Nimetazepam belongs to a group of medications known as benzodiazepines, which generally work specifically on the central nervous system. As the drug’s primary course of action concerns the central nervous system, positive and negative effects typically involve cognition, mood, wakefulness and physical function. This particular intermediate-acting medication has a worldwide reputation for abuse. A heavily controlled substance and legally prohibited in many countries, the medication is sometimes available by prescription.
Health care professionals believe nimetazepam potentiates the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). The general purpose of this chemical involves slowing neural transmissions traveling from one nerve to another throughout the body. Nimetazepam collaborates with GABA and increases this effect. The decreased impulses in the brain result in symptoms of sedation, and some physicians prescribe nimetazepam as a hypnotic drug. The calming effects of the medication also typically provide mood-altering capabilities, making it viable as an anti-anxiety or anxiolytic preparation.
Seizures generally occur because of rapid misfiring neurotransmissions in the brain, and the relaxing effects of nimetazepam can act as an anticonvulsant. Inhibiting normal nerve impulses throughout the body, the medication also acts as a muscle relaxant, and this response might affect skeletal muscles or various body organs. Besides becoming physically uncoordinated, people might experience abdominal discomfort and constipation or respiratory depression. The overall calming tendencies of benzodiazepines allow physicians to use the medication to counteract the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Adverse effects vary from person to person and with the amount of the medication consumed.
Undesirable symptoms associated with nimetazepam include confusion, dizziness, and impaired speech and vision. The medication also produces slowed mental and physical responses along with euphoria, which makes the drug popular for abuse. The drug’s mood altering capabilities may cause mood swings or aggressive or violent behavior in some people or in those taking higher dosages. Some persons might experience depression or engage in activities dangerous to themselves or others. Long-term use and sudden cessation often produces severe withdrawal symptoms.
Largely due to the medication’s effect on the central nervous system, nimetazepam became a favorite recreational drug. The attraction is thought to have occurred because illicit drug users believed the medication produced stronger psychological effects. Nimetazepam’s popularity grew as these desired effects were accompanied with fewer of the hangover symptoms commonly associated with other street drugs. In addition to limited prescription availability in China and Japan, underground marketing occurs from these locations to various Asian countries.