What Are Tranquillisers
There are various chemical names for tranquillisers these names include: Diazepam, Temazepam (mazzies), Nitrazepam, Flunitrazepam and Rohypnol. These drugs are members of the Benzodiazepines family of drugs.
The trade names for these drugs include: Valium, Librium, Ativan, Mogadon (moggies). Tranquillisres are prescribed by GP’s as a short term treatment for anxiety, depression and sleeping disorders. Unfortunately these drugs are used by some people to counter the effects of stimulant drugs, or are taken in combination when users are unable to obtain alcohol or Heroin.
Whilst it is not against the law to possess these types of drugs without a prescription (except in the case of Temazepam) supply is against the law and class C penalties apply see The Law.
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed of these drugs, which include the well known Valium and Temazepam. About 1 in 7 British adults take them at some time during a course of a year, and about 1 in 10 take them throughout the year. Because they are seen to be much safer they have come to replace barbiturates for most medical purposes. These drugs are usually swallowed, although some users do inject, but this is usually only with Temazepam.
To inject users usually crush the tablets and mix them with water, this is very dangerous if all the tablet has not dissolve and ends up in the blood stream.
In 1960 the Swiss multinational drugs company Hoffman-La Roche released Librium onto the market. This was supposed to pacify people and set them free from anxiety. This and many other similar drugs were released in following years and were dished out left, right and centre by doctors. With so many tranquillisers available it wasn’t long before they reached the street where they were taken with other substances (such as alcohol) for an increased effect or injected.
In 1988 due to pressure from both the medical profession and the public, tranquillisers were controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act for the first time. Recently there has been an increasing trend to inject tranquillisers, Temazepam being especially popular in some areas of Scotland. Although the pills were reformulated to jelly like capsules to try and stop injectors, this did little to change the habit, and only caused injectors to injure themselves more. However, the pills are now being changed again to try and prevent this damage.
Effects And Risks Of Taking Tranquillisers
Effects of Taking Tranquillisers:
- Relief of anxiety or tension.
- Sense of relaxation.
- Sense of well-being.
- Impairment of memory.
Risks of Taking Tranquillisers:
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite.
- Decreased motivation.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Vivid or disturbing dreams.
- Skin rash.
- Impaired sexual functioning.
Are Tranquillisers Addictive
Tranquilliser tolerance develops when being used for medical and non-medical use. Research has suggested that withdrawal occurs even with medically prescribed doses, although they are not as serious as with Barbiturates. The effects of withdrawal can be unpleasant and long-lasting. They can include inability to sleep, anxiety, nausea and sometimes convulsions and mental confusion (usually after particularly high doses).
Psychological dependence is common in long-term users and a life without the drug may seem very daunting. People are sometimes confused, irritable and anxious and unable to carry on with their normal routine after discontinuing the drug.