Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines

Benzylpiperazine Hydrochloride (CAS 5321-63-1)

Street name

Benzos, Blues, Downers, Eggs, Jellies, Mazzies, Moggies, Rohypnol, Roofies, Rugby balls, Vallies

General Info

These are the most commonly prescribed minor tranquilisers known as anxiolytics (for daytime anxiety relief) and hypnotics (to promote sleep) which depress the central nervous system acting as a sedative and anticonvulsant. Some familiar benzodiazepines: Diazepam (Valium), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Medazepam (Nobrium), Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), Oxazepam (Oxazepam), Temazepam (Normison), Flurazepam (Dalmane), Nitrazepam (Mogadon). There are many more in this class of drugs. They are prescription drugs only. When administered for medical purposes they are used to treat restlessness, depression, tension and anxiety; to induce sleep; as a muscle relaxant or as a pre-surgery sedative. They are also prescribed as an anti-convulsant drug, for psychiatric disorders and to aid Alcohol withdrawal. They can be taken orally or injected.

Effects

Users feel relaxed and experience a reduction in anxiety and euphoria.
It can also cause drowsiness, light-headedness, loss of coordination and confusion.
Effects begin after 15-20 minutes and can last up to 6 hours

Risks

Users can quickly develop a tolerance to the drug so increased amounts are necessary to achieve the same effect
Users fell drowsy which makes them more prone to accidents
There is a potential for overdose if combined with Alcohol
Rohypnol has been used to spike drinks with the intention of making the victim very drowsy or unconscious and unable to prevent a sexual assault. Known as the ‘date rape’ drug
Dependence can develop quickly. Those dependant on Benzodiazepines suffer severe withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop. It can cause panic attacks, severe anxiety or even agoraphobia.

Class

Class C