Etifoxine hydrochloride (HOE 36-801 hydrochloride) is an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drug. Unlike benzodiazepines, Etifoxine hydrochloride appears to produce its anxiolytic effects by binding to β2 and β3 subunits of the GABAA receptor complex, and so is acting at a different target site to benzodiazepines, although the physiological effect that is produced is similar to that of benzodiazepines.

Etifoxine preferentially acts on β2 or β3 subunit-containing GABAA receptors. GABAA receptor Etifoxine exhibits anxiolytic activity in rodents and humans with no sedative, myorelaxant or mnesic side effects. Etifoxine acts as a ligand of the translocator protein (TSPO); promotes axonal regeneration. Etifoxine(HOE 36-801) is potentiator of GABAA receptor function in cultured neurons.