Tranquillisers and sleeping pills

Other names for of tranquillisers and sleeping pills

Benzodiazepines, benzos, downers.

What are tranquillisers and sleeping pills?

Tranquillisers and sleeping pills are drugs that suppress feelings or pain.

  • They are taken to overcome sleep problems, anxieties and stress.
  • They are available on doctor’s prescription only.

Effects of of tranquillisers and sleeping pills

  • They help you fall asleep or stay asleep.
  • You feel less anxious and tense.
  • They slow you down and relax you.
  • They can make you drowsy and unresponsive.
  • They relax your muscles.
  • There are many types of tranquillisers and sleeping pills. Some have rapid, brief effects.
  • Others have slower but longer-lasting effects.

Risks of tranquillisers and sleeping pills

What are the risks of tranquillisers and sleeping pills?

  • Tranquillisers and sleeping pills can provide temporary relief. They don’t take away the causes of the problems.
  • You may also develop a tolerance, so you’ll need higher doses to get the same effects.
  • The effects of sleeping pills begin to weaken after 2 weeks, and the effects of tranquillisers after 8 weeks.
  • Prescriptions are therefore limited to a maximum of 2 weeks for sleeping pills and 8 weeks for tranquillisers.
  • The unpleasant side-effects include headache, fatigue, dizziness, muscle fatigue, nausea and diarrhoea.
  • Memory functions are also negatively affected.
  • These medicines can make you drowsy and weaken your muscles, increasing your risk of falling.
  • Your reaction speeds slow down.
  • It’s dangerous to drive or cycle.
  • After prolonged use, your emotions become dulled.
  • You can no longer enjoy things.
  • Tranquillisers and sleeping pills are addictive. You frequently feel urges to take more. When you stop taking them, you feel ill.