Computed tomography ( CT) of the brain and blood glucose may be helpful, as the differential diagnosis of benzodiazepine overdose includes intracranial disorders and hypoglycemia.ġ. In patients with profound coma, check for other toxic substances in blood and urine (benzodiazepine poisoning may often be combined with ingestion of other substances, particularly alcohol).
Diagnostic tests: Urine qualitative tests for benzodiazepines, serum electrolyte levels, and arterial blood gas analysis. Signs and symptoms of poisoning: Psychomotor retardation, slurred speech, unsteady gait, dizziness, ataxia, dyskinesia, diplopia, somnolence, coma, hyporeflexia, pinpoint pupils, hypotension, hypothermia.Ģ. Their mechanism of action and adverse effects are similar to those of benzodiazepines and overdose treatment is the same.ġ. Zaleplon (not currently sold in Canada), zopiclone, and zolpidem are the most commonly prescribed hypnotic drugs. One of the undesirable effects of benzodiazepines-amnesia-is used for criminal purposes (mainly flunitrazepam the so-called date rape drugs).
Short-acting benzodiazepines (eg, midazolam, alprazolam) have a high potential for dependency. Moderate poisoning occurs after the administration of >10 times the therapeutic dose. The therapeutic index of benzodiazepines is high. The half-life of diazepam is between 40 and 70 hours. They are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized in the liver, and undergo minimal renal elimination in an unchanged form. PubMed PMID: 15822758.īenzodiazepines are central nervous system ( CNS) depressants. Position paper: Single-dose activated charcoal. PubMed PMID: 23418938.Ĭhyka PA, Seger D, Krenzelok EP, Vale JA American Academy of Clinical Toxicology European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. Position paper update: gastric lavage for gastrointestinal decontamination. PubMed PMID: 26096314.īenson BE, Hoppu K, Troutman WG, et al American Academy of Clinical Toxicology European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. Adverse Events Associated with Flumazenil Treatment for the Management of Suspected Benzodiazepine Intoxication-A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses of Randomised Trials. Penninga EI, Graudal N, Ladekarl MB, Jürgens G.
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