Benzodiazepines: what are they?
Benzodiazepines (pronounced BEN-ZOH-DIE-AZ-A-PINS) are depressant drugs. Benzodiazepines, also known as ‘minor tranquillisers’, are prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and anxiety and to help people sleep. Some people use benzodiazepines illegally, to become intoxicated.
Like other depressants, benzodiazepines work by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system. In the short term, they can help with relaxation, calmness and relief from tension and anxiety. But they do not solve the problem that caused the anxiety in the first place and they can have a range of unwanted side effects.
What do they look like?
Benzodiazepines usually come in the form of tablets and capsules, in a range of colours and designs. They are generally stamped with their name and milligram quantity.
How are they used?
Medical uses
Benzodiazepines are prescribed as sedatives/hypnotics (to induce sleep) or anxiolytics (to relieve anxiety). They vary in how quickly they work and how long they last. They are also used to treat epilepsy, to relax muscles, to help people withdraw from alcohol, or as an anaesthetic before surgery.
Non-medical uses
Some people use benzodiazepines illegally to become intoxicated. They may use them when they can't get heroin, when they are trying to get off heroin or to increase the effects of heroin. People who use stimulant drugs such as amphetamines (speed) or MDMA (ecstasy) may use benzodiazepines to help when they are ‘coming down’ from a ‘high’, and to help them sleep.
Chemical and brand names
Benzodiazepines are known by their chemical (generic) names and their brand/trade names. In each case, these are exactly the same drug, usually made by different companies. There are over 24 different prescribed benzodiazepines, including the following.
| Benzodiazepines | |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Brand names |
| Diazepam | Valium, Ducene |
| Oxazepam | Alepam, Murelax, Serepax |
| Nitrazepam | Alodorm, Mogadon |
| Temazepam | Normison, Temaze |
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
