MSJ (Diazepam) Information & Advice

September 2011

Over the past couple of years, the misuse of benzodiazepines (benzos/minor tranquillisers/sleeping tablets) has been steadily growing across the country. This is a very serious concern.

Known as MSJs or blues, they are valium that can be obtained via the internet and distributed locally. The reason for their current popularity may have something to do with the recent heroin and ketamine droughts and the poor quality of other drugs, but probably has more to do with availability.

Our sources tell us that heroin and crack users are taking benzos orally (not much injecting – yet!) but, more surprisingly, they are becoming popular amongst a whole new group - alcohol users are now supplementing booze with a fistful of blues. Although benzos have been around for decades, this new generation of users may not be fully aware of the very real problems that these drugs can bring.

So we’ve decided to put together some information and harm reduction advice to warn of the risks involved.

Brand Name: MSJ Diazepam

Active compound: Diazepam
10mg
Manufacturer: J.L. Morison Son & Jones (Ceylon) PLC is a Sri Lanka-based company.

The Company, together with its subsidiaries, MSJ Industries, is engaged in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and toiletry products, and the import and distribution of finished pharmaceuticals, toiletries, agro chemicals, medical aid, milk foods, household insecticides, shoe care, hair care products, diagnostics reagent and equipments, and other consumer products.
Distributor: State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC)


What are MSJs?
MSJ Diazepam: valium (MSJs, vallies, blues)
Small (6mm x 1.5mm), professionally made (hard and well defined), blue pills with MSJ stamped on one side and a fracture line on the other.
Selling for £1 per tablet, discounts on bulk orders.
Available from pharmaceutical manufacturers on the internet; importers on the internet; internet user forums.
Manufacturers in Sri Lanka, India, China, Thailand, South Africa, Sweden, etc.

Effects

Diazepam is a prescription-only medicine called a benzodiazepine. Used for their sedative, anxiety-relieving and muscle-relaxing effects.
Only suitable for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety as it has a high potential for dependence and addiction.
Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine - remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may also last into the next day.
Causes drowsiness and muscle weakness and impairs concentration and alertness. These effects may continue into the following day and are made worse by drinking alcohol. If affected avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid alcohol.
Only suitable for short-term use. If used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance and dependence may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly.
Treatment with this medicine should be stopped gradually, following instructions given by a doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
(from Netdoctor.co.uk)

Side effects

Drowsiness.
Drowsiness and lightheadedness the next day.
Confusion.
Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia).
Loss of memory (amnesia).
Unexpected increase in aggression (paradoxical aggression).
Muscle weakness.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Slurred speech.
Tremor.
Skin rashes.
Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention).
Urinary incontinence.
Visual disturbances such as blurred vision.
Changes in sex drive.
Low blood pressure (hypotension).
Blood disorders
Jaundice.
(The side-effects listed above may not include all of the side-effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer).

Problems

Tolerance: to benzodiazepines (Diazepam) develops quickly.
Overdose potential: low on their own, high when mixed with alcohol or other depressant drugs.
Dependence: potential very high.
Withdrawal: very long and uncomfortable.
Sudden withdrawal: can cause insomnia, panic, anxiety, confusion, sweating, tremor, irritability, convulsions.
Injection: risk of BBV transmission, tissue damage, vein collapse, thrombosis, etc., etc., etc.

Advice

Do not take large amounts. But if you do, start low and slow.

Do not use on your own. But if you do, let someone know and ask them to check on you.

Do not use regularly/daily. Leave it for a week, give yourself a break to get over it. Otherwise you will get addicted.

Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. But if you do, tell your doctor.

Do not drive or operate machinery - if you do, you will have an accident.

Do not take the day before your driving test/go to work/school – leave it for Saturday night.

Do not mix with alcohol or other sedative drugs - JUST DON’T! But if you do, look after each other.

Do not inject - JUST DON’T! But if you do: don’t share, take care!

Do not stop abruptly. But if you do, be prepared for withdrawals.

Useful Links
Erowid. Click here

Wikipedia. Click here

http://www.substance.org.uk/resources/msj-diaepam-guide