How to Respond to a Benzodiazepine Overdose

This is why benzos are only intended to be used as a short-term treatment. Even people with a valid prescription may start taking higher doses to continue experiencing the same effects. The longer a person takes benzos, the higher their chances of addiction. Mixing benzos with other substances such as opioids and alcohol.

Some factors that can increase someone’s chances of suffering a benzo overdose, such as: Taken as directed, benzodiazepines should never cause an overdose. In 2019, about 9,700 individuals died from a drug overdose involving benzodiazepines. Of course, signs of benzos overdose will vary on factors such as the amount of benzodiazepines consumed, if another substance was used, and whether or not other co-occurring disorders are present.Īlthough rare, benzodiazepines can cause respiratory distress, lack of oxygen in the blood, and potentially death. In addition to these symptoms, some people may also experience extreme drowsiness, slowed reflexes, erratic behavior, and mood swings. However, taking a dose too large or mixing benzos with other substances increases the risk of overdose. When taken as prescribed, benzodiazepine overdose is very rare. People who abuse benzos are often trying to get this euphoric feeling.

However, combined with other substances or taken in higher dosages, it can have euphoric effects. Benzodiazepine examples include popular sedatives like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin.īenzos produce a calming and relaxing sensation when used as described. They act on receptors in the brain, causing specific nerves to be less sensitive to stimulation.

How to Respond to a Benzodiazepine Overdoseīenzos are central nervous system depressants.

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