Tranquilisers

Tranquillisers and the Law

Tranquillisers are controlled under the Medicines Act, which means that they are legal if prescribed by a doctor. However, they also fall under the Misuse of Drugs act 1971 as Class C, Schedule 4 drugs which make them legal to possess but illegal to supply. There are, however, two exceptions. Temazepam and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) are full Class C drugs meaning possession as well as supply or intent to supply is illegal without a doctor’s prescription.

What are tranquillisers?

Tranquillisers are synthetic drugs prescribed by doctors to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Minor tranquillisers may include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), nitrazepam (Mogadon), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and temazepam. Longer-term mental health problems require the use of major tranquilisers.

Tranquillisers are usually swallowed as pills but can be crushed into powder, dissolved and injected.

What are the effects?

Tranquillisers have a calming effect on the user. They are sedatives that slow down reactions and can make you feel tired, drowsy, lethargic, lack co-ordination and become forgetful. Effects begin after about 10 – 15 minutes and can last for anything up to six hours.

Some people take tranquillisers to bring themselves down from stimulants like cocaine or as a replacement for heroin if it is not available.

What are the risks?

Tranquillisers should never be mixed with other drugs. Mixing them with other depressants such as alcohol, heroin or GHB increases the effects and may slow down your central nervous system to a point of unconsciousness or stop you from breathing altogether. You are also at risk of passing out or being unable to resist sexual exploitation if you are taking strong tranquillisers.

You are more prone to accidents as the central nervous system slows down reactions.

If tranquillisers are prescribed to aid the withdrawal from other drugs there is a large risk that you can become addicted to them as tolerance develops. Therefore higher doses are required to create the same effect. Withdrawal from tranquillisers can result in confusion, intense anxiety, irritability, insomnia and headaches. Sudden withdrawal from high doses can cause convulsions or panic attacks.