Tranquillizers

Page contents

• Other Names
• How's it taken?
• Effects
• Legal Status

Related links

• Government drugs website

Summary

• Tablets or capsules prescribed by doctors as a short-term treatment foranxiety and sleep problems
• Most of these substances are a benzodiazepine type of drug

Other names include

• Trade names include: valium, ativan, mogadon ('moggies'), Librium,rohypnol, normison, benzos
• Chemical names include: diazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam, chlordiazepoxide,flunitrazepam, temazepam ('mazzies')

How is it taken?

• They are designed to be swallowed
• Some misusers crush tablets or the contents of capsules and inject them - such misuse is dangerous and can cause death

Effects

• Tranquillisers calm users and slow them down mentally
• They can relieve tension and anxiety but in long-term use can make anxiety and depression worse
• High doses can make users drowsy and forgetful
• They are misused by some people to counter the effects of stimulant drugs or to cope with withdrawal from alcohol or opiates
• They slow down reactions, making accidents more likely
• Some tranquillisers cause a temporary loss of short-term memory
• They are extremely dangerous if mixed with alcohol
• Tolerance can develop in only 3 weeks of regular use. Users can become dependent, especially if they rely on the drug to calm them or help Them to sleep
• Users who try to quit may suffer from panic attacks, anxiety and seizures (fits)
• Injecting crushed tablets or the contents of capsules is very dangerous and can be lethal

Legal status

• Tranquillisers can be supplied legally by a pharmacist to someone with a doctor's prescription
• Possession of any benzodiazepine is illegal without a prescription and Class C penalties apply.
• Possession - 2 years' prison and/or a fine
• Possession with intent to supply, or supply - 5 years' prison and/or a fine