Tranquillisers

Minor Tranquillisers

What are Minor Tranquillisers?

Minor tranquillisers are medication which can help people to calm down or sleep. They can also be used in the treatment of epilepsy. The most commonly prescribed group of minor tranquillisers are benzodiazepines or benzos.
There are many different types of benzos. Some may have a different brand name, but are in fact, exactly the same. The different names in each group are the same drug.

Brand Name	Drug Name
Valium Ducene Antenex Propam	Diazepam
Serapax Alepam Benzotran Murelax	Oxazepam
Mogadon Alodorm Dormicum	Nitrazepam
Euhypnos Normison	Temazepam
Ativan	Lorazepam
Rohypnol Hypnodorm	Flunitrazepam
Rivotril	Clonazerpam
Kalma Ralozam Xanax	Alprazolam

Are they safe?

Minor tranquillisers can be safe and useful if used for short periods with instructions from the doctor. If used for long periods, they can cause bad side effects like:
• constant tiredness • drowsiness
• muscle weakness • unsteady walk
• constipation • loss of memory
• confusion • headache
• dry mouth • nausea
• skin rash • blurred vision
• dizziness • tremor
• depression

Because everyone reacts differently. it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of these side effects. It is important to stick to the exact dose the doctor gives. Using minor tranquillisers for a long time can lead to addiction.

Will they help me to sleep?

Minor tranquillisers may help you sleep in a time of crisis. However, if you take tranquillisers every time you can’t sleep, or for a long time, they can cause serious problems like drowsiness in the daytime, nightmares or worse sleeping problems than you had before.

Coping and Minor Tranquillisers

Some people take minor tranquillisers to help them cope with their problems. They can make you feel better if you take them for a short time, but they won’t make your problems go away. Taking minor tranquillisers may make you less able to deal with your problems in the long run. Although they may stop you feeling stressed, they can also stop you enjoying the good things in life. Before taking minor tranquillisers, why not consider some alternatives?

What are the alternatives to Minor Tranquillisers?

Minor tranquillisers, like alcohol, can’t solve problems. Therefore, it makes sense to think about other ways of coping. Learning relaxation techniques and enjoying regular exercise may be helpful. Talk through your problems with an appropriate person - a friend, family member, doctor or counselor. Contact your
local Community Health Centre for details of support groups and other resources

Who should prescribe Minor Tranquillisers?

Minor tranquillisers must be prescribed by a doctor. Everyone reacts differently to minor tranquillisers and it is important that you never give minor tranquillisers to or take them from anyone, even a family member, friend or neighbour. There are many types of minor tranquillisers and your doctor is the only one able to prescribe the correct medication for you.

Can I still drink alcohol?

Minor tranquillisers and alcohol are a dangerous mix - death or serious poisoning may occur. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the effects of combining tranquillisers with alcohol and other drugs.

What about pregnancy?

Minor tranquillisers can affect the growth and development of an unborn baby if taken when the mother is pregnant. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or intending to breast feed.

What if I want to stop taking Minor Tranquillisers?

If you no longer want to take minor tranquillisers, you must seek medical advice.
About one in every four people who stop taking minor tranquillisers experience some of the following - panic attacks, disturbed sleep, nightmares, nervousness, aches and pains, dizziness, or confusion. Stopping gradually is the best way. just as your body gradually got used to the drug, it has to gradually learn to do without it.

REMEMBER:

• When you are prescribed any minor tranquillisers, always ask your doctor WHY and for HOW LONG they are to be taken.

• Ask about the possible side effects and withdrawal effects. These need
not put you off using these medications, as they are very effective when used correctly. Tell your doctor if you feel any side effects.

• Ask about alternative short and long term treatments. Treatment without drugs means you
need to properly follow all advice given.

• If you agree to take the medication, follow instructions carefully. If you increase or decrease the dosage, you could become addicted or reduce the drug’s effectiveness. If you are not sure how much medicine to take, ask your pharmacist.

• Don’t stop the medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to do so. Check with your doctor about how long you should take the medication. Tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms after stopping the medication.