Are Tranquillisers addictive?
In Australia the guidelines for the prescribing of any of the tranquillisers is for 2 – 4 weeks only. Tranquillisers can be addictive and some people may become addicted within four weeks. With ‘ short acting’ tranquillisers, if people do become addicted to them, they may then experience withdrawal symptoms every 4 to 6 hours. Withdrawal includes anxiety and panic. The Australian Federal government recommends people who are taking one of the short acting tranquillisers transfer over to the equivalent dose of valium and once stabilised slowly withdraw the valium. Valium is a longer acting tranquilliser and can prevent any 4 – 6 hour withdrawal. It is important NOT to stop taking tranquillisers. This can be very dangerous. You will need to speak with your doctor and slowly withdraw from your medication under medical supervision. This also applies to any transfer and withdrawal from valium.
