Benzodiazepine poisoning

Poisoning with benzodiazepines is an overdose of these drugs. Benzodiazepines are known as sedatives or tranquilizers, which doctors prescribe for anxiety, sleep disorders. Abuse of benzodiazepines is a widely spread phenomenon. Often these drugs are overdosed for suicidal purposes. However, death from benzodiazepines is rare. Acute overdose is characterized by severe central nervous system depression, mental status, posture, reflex disturbance. Although benzodiazepines are considered relatively safe drugs, overdose can cause respiratory depression, which leads to coma and death. Risk factors for benzodiazepine poisoning include depression, drug, alcohol use, suicidal thoughts.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology