Clonazolam
Clonazolam (also known as clonitrazolam) is a drug of the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) class, which are benzodiazepines (BZDs) fused with a triazole ring. It has had very little research done about its effects and metabolism, and has been sold online as a designer drug. The synthesis of clonazolam was first reported in 1971 and the drug was described as the most active compound in the series tested. Clonazolam is reported to be highly potent and concerns have been raised that it and flubromazolam in particular may pose comparatively higher risk than other designer benzodiazepines due to their ability to produce  strong sedation and amnesia at as little as 0.5 mg. In addition to sedation it is known to produce total hypnosis as well as reports from persons having used this drug of complete blackout. With regards to receptor activity, clonazolam binds to GABAa neurotransmitter receptors at the α+/γ2– interfaces and thereby enhance GABA-induced chloride ion flux leading to neuronal hyperpolarization. Clonazolam’s affinity for the GABAa receptor is higher than Flunitrazepam (Rophynol) the commonly known benzodiazepine utilized notoriously as a date-rape drug. This poses a concern for several reasons the first being the ease in which this substance  can be obtained. Secondly, this substance can be utilized to sexually abuse/rape persons without the individual remembering what occurred. Clonazolam is hypothesized to have a long half life due to it's structure and reports from those who have used the drug. Structurally, Clonazolam is similar to fusing the anti-anxiety medications Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) Legality. United Kingdom. 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. United States. It is an Schedule I medicine  and not FDA approved. Virginia State Law has declared all of the following medications are now schedule I: clonazolam, etizolam, flualprazolam, flubromazolam, and flubromazepam. Minnesota declared clonazolam a Schedule I drug in August 2020. Australia. In Australia, clonazolam is classified as a controlled substance in some states. Sweden. Sweden's public health agency suggested classifying clonazolam as a hazardous substance on June 1, 2015. Effects. Clonazolam's effects are similar to other benzodiazepines, such as anxiolysis, disinhibition, lethargy, muscle relaxation, and euphoria. 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. The effects of a benzodiazepine overdose include sedation, confusion, insufficient breathing, loss of consciousness, and death. 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.