Benzodiazepines

How it is taken?

Benzodiazepines are a group of prescribed drugs with sedative and relaxant properties. They are normally prescribed to people who have difficulty sleeping, or occasionally to reduce anxiety. They are usually taken orally as tablets or gel-filled capsules (temazepam) and occasionally as a liquid for injection (valium).

What happens?

If you have a normal dose of any benzodiazepine you may feel less anxious and start to feel relaxed and sleepy. At higher doses the effects are similar to alcohol - you may feel less inhibited towards other people. Your behaviour may be exaggerated (people who are using them are often very talkative or over-excited, sometimes even hostile or aggressive) and judgement is impaired. You may have a false sense of confidence, or even believe you are invincible or invisible.

Physical changes

Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed to help people sleep or relax, and the main physical effects of the drug are as a muscle relaxant. The other effects described above are experienced if you take the drug and stay awake. If you use benzodiazepines regularly you can become dependent - withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors andsometimes even hallucinations. These symptoms can persist for weeks after stopping use of the drug. Abrupt withdrawal from high doses can cause convulsions and fits, and should never be attempted without medical supervision.

Keeping safe

The effects of downers like temazepam make it more difficult to judge and assess situations than normal. Because of this, if you use the drug you are more vulnerable to accidents (for example when crossing a busy road). You can overdose on temazepam (causing loss of consciousness), especially if you are using another depressant drug like alcohol or heroin. If you vomit while you are unconscious, you may choke - avoid using this drug on your own if you can. As with any drug that reduces inhibitions, benzodiazepines may make you more likely to have unprotected sex, exposing yourself to STIs. Temazepam is a drug that should not be injected - the gel in the capsules can resolidify after injection, leading to thrombosis (a blood clot) and collapsed veins; if you hit an artery by mistake, the blockage can cause gangrene, possibly leading to amputation of a hand, a foot, even an arm or a leg. If you do inject and are with other people, the effects of the drug could make you careless or forgetful - mixing used and clean needles and syringes increases the risk of exposing yourself to infections like Hepatitis B or C, or HIV.

For a legal alternative to recreational drugs, try some of our Herbal Stimulants, all of which give you the same high but with none of the side-effects.

This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations

Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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