Nifoxipam (3-hydroxydesmethylflunitrazepam, DP 370) is a benzodiazepine that is a minor metabolite of flunitrazepam and has been sold online as a designer drug.
Nifoxipam produces strong tranquillising and sleep-prolonging effects and has much lower toxicity compared to lormetazepam and flunitrazepam in mice.
Legal status: CA: Schedule IV; DE: NpSG (Industrial and scientific use only)
NDEWS Report of Report from the Web Monitoring Team: Early signal in online mentions of nifoxipam (April 28, 2023)
What was found? The drug nifoxipam has had very sparse activity in drug-related subreddits, with the largest increase occurring over the past two months. Before this point, the drug had consistent low activity online. Based on online activity, this potentially indicates an early signal for a substance that could replace etizolam or clonazolam as these drugs are beginning to come under tighter control.
How is Nifoxipam being discussed? Most commenters on Reddit discuss using the drug as a replacement for etizolam or clonazolam. Reported motivations for use have included easier availability, lower perceived legal risk, lower perceived toxicity, and a weaker effect.
Drug Terms: Nifoxipam, Nif’, 3-hydroxydesmethylflunitazepam, DP 370