Overdose

In the four hours following a suspected overdose, a person who has taken too much benzodiazepine commonly exhibits one or more of the following signs:

• Drowsiness
• Mental confusion
• Hypotension
• Impaired motor-functions
• Impaired reflexes
• Impaired coordination
• Impaired balance
• Dizziness
• Coma

A diazepam overdose is regarded as a medical emergency and typically necessitates the urgent attention of medical specialists, even though it is typically not lethal when taken alone. Flumazenil is the remedy for a diazepam (or any other benzodiazepine) overdose (Anexate). Only severe respiratory depression or cardiovascular problems should be treated with this medication. Several doses of flumazenil may be required because it has a short half-life and diazepam's effects can persist for days. It can also be required to use artificial respiration and stabilize cardiovascular processes. Although it is not usually recommended, activated charcoal can be used to clean the stomach after a diazepam overdose. Emesis is not recommended. Dialysis has a very low effectiveness. Levarterenol or metaraminol are both effective treatments for hypotension. Alcohol, opiates, or other depressants may constitute lethal combinations with a diazepam overdose.