Contact
Mind in Camden
Barnes House
9-15 Camden Road
London NW1 9LQ

Phone:

020 7911 0822
Fax:

020 7241 8987
Send email

Minor Tranquilliser Service

Mind in Camden's Tranquilliser Service is now in it's 18th year and provides support for individuals who may be experiencing difficulties due to Benzodiazepine dependency.

These individuals include:

• Existing, recovering, past and potential users
• Carers, friends and relatives of users
• People using minor tranquillisers illegally
• People using minor tranquillisers in combination with other drugs

How can we help you:

• Support Groups: users and ex-users meet to exchange experiences, discuss problems, gain mutual support and benefit from group therapy
• Escorts: we can provide assistance to clients suffering agoraphobia, helping you to attend medical, dental and other types of appointments including our support groups
• Home visits: we can provide home visits to clients who are agoraphobic or have physical disabilities
• Advocacy: we will write letters of support to various agencies such as GPs, DSS and housing
• Outreach: we provide talks and presentations to other community groups and professionals
• Information: we highlight issues of concern in the media to promote a better understanding of minor tranquillisers and their effects
• Counselling: individual and confidential counselling is provided, subject to availability and assessment
• Family Support Scheme: a support group is held every month to support carers, friends and relatives of users

Tranquillisers and Sleeping Tablets explained

Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed tranquillisers and are used for the relief of anxiety and/or sleeplessness.

Tranquillisers used during the day to have a calming effect are known as anxiolytics. Tranquillisers used at night to aid sleep are know as hypnotics.

Side Effects

• Side effects can be unpleasant and distressing. They may include forgetfulness, depression and digestive problems. Minor tranquillisers can cause dizziness or drowsiness. If this happens, you should avoid driving or using dangerous machinery, even in the home.
• Alcohol will make any symptoms worse so try not to have a drink while on medication.
• Tranquillisers are habit forming and should only be taken as a last resort.
• Withdrawal symptoms may include: panic attacks, anxiety, nausea, fits, and rarely, hallucinations.
• You should only take tranquillisers for a short time and your total prescription should be no more than four weeks. Sleeping pills should only be taken for  a few nights or occasionally.
• If you would like to stop taking your medication, consult your general practitioner to discuss a slow withdrawal plan to suit you.
• It is very dangerous to stop taking your medicine abruptly. This may cause serious withdrawal symptoms. A slow steady reduction is more effective and will give your body time to adjust.