Drugs Information: Benzodiazepines

Substance: Benzodiazepines

Category: Depressant

Legal Status
Prescription only medicines

Short-term effects
Relief from anxiety and tension is achieved with less drowsiness and lack of co-ordination than with alcohol or barbiturates. On their own, enormous doses would be required to cause overdose death. Pleasurable feelings with diazepam but not usually with other benzodiazepines.

Long Term effects
Sometimes chronic sedation and lethargy and after high doses chronic intoxication. Physical dependence can occur after long-term use. Withdrawal syndrome commonly includes anxiety, restlessness and tremor, but is usually much less severe than barbiturates.

Scientific / Trade or Slang Name
Various prescribed drugs inc. Valium, Mogadon and Librium, Jellies, Lorazepam.

Method of use
Swallowed as tablets, may be injected from tablets or capsules.

NOTE:
The effect upon the individual of any drug may vary, depending on factors such as the expectations of the user, mood, amount used, the setting, tolerance, and whether it is mixed with other drugs, which can be fatal. Some of the drugs above are synthetic drugs which are produced in unregulated laboratories. As such they are rarely pure and are often altered with a range of toxic and other dangerous agents.