Benzodiazepine overdose

Benzodiazepine Overdose

Benzodiazepine overdose (pronunciation: ben-zoh-die-AZ-uh-peen) is a medical condition that occurs when someone consumes more of a benzodiazepine medication than the body can safely process.

Etymology

The term "Benzodiazepine" is derived from the chemical structure of the drug, which consists of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. The term "overdose" comes from the Latin "over" meaning "too much" and "dose" meaning "a measured quantity of a medicine or drug."

Symptoms

Symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose can include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, and coma. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

Causes

Benzodiazepine overdose can occur as a result of accidental or intentional misuse of the medication. It can also occur when the drug is taken in combination with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, which can increase the risk of overdose.

Treatment

Treatment for a benzodiazepine overdose typically involves supportive care, including monitoring of vital signs and treatment of symptoms. In some cases, a medication called flumazenil may be used to reverse the effects of the overdose.

Related Terms

• Benzodiazepine
• Flumazenil
• Opioids
• Alcohol

See Also

• Benzodiazepine withdrawal
• Benzodiazepine dependence
• Benzodiazepine abuse

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Benzodiazepine overdose
• Wikipedia's article - Benzodiazepine overdose

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