Benzodiazepines

Downers
Temazzies
Vallies
Sleepers
Eggs
Benzo's
Tranx
Sleeping Tablets
Tranquillisers
Alprazolam
Xanax
Lorazepam
Medazepam
Flurazepam
Flunitrazepam
Mogadon
Dalmane
Nobrium
Librium
Normison
Ativan
Nitrazepam (Mogadon)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Oxazepam
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
Medazepam (Nobrium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Diazepam (Valium)

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 Names: Enwau Generig: Minor tranquilisers

An example of what Benzodiazepines looks like

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Tablets, capsules.

Effects of Benzodiazepines

Desired Effects:

Relaxation, reduced anxiety, euphoria.

Side Effects:

Drowsiness, light-headedness, loss of coordination, confusion.

Harm Reduction

Short term risks

Tolerance, accidents, potential for overdose if combined with alcohol.

Desired risks

Relaxation, reduced anxiety, euphoria.

Long term risks

Dependence, withdrawal symptoms , agoraphobia, panic attacks, severe anxiety.

Risks

Long term risks:

Dependence, severe withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped, agoraphobia, panic attacks, severe anxiety.

Short term risks:

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.

How does Benzodiazepines work?

Central nervous system depressant, sedative, anticonvulsant.

Legal status of Benzodiazepines

Class C under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

How is 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 Does it 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.