Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a group of prescription drugs used to treat anxiety and depression

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a group of prescription drugs used to treat anxiety and depression.

There are many different types of benzos. They range from short, medium and long-lasting.

They are commonly known as:

Benzos
Xanax
Tranex
Sticks
Street tablets
Xan
Up John
D5’s
D 10’s

 

New Benzodiazepines

New benzos are usually bought from a dealer or online without a prescription. They can appear in 'fake' medication without a person knowing. 

New benzos can be newly developed substances that are often more risky, or benzos that were developed many years ago but not used medically.

While they are 'fake', they can come in a packet that looks genuine. You could be sold a newer more potent benzodiazepine without knowing.

They are sometimes called:

novel substances
designer substance
new psychoactive substances

Risks of buying benzos without a prescription

There are a number of risks if you buy benzos from a dealer or online.

Potency

They can contain new and risky combinations of substances. They can also be more potent at lower doses. This means there is a greater risk of overdose.

Tablets can state a brand name or dose, but you still don't know what is in them or how strong they are.

Mixed tablets

Tablets could contain the ingredient you want (Xanax, valium) as well as other substances. Some tablets contain a number of substances.

Reactions

You can’t be sure how you will react. You could have an adverse mental health reaction and episode of disinhibited behaviour.

If you have an existing mental health issue, you could be at greater risk. You could also feel suicidal after taking them.

Avoid using them to cope with difficult situations or if you have mental health concerns. Talk to your GP or another health professional.

Overdose risks

You can overdose if:

you take too much too soon
you take more benzos or other drugs on top of what you have taken
the tablet contains a high dose without you knowing
the tablet is pressed to contain a number of substances in one tablet

Signs of an overdose

Signs of a benzo overdose include:

blue or pale hands and lips
nausea
vomiting
difficulty breathing
confusion
limp body
slow pulse
being unresponsive but awake
fitting or unconsciousness

In case of emergency:

If in doubt, get help. Do not ignore someone if they are not well.
Call 999 or 112 immediately.
If they are unconscious, put them in the recovery position.
Do not leave the person alone, stay with them until help comes.
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, other drugs or to try induce vomiting.

Naloxone

Naloxone will not reverse a benzo overdose.

Use Naloxone if you think the person has taken an opioid (methadone, heroin, tramadol, oxycodone). Speak to your local drug service about getting naloxone.

Tolerance, dependency and withdrawal

Tolerance to benzos develops quickly. This can lead to people using more. This increases the risk of dependency and overdose.

It is dangerous to suddenly stop using benzos if you have been taking them regularly. Get medical support. Do not suddenly stop using them with support as withdrawal can be unpredictable.

Get support

Talk to your GP
Find a local drug and alcohol service here
Call the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459
Mental health support here

1. New HSE poster on new benzodiazepines in Ireland 

2. Learn about Etizolam here

3. HSE update dated August 2020 for professionals about new benzodiazepines

4. HSE Feature: The Changing Nature of the Benzodiazepine Market 

5. Information for professionals dates August 2020

6. HPRA 'Dangers of buying prescription medication online'