Medicinal brand names
There are about 30 different types. Most common are temazepam, nitrazepam, diazepam (Valium), oxazepam, clonazepam and alprazolam. Also known as benzos, tranx, sleepers, sleeping pills, downers, pills, xannies, serras, moggies
What are benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a group of depressant drugs, which doctors usually prescribe for the treatment of stress, anxiety or insomnia. They can also be prescribed for alcohol withdrawal. It is easy to become dependent on these drugs, especially if taken daily for more than two weeks.
Benzodiazepines come in tablet or capsule form and are usually swallowed. It can also come in liquid form. However, some people crush the tablets for smoking or snorting, or dissolving in a solution for injecting.
Side-effects of benzodiazepines
Effects depend on the person (age, weight, size, health and tolerance), as well as the duration, the amount taken, how it is taken and if it is used with other drugs, including alcohol. Effects can be felt 30 minutes to one hour after taking, and wear off between 3 to 4 hours.
Short-term effects, desired or undesired, may include…
Long-term effects may include…
Effects from overdosing: very slow breathing, trouble breathing, blurred or double vision, slow heartbeat, cold clammy skin, lips may appear blue, unconscious, death. Chances of overdose are higher if taken with other depressant drugs such as alcohol or opiates such as heroin.
If a person is experiencing an overdose or is unresponsive call 000 for an ambulance. If unconscious, put them in the recovery position. If not breathing, start CPR. Paramedics won’t involve police unless the person is a danger to themselves or others.
How long do benzodiazepines stay in your system?
It depends on the type – they can be short or long acting. Generally, it can be detected 1 to 10 days in urine or longer, 2 days in saliva, 1 to 2 days in blood, and 90 days in hair.
Before: get a prescription from the doctor and follow medical advice. Try not to take it for more than 4 weeks. Check with your GP or pharmacist before using other medicines with it, or let your GP know if experiencing negative effects. If taking it for non-medicinal use, take a friend with you and tell them what you are taking and plan how you are getting home (to avoid driving under the influence).
During: only take the prescribed dose or if using without a prescription, take a low dose and wait to see effects before taking a bit more, don’t take too much, too often.
Avoid: mixing benzodiazepines with other drugs, including alcohol, exceeding your maximum daily dose, sharing your medication with others, continuing use while experiencing negative effects, stopping taking them suddenly, injecting (can badly damage veins or cause clotting).
It may be a problem if you agree with any of these statements:
It is illegal to use or possess benzodiazepines without a prescription from a doctor, or to sell or give benzodiazepines to someone else for recreational use. In Queensland, it is illegal to possess needles or syringes if they are not disposed of safely and therefore pose a risk to others.
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