Basics
How it is taken
What happens
Possible consequences
Risk reduction
Classification

Basics

• Tranquillisers are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK
• Tranquillisers depress the activity of the central nervous system
• Tranquillisers are prescribed to induce sleep or reduce anxiety
• ‘Tranquillisers’ are generally from the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines
• Other drugs that might be prescribed as tranquillisers include (rarely) barbiturates or antihistamines for sleep, or beta-blockers to alleviate anxiety. Sometimes anti-depressants are used to promote sleep in depressed people
• Benzodiazepines are the class of tranquillisers that have the most potential for abuse
• Benzodiazepines are completely synthetic
• Benzodiazepines generally have similar effects, but the length of time for which the drug is active on the body can vary considerably
• Benzodiazepines are sometimes known by the brand name of a popular formulation. Well-known products include:

  Brand (generic name)

  1. Valium (diazepam)
  2. Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
  3. Ativan (lorazepam)
  4. Normison (Temazepam)

• Over 250,000 people in this country have regular prescriptions for these drugs.

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How it is taken

• As a tablet, tranquillisers are usually taken orally
• Some users inject tablets.The tablet is crushed and dissolved, before being injected.

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What happens

• Effects begin after 15-40 minutes and last up to 6 hours
• Tranquillisers are used to treat anxiety or insomnia
• Benzodiazepines reduce feelings of agitation and restlessness, slow mental activity and produce drowsiness. They also have a relaxing effect on the muscles
• The use of any other central nervous system depressant, will increase the sedative effects of a benzodiazepine. This includes alcohol.

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Possible consequences

• Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness
• Benzodiazepines are usually only be prescribed for a few weeks to reduce anxiety or to aid sleep. The brain quickly becomes tolerant to their effects and they are usually only effective for a few weeks at a time
• Tolerance develops quite quickly. People who take them regularly can easily become psychologically and physically dependent on them
• For people who take benzodiazepines for longer periods, withdrawal is normally managed gradually, under medical supervision
• Withdrawal effects can include sickness, headaches, excessive anxiety and sometimes convulsions
• By themselves, benzodiazepines are unlikely to be fatal in overdose. Large doses of tranquillisers taken in the presence of other sedatives (for example alcohol) can be dangerous.

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Risk reduction

The following guidance may help users to reduce risks associated with the use of tranquillisers:

• Only use on a short-term basis (up to two weeks) and under medical supervision
• Avoid using with alcohol or any other sedative substances
• Never attempt sudden withdrawal from dependent use
• Withdrawal should be gradual, under medical supervision
• Avoid repeat prescriptions.

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Classification

• Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, benzodiazepines are a Class C Drug, Schedule 3 drug.
• Tranquillisers are a Class C drug. It is not illegal to possess them without a prescription; but it is illegal to supply them or sell them to others.

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