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Sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers

Explains what sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers are used for, how the medication works, possible side effects and information about withdrawal.

Useful contacts 

Mind's services

  • Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
  • Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services includes talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
  • Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Other organisations

benzo.org.uk

benzo.org.uk
Information on benzodiazepines and Z drug sleeping pills, including addiction, withdrawal and detailed dosing schedules.

British National Formulary (BNF)

bnf.org
Publication listing recommendations for the use of medications and medical treatments in the UK. Information about specific medications, including their recommended use, side effects and safety guidance, is available at bnf.nice.org.uk.

electronic medicines compendium (emc)

medicines.org.uk/emc
Library of information about medications, including Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) available to download.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

mhra.gov.uk
Regulates medicines in the UK and runs the Yellow Card scheme for reporting side effects.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best practice in healthcare.

NHS 111 (England)

111
111.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people in England.

NHS 111 (Wales)

111 (Hywel Dda, Powys, Aneurin Bevan and Swansea Bay (including Brigend) Health Boards)
0845 46 47 (all other areas of Wales)
111.wales.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people living in Wales. The contact number for this service differs depending on which area of Wales you are in.

PostScript 360

0117 966 3629
postscript360.org.uk
Information and support for those coming off tranquillisers and sleeping pills. Formerly known as Battle Against Tranquillisers (BAT).

Rethink Mental Illness

0300 5000 927
rethink.org
Provides support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including local support groups.

Royal College of Psychiatrists

rcpsych.ac.uk
Professional body for psychiatrists. Includes information about mental health problems and treatments.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
samaritans.org

Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

This information was published in April 2021. We will revise it in 2024.

References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.

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