Etifoxine (INN; also known as etafenoxine; trade name Stresam) is an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drug developed by Hoechst in the 1960s. It is sold in approximately 40 countries for anxiety disorders, without the sedation and ataxia associated with benzodiazepine drugs. It has similar anxiolytic effects to benzodiazepine drugs, but is structurally distinct, although it has structural elements in common with them. Studies suggest is as effective as lorazepam as an anxiolytic, but has fewer side effects. Etifoxine is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency.