How it affects you
- They relax you and reduces anxiety.
- Your muscles feel less tense.
- They can also help you sleep.
Other names
Nitrazepam, Mogadon, lorazepam, ativan, flurazepam, clonazepam, rohypnol, roofies,temazepam, temazzies, librium, diazepam, valium.
Is it legal?
- Class C, legal if you have a prescription for them.
- Without a prescription, maximum sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
- Supply or production without a licence, maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonmentand a fine.
The risks, signs and symptoms
- You may lose co-ordination, become forgetful and vague.
- You can become tolerant quickly, so after a few weeks the dose stops being effective.
- They can cause sleeplessness and anxiety if you take them for longer than a few weeks.
- They can cause vertigo, hypotension, loss of libido, urinary retention and blood disorders.
- If you’re taking other depressants as well, there’s a higher risk of overdose.
- If you crush and inject tablets, you’re at risk of abscess-blocked veins as well as the usualrisks of intravenous drug use.
How you can reduce the risks
- Many people become psychologically and physically dependent. Withdrawal can be verydangerous causing fits - IT IS POSSIBLE TO DIE FROM BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL.
- The only way to fully reduce the risks from benzodiazepines is to not take them or onlytake them for a short period as directed by your doctor.
- Don’t take them with other drugs.
- Don’t crush and inject them.
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