Nitrazolam is classified as a novel benzodiazepine, although its synthesis and activity have been previously described in the literature. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. Novel benzodiazepines, often pirated from early drug discovery or pharmaceutical studies, have appeared on the novel and illicit drug markets in recent years. These substances have caused adverse events, including deaths, as described in the literature. Nitrazolam is structurally similar to traditional benzodiazepines nitrazepam and alprazolam, Schedule IV substances in the United States, as well as the novel benzodiazepines flunitrazolam and clonazelam.
