National Drugs Helpline 0800 77 66 00
Tranquillisers
Tranquillisers are a Class C drug and only available on prescription.
What does it look like?
Tranquillisers can come as tablets, capsules, suppositories, liquid or gel.
How is it taken?
Can be swallowed or injected.
What effects does it have?
When taken:
Tranquillisers slow down your reactions and make you feel drowsy. They also relieve anxiety and tension. The effects are similar to alcohol and create a relaxing, calming effect. They can cause you to be forgetful and feel lethargic. These feelings can last up to 6 hours.
Longer term:
Long-term use builds up dependence and tolerance to the drug. The sedative effect would be reduced greatly.
Taking tranquillisers with other drugs could result in overdose, especially with alcohol.
Withdrawal can be difficult. You may feel irritable or nauseous, and experience anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations, shaking, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, aches and pains, loss of appetite and clumsiness. The effects could last for days or weeks.
If tranquillisers have been used for longer than two
weeks, you are likely to become dependent on them.
The best course
of action
would
be to see
a doctor
to reduce the dose until you no longer need to take
them. Sudden withdrawal could cause convulsions and
confusion.