Benzodiazepine Overdose
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2024.
Benzodiazepines are medicines used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Some examples include alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, and temazepam. An overdose can occur if you take more than the recommended amount. It can also occur if you take benzodiazepines with alcohol or certain medicines that can cause harm if taken together.
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Medicine:
Flumazenil helps to reverse some of the effects of benzodiazepines.
Tests:
- Blood and urine tests may be done to check the level of benzodiazepines or other substances in your body.
- Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of oxygen in your blood. Pulse oximetry is done using a small instrument placed on your finger.
- An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. An ABG test also measures the pH of your blood and the amount of bicarbonate in it.
Treatment:
- Oxygen may help you breathe easier if your oxygen level is lower than normal. It may be given through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. You may need a ventilator if you cannot breathe on your own.
- Counseling on how to take benzodiazepines safely will be given. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you see a counselor if you are abusing benzodiazepines.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
A benzodiazepine overdose may cause you to stop breathing or not breathe well on your own. You may need an endotracheal tube and a ventilator to help you breathe. A ventilator is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own. An endotracheal (ET) tube is put into your mouth or nose and attached to the ventilator. A benzodiazepine overdose may cause your blood pressure to drop too low. A severe overdose may cause you to go into a coma.
CARE AGREEMENT:
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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