BENZODIAZEPINES

In 1957, while working for the Roche company, Rendall discovered the tranquilizing effect of chlordiazepoxide, which Sternbach had already synthesized there in 1955. This was followed by the synthesis of large numbers of similar substances, the most familiar of which are diazepam (Valium), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), oxazepam (Seresta) and lorazepam (Temesta). These substances affect the GABA receptors, but unlike barbiturates, which take effect primarily at the level of the brain stem, they affect the subcortical nuclei. This implies that they have a tranquillizing function with only minor influence on the cognitive functions and level of consciousness. They do not work primarily as sedatives, but they reduce the strength of incoming sensory stimuli: the effect is that the world around you seems to become more tranquil. The area of prescription is thus primarily as an anxiolytic. A special feature of Valium is its relaxing effect on the muscles.

Although it was initially thought that benzodiazepines were not addictive, they have since been shown to create dependence. The withdrawal symptoms are a consequence of their effect. If the chemical tranquility around you is stopped by termination of use, you experience the situation as uneasy, which results in anxiety, etc. However, these are precisely the symptoms for which these drugs are prescribed, so that a vicious circle of dependence soon results.

Benzodiazepines are very low on toxicity: attempts to commit suicide with them are bound to fail, unless combined with other- substances (alcohol).

Recreational Drugs
Everything you need to know about the drugs people take for pleasure today
Lawrence A. Young, Linda G.Young, Marjorie M. Klein, Donald M. Klein & Dorianne Beyer
(1977 Berkeley Books)