benzodiazepine toxicity

Introduction

also see benzodiazepine

Clinical manifestations

• slurred speech
• ataxia
• altered mental status,or depressed mental status

Management

• endotracheal intubation for unresponsive patients with respiratory depression, especially if opiates are in the mix*
• flumazenil rarely used because it can precipitate seizures in patients with a tolerance to benzodiazepines

* respiratory depression effects of benzodiazepines are relatively small in comparison to those of opiates

* if patient has responded to naloxone & not in immediate danger of respiratory arrest, a trial of continued intravenous naloxone indicated (see opioid overdose)

More general terms

• toxicity; poisoning; overdose

Additional terms

• benzodiazepine