In the brain, benzodiazepines exert their effect on the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. This leads to a dampening of the activity of the central nervous system. Emotional and psychological stimuli are perceived less.

Benzodiazepines have the effect of dampening the transmission of stimuli. This means that the nerve cells in the brain are told to transmit stimuli less or not at all. This can have an effect on memory, attention, coordination of movement and emotions.

Regular use of benzodiazepines over several weeks can lead to a so-called "tolerance" to the anxiolytic, euphoric and sedative effects. More must be taken in order to achieve the desired state again. Continued use can lead to psychological and physical dependence. Although the negative effects become increasingly clear, the craving for the substance increases.

If the respective substance is discontinued after a longer period of use, the body reacts with withdrawal symptoms. These can be Anxiety, inner restlessness, nausea, headaches and muscle cramps, disturbances in perception, sleep disorders, sweating, muscle twitching and, in severe cases, hallucinations, paranoia and seizures.

Medication should always be discontinued under medical supervision.

• If you have consumed alcohol or other "downers". The risk of overdose and respiratory paralysis is particularly high. Other downers are e.g. alcohol, GHB or opioids
• Lung diseases (such as asthma)
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding periods
• If you have glaucoma (an eye disease)
• In case of impaired liver and kidney function. If you still want to consume benzodiazepines, keep the dose as low as possible.
• When driving a motor vehicle. Benzodiazepines affect attention, motor skills and memory.

If you consume benzodiazepines and other tranquillisers (e.g. alcohol, GHB or opioids) at the same time or in quick succession, the risk of respiratory depression increases. It can also lead to a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Many benzodiazepines have a very long duration of action. Depending on the substance, the onset of action can take several hours. No other benzodiazepines should be taken during this phase, as the risk of overdose is particularly high here.

Benzodiazepines are usually taken orally. Some substances sold on the black market are also consumed intravenously (injected), snorted or smoked.

All of the above information on effects/side effects, the law, "Never use if..." and mixed use also applies to these substances.

Alprazolam
Alprazolam is mainly used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders and depression. Like most benzodiazepines, it is also used as a sleep aid, although it is not officially authorised for this application. At approx. 6 hours, the duration of action is shorter than that of diazepam (Valium). However, depending on the dose, the effect can last 12 hours or longer. As with other benzodiazepines, there is a risk of psychological and physical dependence. In combination with other central depressant substances (e.g. alcohol or opioids), the effect of benzodiazepines is intensified and the risk of respiratory depression increases. In Austria, alprazolam is marketed under the trade name Xanor®, in Switzerland and the USA as Xanax®.

Caution - with benzodiazepines obtained from the black market, you never know what ingredients they contain. Benzodiazepine tablets (especially XANAX®) have frequently appeared on the black market that do not contain the expected alprazolam, but different substances from the groups of new synthetic opioids or new benzodiazepines. Even if the appearance of the pill or the packaging is very similar to the original, use "drug checking". (Except for medicines obtained from a pharmacy). We strongly advise against the consumption of untested benzodiazepines that have not been prescribed by a doctor!

Flunitrazepam
Flunitrazepam is mainly prescribed as a sleeping pill or it is used as a sedative before and after surgical procedures. The sedative effect is approximately seven to ten times stronger than that of diazepam (Valium). The active ingredient is absorbed into the body very quickly when taken orally. The effect occurs after approx. 15-20 minutes and lasts between 4-7 hours. As with other benzodiazepines, there is a risk of psychological and physical dependence. In combination with other central depressant substances (e.g. alcohol or opioids), the effect of benzodiazepines is intensified and the risk of respiratory depression increases. Memory lapses may also occur. Flunitrazepam triggers aggressive behaviour in some cases. This paradoxical effect can be observed particularly with short-acting benzodiazepines. In Austria, flunitrazepam is marketed under the trade names Rohypnol ® or Somnubene ® and in Germany under the name Fluminoc® .

Diazepam
Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, states of tension, mental agitation and sleep disorders. It is also used in acute medicine for epileptic seizures. Diazepam has an anxiolytic, central depressant, muscle relaxant and sleep-inducing effect. The active ingredient is quickly absorbed orally in the body. The effect occurs after 20-40 minutes and lasts for 4-8 hours, although the effects can last up to 36 hours. As with other benzodiazepines, there is a risk of psychological and physical dependence. In combination with other central depressant substances (e.g. alcohol or opioids), the effect of benzodiazepines is intensified and the risk of respiratory depression increases. It can also lead to memory lapses. In Austria, diazepam is marketed under the trade names Psychopax ® and Gewalcalm ®, in Switzerland and the USA under the name Valium® .

RC (Research) -Benzos:

Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analogue with anxiolytic, muscle-relaxing, sedative (calming) and, above all, sleep-promoting effects. In some countries, it is used in medicine primarily for sleep and anxiety disorders. At the same dose, etizolam has a stronger effect than diazepam. In combination with other central depressant substances (e.g. alcohol or opioids), the effect of benzodiazepines and their analogues is intensified and the risk of respiratory depression increases.

Flualprazolam belongs to the benzodiazepine group. It is a derivative of alprazolam and has sedative and anxiolytic properties. The reported effect is comparable to alprazolam, but is achieved at lower doses and lasts longer. In combination with other central depressant substances (e.g. alcohol or opioids), the effect of benzodiazepines and analogue substances is intensified and the risk of respiratory depression increases. As this is a very little researched new psychoactive substance with a very short history of use, no reliable statements can be made about risks and long-term effects. In the recent past, benzodiazepine tablets (especially XANAX®) have frequently appeared on the black market that did not contain the expected alprazolam, but various substances from the groups of new synthetic opioids or new benzodiazepines.

Flualprazolam is subject to the New Psychoactive Substances Act. This means that trafficking for profit (i.e. selling it) is a criminal offence. If it is possession for personal use, no further penalties are provided for.