Tranquillisers
Slang
Downers, tranx, vallies, jellies, benzos, eggs, tems, various product names (e.g. Temazepam, Valium, Ativan, Librium, Amytal, Seconal).
Description
Tranquillisers are manufactured drugs produced to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia. Meant to be prescribed by a doctor, they're designed to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, relaxation and sleep. Taken orally in tablet form, but sometimes injected.
There are hundreds of different tranquillisers around but most common are the Benzodiazepines. Benzos, as they're sometimes called, come in over 50 different forms. Some people use them to come down off acid, speed or ecstasy.
Paraphernalia / what to look out for
- Pharmaceutical tablets and capsules.
Possible short-term indicators
- Bring a feeling of calm, lowered inhibitions and less concern about problems.
- May include a drop in heart rate and breathing, flushes, slurred speech, blurred vision.
- Mental activity is decreased; memory will not be as good.
- Tolerance develops - after up to two weeks' continuous use Benzodiazapines may become ineffective as sleeping pills, and after four months, ineffective against anxiety.
Possible longer-term indicators
- Physical dependence can occur.
- Psychological dependence and distress upon withdrawal is common.
- Headaches, nausea, inactivity, poor sexual functioning, increased appetite and accompanying weight gain and aches and pains.
- Panic attacks are not uncommon.
Harm reduction
- Aim to take them for more no more than a few weeks.
- If taken for too long they become ineffective but dependence develops.
Legal status
It is not illegal to possess them in medicinal form without a prescription (except Temazepam).
Benzodiazepines are controlled under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act, making it illegal to supply them.