Overdose of benzodiazepines

Description

Benzodiazepines (Benzedrine, Apaurin, Bromazepam, Florida, Lexaurin...) are medicines for sedation and they are usually prescribed for anxiety, panic attacks and relaxing of muscles. Overdose can cause coma, serious respiratory troubles, and death. Symptoms of intoxication are excessive when narcotics, painkillers, and/or alcohol are taken at the same time.

Symptoms

Confusion, coma, uncoordinated movements, sleepiness, slurred speech, difficulty breathing.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and medical examination is being done. Laboratory and radiologic tests are done to exclude other causes of the symptoms.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), pregnancy test (beta-HCG), troponin, analysis of urine and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Toxicologic urine and blood analysis.

Specialists

Medical Toxicology

Therapy

Respiratory symptoms are being treated aggressively. Specific therapy can include mechanical ventilation and intravenous fluids intake. The effect of overdose can be annulled with flumazenil, but it should be used carefully because it can provoke seizures in patients who chronically take benzodiazepine.