Benzodiazepines: Keep yourself safer

If you or someone you know is worried about benzodiazepines, we’re here to help.

This page will tell you about benzodiazepines, their side effects and risks, and how to stay safer while taking them. 

Understand benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (also known as benzos) are a group of sedative drugs. They can make you feel calm, relaxed and sleepy, but they can also make you confused and drowsy.

You can be prescribed benzodiazepines by a doctor to treat things like anxiety and insomnia. Sometimes they’re prescribed to help with seizures.

There are many types of benzodiazepines and they’re known by different names. The most used benzodiazepine in the UK is diazepam (also known as Valium). Other types include midazolam, lorazepam, temazepam, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and alprazolam (Xanax).

Alprazolam (Xanax) isn’t available on an NHS prescription, but it is available privately.

Find out more about Xanax

Side effects and risks of benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have unpleasant or harmful side effects, even if a doctor has prescribed them to you. The main side effects and risks include:

They react badly with alcohol. Benzodiazepines and alcohol affect your body in similar ways, so combining them can make their effects too strong and affect your breathing. Drinking and using benzos at the same time is very dangerous and can cause you to overdose.

They might not be what you think they are. ‘Street benzos’ are illegal or fake versions that people buy on the dark web or through social media. They may look exactly like real benzos, but they can be much stronger or mixed with harmful substances.

They are sometimes used in sexual assaults. Because they can make you sleepy, drowsy and confused, benzos are sometimes used to commit sexual assault. Rohypnol is used as a ‘date rape’ drug, but other benzos may be used as well.

You can become dependent on them. Doctors will usually prescribe benzodiazepines for short periods of time because it is easy to become dependent on them. If you become dependent, stopping using them can be unpleasant. You can get withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, feeling sick, dizziness and headaches.

If you notice withdrawal symptoms when you are not taking benzodiazepines, please do not stop taking them suddenly. Get in touch with your local treatment service and speak to a doctor about safely reducing your use and stopping.

Taking benzodiazepines as a prescription

Benzodiazepines can be prescribed by a doctor. They’re usually prescribed for up to four weeks.

Even if you take them as prescribed, most people should not take these drugs long term.

If you’re taking benzos for a condition such as epilepsy, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional about how and when to safely reduce or stop.

Taking them for longer than two weeks can make you dizzy, drowsy, affect your mental health and make you dependent on them. There are also rules around drug driving for people taking benzos.

Keep yourself safer

There are ways you can reduce the side effects and risks of benzodiazepines:

  • Don’t stop taking them suddenly. This can be verydangerous and cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Always reduce how much you’re taking gradually with the help of a medical professional. Even if you have been taking illicit benzos, a medical professional can advise you how to safely reduce.
  • If you’ve been prescribed benzodiazepines, take them exactly how you’ve been advised to by your doctor.
  • Try not to take benzodiazepines for more than seven days - or two weeks maximum - unless you have been advised to by a doctor.
  • Be careful about the drowsiness and sleepiness they can cause. Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing dangerous activities while using them.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking benzodiazepines. This can cause bad reactions and can be very dangerous.

The best way to stay safe from ‘street benzos’ is to avoid them completely, as you will not be able to tell if the benzodiazepines you are taking are fake. If you got your benzodiazepines from the dark web, through social media or from a friend, be extremely careful when taking them.

  • Start with a small dose and wait to see how they affect you before taking any more. Fake benzos can be much stronger or contain other substances.
  • Don't inject benzodiazepines. Crushing them down into a solution to inject can badly damage your veins.
  • Take them when someone else is around. If you react badly to them or experience an overdose, they can call for help.
  • If someone overdoses, their drugs may have been contaminated. Use naloxone, as this can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose. If the person hasn't taken opioids, the naloxone won't do them any harm, but it could save their life if they have.

Always call 999 if you think someone is having an overdose.

Don’t be scared that you’ll get in trouble. The ambulance will not bring the police with them except in very particular cases.

Get support with benzodiazepines

If you want to take steps to address your drug use, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You’re not alone and there's nothing to be ashamed of. There is lots of help and support available. Speak to your doctor about how you’re feeling and chat to supportive family and friends if you can.

Advice and support is always available from your local Change Grow Live Service. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, we’re here to help.