These efforts, complemented by broader primary prevention of drug use and misuse, could prevent drug overdose morbidity and mortality. During 2019–2020, benzodiazepine deaths (both prescription and illicit) were characterized by high and increasing co-involvement of IMFs, a trend documented as early as during 2017–2018 (3). Accidentally overdosing on benzodiazepines can cause a benzodiazepine overdose much-needed wake-up call.
What is the most serious adverse effect of benzodiazepines?
NIDA explains that about a third of all opioid overdose fatalities involve a benzodiazepine drug as well. A benzodiazepine overdose is considered a medical emergency. Long-term abstinence rates following discontinuation vary greatly. Additionally, elderly individuals have higher sensitivity in regard to their brain’s benzodiazepine receptors. This can cause more intense benzodiazepine side effects, such as sedation, unsteadiness, and memory loss.
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Identifying and diagnosing benzodiazepine use disorder can be challenging. In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., (DSM-5) combined the individual diagnoses of substance abuse and substance dependence into a single diagnosis of substance use disorder. Substance use disorders are defined by pathologic behaviors that cause an individual to continue to use a substance despite experiencing significant problems related to that substance. The DSM-5, text revision categorizes benzodiazepine use disorder as a subtype of the broader category of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder, but this article will focus only on the benzodiazepine subtype. A benzo overdose is a medical emergency that cannot be treated at home.
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Learn about benzo abuse, withdrawal symptoms, a tapering plan, causes of withdrawal, benefits of gradual weaning, and relapse prevention strategies. Learn about benzo overdose prevention and treatment options for safety and recovery. Benzodiazepine overdose can also be influenced by age, sex, race, and other biological factors that can increase the risk for an adverse reaction and more dangerous consequences. This is especially dangerous if the benzo being misused in this manner is a long-acting or extended-release medication that is meant to be dispensed into the bloodstream slowly or in a time-released fashion. The choice of approach depends on an assessment of the risk of harm and relapse. Low-risk patients can be managed in general practice and may benefit most from attempting withdrawal.
- Do givenaloxone(Narcan) if you suspect the person has taken an opioid along with the benzo.
- Many studies have examined the effects of benzodiazepines on cognition with varied results.
- Slow tapering (over weeks to months) is often needed for patients who have been taking benzodiazepines daily for more than one month to minimize withdrawal symptoms and treat underlying disorders.
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Benzodiazepines can be harmful since it is usually taken without a prescription or in ways other than prescribed. Non-medical use of Benzodiazepine is an alcoholism symptoms increasing concern. For example, in 2014, the national survey on drug use and health (NSDUH) revealed that 8.8% of Americans reported abusing benzodiazepines at some point in their lifetimes. The body and brain need time, structure, and medical guidance. Treatment reduces risk of repeat overdose and builds stability.
Your healthcare provider can answer questions about https://www.concrete-youngstown.com/brain-fog-after-quitting-alcohol-timeline-symptoms/ whether to change what you eat or drink while taking these medications. Combining clonazepam with other central nervous system depressants dramatically lowers the threshold for adverse effects. Even within prescribed parameters, clonazepam carries risks of dependence and withdrawal syndrome, which makes it unsuitable for long-term use without careful medical supervision. In medical settings, toxic reactions can occur during procedural sedation when dosing isn’t properly adjusted for an individual’s size, age, or health status. A 2021 study linked a small number of deaths to benzodiazepine-induced sedation during medical procedures, though these cases typically involved patients with additional risk factors.
Causes of Benzodiazepine Overdose
- If you or a loved one suffer from addiction to benzodiazepines, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of overdose.
- Many medications have been tested to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and make it easier for patients to discontinue BZD since a gradual taper does not always lead to successful discontinuation of the drug.
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- Mechanical ventilation may be required to address respiratory compromise and intravenous fluids administered to manage hemodynamic instability.
Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of benzodiazepines. This dangerous synergistic effect is responsible for many benzodiazepine-related deaths. You have read how serious these medications can be when taken the wrong way. A benzodiazepines overdose does not always come with clear warning signs. Rehab, therapy, and monitoring lower the risk of another crisis.
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Someone overdosing on benzodiazepines may be extremely hard to wake up. Additionally, they may have trouble standing and balancing, resulting in frequent falls. While some people display mental confusion and slurred speech, vital signs are often normal. Understanding the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose is crucial, as getting help quickly in these situations can be the difference between life and death. Oral benzodiazepine (BZD) overdoses, without co-ingestions, rarely result in significant morbidity (eg, aspiration pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis) or mortality. Polypharmacy overdoses involving BZDs and other agents can result in more severe toxicity.
