Drug Info

Benzodiazepines

What is it?

Depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures. Available in prescription pills, syrup and injectable preparation. Prescribed as Valium®, Xanax®, Restoril®, Ativan®, Klonopin®.

Street Names

Benzos, Downers, Nerve Pills, Tranks

How it is Taken

Orally or crushed and snorted

How does it affect the body?

Calming, euphoria
Vivid or disturbing dreams
Amnesia, hostility, irritability
Overdose may be fatal. Signs: shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma

FACT SHEET: Read more about benzodiazepines (pdf)