The 'Pams'
This term refers to medications used as 'minor' tranquillisers for treatment of anxiety or sleeplessnes (the chemical names all end in 'pam'). The may be addictive when taken continuously and therefore withdrawal symptoms may occur if long term use is suddenly cesased. Such symptoms include worsening of the anxiety or, in severe cases, fitting. Seek urgent medical attention if an overdose occures. Combinations of these with alcohol, heroin, methadone and some other drugs, may cause life-threatening situations. Examples are:
Medication |
Information |
| Oxazepam (Serepax®, Murelax®) | Shorter acting, fast onset. |
| Temazepam
(Temaze®, Normison®, Euhypnos®) | Shorter acting, fast onset. Used to induce sleep. IV users can abuse the capsule, but not tablet, form. |
| Diazepam
(Ducene®, Valium®, Antenex®) | Longer acting, slower onset. Used for anxiety. |
| Nitrazepam
(Mogadon®, Alodorm®) | Longer acting. Used as sleeping tablet. |
| Rohypnol®, Hypnodorm® | Very strong, fast onset. Often abused. |