nimetazepam

Nimetazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine derivative with potent hypnotic, anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. Originally synthesized by Hoffmann-La Roche in 1962 and later marketed by Sumitomo, it has been widely used in East and Southeast Asia for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia. Nimetazepam acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system. Due to its rapid onset of action and high potential for abuse, dependence, and recreational misuse (often referred to as 'Happy 5'), its clinical use has been heavily restricted or discontinued in many countries.

Brand names

EriminLavolSunime

Other names

1-methylnitrazepammethylnitrazepamnimetazepamum