This can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and other negative health consequences. If you or someone you care about is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction or has experienced a benzodiazepine overdose, it’s important to know that help is available. The use of this drug in someone with benzodiazepine https://weldencast.com/how-long-do-alcoholics-live-a-look-at-life-3/ dependence is generally not recommended, since the drug can induce withdrawal-related seizures and other adverse effects.
The 6 Stages of Mental Health Recovery
- Apps and online platforms can provide information on where to find these medications and how to use them.
- This includes a whopping519.6%increase in illicit benzo overdose deaths and a 21.8% increase in prescription benzo overdose deaths.
- Flumazenil is controversial for some healthcare professionals because there is a risk of the drug causing acute benzodiazepine withdrawal and seizures when it’s used in the case of a benzo overdose.
Our medical team assesses your situation and prescribes exactly what you need, when you need it, to support your recovery safely and effectively. Flumazenil requires a prescription and hospital-grade equipment for safe administration. Only trained medical professionals can give it through IV lines while monitoring vital signs. In some circumstances, an individual may purposely use pure benzodiazepines to induce an overdose.
Signs of a Benzodiazepine Overdose
Raising awareness about the dangers of benzodiazepine overdose and promoting responsible use is vital to decreasing the likelihood of this possibly life-threatening condition in the future. Elderly benzodiazepine overdose individuals are also more prone because of slower metabolism and increased sensitivity to the drug’s effects. The priority in treating a benzodiazepine overdose is stabilizing the patient’s vital functions. The process primarily involves managing respiratory depression, as compromised breathing is one of the most dangerous effects of overdose.
Can You Overdose on Benzos?
Symptomatic patients require supportive management alcohol rehab and observation until symptoms resolve. Benzodiazepines are GABA-potentiating substances that have anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxing effects. Stacy Mosel is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, and substance abuse specialist. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she continued her studies at New York University, earning a Master’s of Social Work degree in 2002. According to research, overdosing on two common benzodiazepines, lorazepam and diazepam, can also produce what’s known as propylene glycol poisoning. Endotracheal intubation may also be required as part of a person’s supportive care and treatment plan.
- Recovery continues with ongoing support through outpatient treatment programs.
- Some people become physically dependent on benzodiazepines, or use them to feel relaxed.
- Once the immediate dangers are under control, patients undergo strict monitoring so that no delayed effects arise.
- By displacing midazolam, it prevents further GABA-mediated inhibition, reversing sedation and respiratory depression.
