What it is

Benzodiazepines work as a central nervous system depressant. They have anxiolytic (anxiety relieving) and hypnotic/sedative (sleep inducing) properties. Physicians may also prescribe them as muscle relaxants, or to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders, alcohol withdrawal, panic, and sleeping disorders. Benzodiazepines are prescribed with caution and never patients with personality disorders or a history of substance abuse.

Benzodiazepines have been in wide clinical use throughout the world since the 1960s and are among the most widely used prescribed drugs in the western world. They are used by both men and women of all ages. There are 54 types of benzodiazepines and eight are commonly prescribed in New Zealand.

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed in tablet or capsule form and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Upon administration the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated through the body. The drugs take effect after 30 minutes, with lasting effects depending on dosage, type of benzodiazepines used, condition being treated, and the presence of other drugs.

Common brand names include: Xanax, Rohyphnol, Valium, Imovane, Frisium and Noctamid. The chemical name listed under these brand names most commonly end in ('pam').

Non-medical use of benzodiazepines has become a worldwide concern in the past two decades. Users take benzodiazepine to induce a state of intoxication or euphoria or as a substitute/enhancer to the effects of opiates. They are also used to help counteract the negative effects of other drugs; to help with 'coming down' from a 'high', and to help induce sleep.

Slang
Benzos, Tranxs, Downers, Sleepers