Risk Factors for a Benzodiazepine Overdoseīenzodiazepine overdoses rarely result in death. This symptom occurs in 90 percent of adolescent overdose patients. Ataxia is characterized by a loss of balance or unsteady movements, causing the child to almost appear drunk. This reaction is referred to as a “paradoxical” reaction and occurs in less than 1 percent of patients.Īmong children, the primary symptom of a benzo overdose is referred to as ataxia. For example, the individual may excited, agitated, or talkative rather than sluggish, fatigued, and calm. In addition, individuals suffering from an overdose may display symptoms opposite of the drug’s typical effects. Other signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose include:

While some people display mental confusion and slurred speech, vital signs are often normal. Additionally, they may have trouble standing and balancing, resulting in frequent falls. Someone overdosing on benzodiazepines may be extremely hard to wake up. One of the critical signs of benzo overdose is excessive sedation. Being educated on these matters allow for proper overdose prevention as well as the ability to intervene before an overdose becomes deadly. If you or a loved one suffer from addiction to benzodiazepines, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of overdose.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, call 911 or poison control immediately. Consequently, it is important to be educated on the symptoms and effects of benzodiazepine overdose so more lives may be saved. In fact, benzodiazepine related overdoses rose from 1,135 in 1999 to 11,537 in 2017. Unfortunately, benzodiazepine overdose is fairly common. In doing so, these individuals are at risk of coma, respiratory depression, and death. As a result, many individuals take too much of a certain benzodiazepine or mix it with a different substance in order to produce a “high”. While benzodiazepines are helpful medications, these drugs have a high potential for abuse. These medications are beneficial and safe when used as directed. Benzodiazepines, or “benzos”, work by slowing down the central nervous system. However, when taken in large amounts or in combination with other substances, benzodiazepine abuse produces life-threatening effects, including benzodiazepine overdose.īenzodiazepines are prescription medications used in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders as well as seizure disorders. When used medicinally and under the direction of a doctor, benzodiazepines are generally safe and well-tolerated.

Antidote to benzodiazepine