It is safest to use benzos only under medical supervision. Even when taken under medical supervision, care must be taken by:
- Not suddenly stopping the use of benzos without medical supervision, particularly if you have been using for longer than two weeks.
- Waiting as long as possible before using more benzos or another drug.
- Trying not to drink alcohol or take other drugs while affected by benzos. This will prevent dangerous drug interactions in your body.
To avoid damage to your health, it is safest not to inject benzos. However, if you choose to inject, the following precautions should be taken:
- Don’t inject benzos that come in gel-capsules or tablet form.
- Don’t share needles or other injecting equipment. New, sterile equipment should always be used (i.e. needle, syringe, swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass, filter and sterile water).
- Wash or swab your hands before and after preparing the mix and injecting.
- Be aware of the dose of the drug.
- Use a pill filter. If one is not available, use filter paper, or clean cotton wool. Cigarette filters should not be used as they contain dangerous particles that can be injected.
- Avoid injecting into the hands and feet as the veins are small and can easily become blocked.
- Avoid injecting into the groin as this increases the risk of blood clots.
- Vary the injecting sites as often as possible.
- See your doctor if an injection site becomes red, swollen, hot or sore.
Remember, when prescribed benzodiazepines ask your doctor or pharmacist about:
- How much of the medicine you should take.
- How often to take it and how long to take it for.
- Possible side effects. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these.
- Possible interactions with other medications, alcohol or other drugs that you may be taking– to help you prevent dangerous and unpredictable drug interactions in your body.
- Alternative treatments for your problem such as relaxation techniques to reduce stress, or sleep management techniques for insomnia.
Do not increase or decrease the amount of the drug you are prescribed, or suddenly stop taking the drug without medical supervision. See your doctor for assistance.
Avoid using other depressant drugs if you have taken benzodiazepines in the last 12 to 24 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Remember that some benzodiazepines can affect you for 24 hours or more.