Clonazolam (also known as Clonitrazolam) is a novel depressant substance of the benzodiazepine chemical class which produces anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and amnesic effects when administered.
This compound is a novel research chemical derivative of the FDA-approved drugs clonazepam (Klonopin, Rivitrol) and alprazolam (Xanax). Clonazolam is reported to be roughly 2.5x as potent as alprazolam.
Very little is known about this substance, but it has recently become easily accessible through online research chemical vendors where it is being sold as a designer drug. Due to its extremely high potency, it is often found on blotter paper or in volumetrically dosed solutions. Ingestion of raw clonazolam powder is unsafe due to its microgram-range potency and the ease in which it can lead to multi-day blackouts.
Clonazolam is classified as a Schedule I substance in the states of Oregon & Virginia.
Clonazolam has been linked to overdose deaths across the US.
Per a February 2022 NDEWS Web Monitoring Alert:
What was found? A seasonal trend in mentions of Clonazolam. Mentions rise and fall with a peak in the summer months. The terms “C-lam” and “clam” were also identified as common slang terms for the drug Clonazolam in seasonal discussion trends on Reddit.
To what does Clonazolam refer? Clonazolam is a designer benzodiazepine drug that acts as a potent sedative.
How is it being discussed? Clonazolam discussion on Reddit follows a seasonal trend. Two slang terms (“C-lam” and “clam”) are abbreviations of the drug term that appear frequently in subreddit discussion.
Drug Terms: Clonazolam, C-lam, clam.
July 26, 2023 – DEA Temporary Placement of Etizolam, Flualprazolam, Clonazolam, Flubromazolam, and Diclazepam in Scedule I. Read the full announcement here.