Benzodiazepines poisoning symptoms can include a lack of muscle coordination, slurred speech, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness. These signs can be serious or life-threatening, so you need to get help right away if you think you or someone you know is taking too much of this type of drug.
A benzodiazepine overdose can be caused by consuming too much of this drug, combining it with another substance, or using it in an inappropriate way. This includes ingesting tablets that have been crushed or snorted, injected, or smoked. Benzodiazepine overdose can lead to serious health problems, such as seizures, respiratory depression, or coma.
The risk of a benzodiazepine overdose is increased when people use the drug in combination with alcohol or opioids, which depress the central nervous system and breathing. This combination can be particularly dangerous because if these drugs are injected, they are sent directly into the bloodstream instead of being metabolized in the stomach or intestines.
It is important to always check that you or your loved ones are not allergic to benzodiazepines before they start taking them. You can find out whether you are allergic to a benzodiazepine by reading the warning label on the drug.
You can also learn about other medications that may interact with benzodiazepines by speaking to your doctor or pharmacist. This is especially important if you take medication for certain medical conditions such as heart disease or cancer.
Your healthcare provider will be able to tell you how much benzodiazepines you should take and when it is safe to take them with other medicines or foods. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not it is safe for you to drive or do certain tasks safely.
Benzodiazepines can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly, or if you take a large dose of the drug in one go. If you’ve been taking them for a long time, you should talk to your doctor or local alcohol or drug services about stopping.
Withdrawal symptoms usually come on within 24 to 48 hours after a person stops taking benzodiazepines and can last for up to two weeks. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s tolerance to the medication and the length of time they were taking it.
It is best to reduce your benzodiazepine dosage slowly over a few days to reduce the chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This can be difficult and can be painful, but it can be done safely with support from your medical team.
The most common antidote for benzodiazepine poisoning is Flumazenil, which reverses the effects of a benzodiazepine drug on the central nervous system. This is given by injection or intravenous (IV) fluid therapy.
Other treatments for benzodiazepine overdose include oxygenation and treatment with naloxone, which prevents a benzodiazepine overdose from becoming fatal. If you or your loved ones have been suffering from benzodiazepine overdose, contact a treatment facility in your area to discuss your options for getting help and recovery.
