Benzodiazepines
Tranquillisers, sleeping tablets, tranx, benzo's, eggs, sleepers, vallies, temazzies, downers.
Scientific Names
Some familiar benzodiazepines: Diazepam (valium), Chlordiazepoxide (librium), Lorazepam (ativan), Medazepam (nobrium), Flunitrazepam (rohypnol), Oxazepam (oxazepam), Temazepam (normison), Flurazepam (dalmane), Nitrazepam (mogadon), Xanax (Alprazolam). There are many more in this class of drugs.
Generic Name
Minor tranquilisers
Effects Of Benzodiazepines
Desired Effects:
Relaxation, reduced anxiety, euphoria.
Side-Effects:
Drowsiness, light-headedness, loss of coordination, confusion.
Risks
Short-term:
Tolerance, accidents, potential for Overdose if combined with Alcohol. Rohypnol has been implicated in a number of drug-assisted rape cases where the drug has been supplied into someone's drink without them knowing.
Long-term:
Dependence, severe Withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped, Agoraphobia, panic attacks, severe anxiety.
Reducing Harm
Please view our Reducing Harm page for more information.
How do Benzodiazepines work?
Central nervous system Depressant, Sedative, anticonvulsant.
Legal status of Benzodiazepines
Class C under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
How Are Benzodiazepines Taken?
Orally, injected.
Paraphernalia
If Tablets are crushed and injected: Needles & Syringes, water, matches or lighter, spoon, Tourniquet.
Medical uses of Benzodiazepines
To treat restlessness, depression, tension and anxiety; to induce sleep; as a muscle relaxant; as a pre-surgery Sedative, as an anti-convulsant drug, psychiatric disorders and Withdrawal from Alcohol.
Where do they come from?
Diverted from manufacturers, pharmacies and GPs prescriptions.
Helping services
Benzodiazepines are highly physically addictive drugs. Withdrawal symptoms may be very severe, even life threatening, if use is just stopped. It is very important that any Benzodiazepine is reduced gradually using a reduction programme. GPs might be the first port of call for someone wanting to reduce or come off these drugs and a GP can prescribe a reduction scheme to gradually wean off. A GP may also refer to a community drug service or ‘street agency’ to provide additional support in the way of information and advice, counselling, and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support.
Parents & other relatives
Many drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents, family members and partners of people using drugs. They may provide relative support groups or advice, guidance and counselling on a one to one basis.
You can view a list of National Tranqilliser Agencies.
If you would like to talk about Benzodiazepines problems then please call the DAN 24/7 Helpline on:
