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DRUG FACTSHEET : Tranquillisers
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Examples:
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Temazepam (tems, eggs, jellies, norries), Valium, Librium, Ativan, |
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Description:
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Various types of pill or capsule and also a gel in a capsule (temazepam) |
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Routes of use:
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Oral and injection (temazepam gel) |
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History:
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Benzodiazepine are the most commonly prescribed drug. They are used to relieve anxiety (tranquilliser effect) and promote sleep (hypnotic effect). They have gradually replaced barbiturates as the preferred sedative because of their low side effects and safety from overdose. Much of the use of such drugs has been on as long term repeat prescriptions. All benzodiazepines on the streets have been stolen or sold on by people on prescription. They have been used to add to the effects of other depressant drugs such as alcohol or to offset the effects of stimulants such as amphetamine. |
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Effects people
seek:
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Benzodiazepines have a depressive effect on the nervous system in a similar way to alcohol. They relieve tension and anxiety to leave a relaxed state. Higher doses involve loss of inhibition and confidence. They are fast acting and the effects can last for several hours. |
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Other effects:
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The effects of such drugs make risk assessment difficult so can lead to accidents if driving, crossing the road, etc. It is easy to overdose if using another depressant drug at the same time such as alcohol or heroin because it reduces the amount of the drug that it takes to overdose. The injecting of temazepam by addicts led the manufactures to change it from a liquid to a gel but this has not deterred the determined user. The gel can resolidify once it is in the blood vessel causing a blockage (thrombosis) and if this is in an artery it can lead to gangrene. Withdrawal symptoms can occur due to the development of tolerance. These include anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, nausea, and even hallucinations. |
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Dependence
& Tolerance:
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Tolerance develops relatively easily. Dependence can be both physical and psychological. |
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The Law:
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All benzodiazepines are prescription only drugs, they are controlled as class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Apart from temazepam it is legal to possess them with or without a prescription and provided it is in its original form. It is an offence to supply or produce such drugs. |
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