Tranquillisers:
What are Tranquillisers?
Tranquillisers (or ‘ minor tranquillisers ’) are medicines that relieve mild anxiety and promote sleep in the short term for those suffering from severe insomnia. They include barbiturates (little used now) and benzodiazepines. Other so-called ‘ major tranquillisers ’ are used for psychiatric disorders.
- Benzodiazepines or ‘ benzos ’ include diazepam (valium). Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepan , flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and nitrazepam (Mogadon). These names are still in common use although the drugs can no longer be prescribed on the NHS. Street names include: benzos, vallies, eggs, norries, Jellies, rugby balls, moggies, mazzies, roofies and downers. They are sometimes used to counter the effects of other drugs.
- Benzodiazepines are principally available as tablets and capsules. Some users dissolve and inject them, which is particularly dangerous
- Because of the potential for physical and psychological dependence, all doctors have been advised that benzodiazepines are only indicated for the short-term (two to four weeks) relief of anxiety that is severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to unacceptable distress, and that they are inappropriate and unsuitable to treat short-term ‘ mild ’ anxiety. They may also be used to treat insomnia when it seems severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to extreme distress
- Some of the benzodiazepines, particularly Rohpnol, have been linked with cases of ‘ date rape ’
- Benzodiazepines are themselves sometimes used in the management of withdrawal symptoms of other drugs.
The law
- Unauthorised possession (e.g. without a prescription) of benzodiazepines, including diazepam and Rhoypnol, became an offence on 1st February 2002
- Possession: maximum two years prison and/or a fine
- Supply: Class C penalties, i.e. maximum five years prison and/or fine.
History
- Benzodiazepines such as temazepam have been widely misused, particularly, for example, by heroin users in Scotland
- Severe problems with the injection and misuse of gel-filled tamazepam capsules led to their removal from the NHS.
Effects
- Depending on the benzodiazepine, the quantity taken and the route of administration: drowsiness, lethargy, reduced reaction time and co-ordination; reduced anxiety and tension; and general flattening of emotions
- Despite being calming drugs, paradoxically benzodiazepines can cause hostility and aggression. The effects of alcohol is increased if taken with benzodiazepines and intoxication can occur easily, and this is also associated with aggression
Purity
- Most tranquillisers that are sold are Acquired on prescription or taken from pharmacy’s or hospitals .
Risks
- Highly addictive.
- Benzodiazepines are short-acting and withdrawal symptoms can develop quickly in those who are dependant
- Benzodiazepines have relatively low toxicity, but the drowsiness they cause can lead to accidents and can effect the ability to drive safely
- Injecting benzodiazepines carries risks of infection and is associated with the risks of HIV and hepatitis infections if equipment is shared
- Injecting the gel from temazepam causes loss of limbs or death
- Overdoses may cause marked drowsiness and loss of co-ordination, and sometimes short-lived reduced consciousness and in extreme cases death. This is more dangerous in combination with alcohol and other drugs.
Dependence and treatment
treatment tends to fall into two categories:
- Those who are dependant only on medically prescribed tranquillisers will be advised to cut down gradually and referred for counselling or to self-help groups
- Those who misuse tranquillisers obtained illicitly may receive any of the treatments associated with there other drug use
- Patients using benzodiazepines for long periods experience a range of withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop that can occur for many weeks
- Long-term users should not stop suddenly because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms and the risk of convulsions
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