Tranquillisers.
Class C & Prescription Only Medicine
Brand Names Mogadon, Valium, Normazepam, Ativan, Rohypnol (also see section on Rohypnol)
Street Names - Tranx, M & Ms, Chewies, Jellies
Description
Tranquillisers are depressants, often from a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and anxiety. Tranquillisers come in a wide range of differently coloured tablets and capsules filled with gel or grains. Some forms are also available in ampoules of liquid for injection.
How it is used
Tranquillisers may be swallowed as tablets or capsules. They may also be injected, but injecting the contents of the tablets or capsules is particularly dangerous.
Effects
Tranquillisers induce a calm, relaxed feeling. They also decrease heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. It is easy to misuse tranquillisers and become dependent on them, needing bigger doses for similar effects. Long-term use can cause mood swings, paranoia, depression, chronic tiredness and weight loss.
The Law
The law varies between different tranquillisers. They are all Prescription Only medicines under The Medicines Act 1968, and some are also Class C under The Misuse of Drugs Act. Most are exempt from the prohibition on possession, except Temazepam (Normazepam) and Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
Risk Reduction
Prescribed tranquillisers should be viewed as a short-term treatment, not as a long-term cure.