Tranquillisers

Temazepam (tems, eggs, jellies, norries), Benzodizepines, Valium, Librium, Ativan, Diazepam

Various types of pill or capsule and also a gel filed capsule (temazepam)

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.

The effects of tranquillisers make risk assessment difficult, it 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 re solidify 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. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes last for weeks or even months and the symptoms vary from one person to another and include anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, nausea, and even hallucinations.

Tolerance develops relatively easily. Dependence can be both physical and psychological.