiction.
Side effects
Etizolam has fewer side effects than Diclazepam, and they are equally not as life-threatening. When it comes to side effects, all drugs generally have them, but Diclazepam includes potentially fatal side effects. It is therefore essential to monitor the use of Diclazepam to ensure you do not abuse it in any way.
Duration
Diclazepam has a long-lasting effect that can go for a day or two, while Etizolam lasts only a few hours. This makes diclazepam quite dangerous and more addictive than the Etizolam because it creates a sobriety feeling, and dependency usually follows. When suffering from anxiety disorders, most people will find the long period of relaxation to be satisfying, and they will naturally seek more of the drug. Now, the delusion of sobriety will affect an individual’s judgment of how exactly the drug affects him or her.
Addiction and withdrawal
Etizolam is less addictive when compared to Diclazepam. Etizolam usually takes a withdrawal period of 2-3 weeks while Diclazepam withdrawal takes 30-90 days. With Diclazepam addiction, you will need the help of professionals in a residential treatment center while Etizolam withdrawal can be made at home by the individual. Diclazepam withdrawal can be quite dangerous because of the symptoms associated with it, while Etizolam withdrawal is relatively simple.
Conclusion
When dealing with anxiety issues, it is better to go with Etizolam rather than Diclazepam. In my opinion, the addiction and dangerous withdrawal symptoms associated with Diclazepam are not worth the risk. Yes, anxiety can be challenging to deal with, especially when it is accompanied by depression, but you need to weigh in the risks involved with the drug you want to use. Diclazepam will give you sobriety feeling as stated above that will last for long periods, but the potential dangers cannot be ignored. Diclazepam addiction is too risky, and the cost involved to treat the addiction is not cheap. Etizolam, on the other hand, does not lead to addiction and withdrawals ate quite easy. With Etizolam, you can quit whenever you want, and your anxiety issues will always be well dealt with as long as you do not overdose the drug.