Benzodiazepine Overdose
When doctors prescribe medications, people trust them to be safe. However, prescription medications carry risks, and some even have the potential for dependence and misuse. This is the case with benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. While they work quickly to reduce symptoms of anxiety, they can be misused for their calming effects.
This year alone in 2024, over 5,600 benzodiazepine prescriptions have been prescribed by doctors in Yavapai County. While many people use these medications as intended, some do not. When benzodiazepines are misused, it’s possible to experience negative effects, such as an increased risk for dependence and overdose.
At Wolf Creek Recovery, we recognize that not everyone who misuses benzos has a benzodiazepine use disorder. However, these behaviors can lead to one, which is why it’s important to get ahead of the problem and seek intervention. With our comprehensive recovery services, individuals can receive treatment during the day and return to housing at night. This way, they’re not just receiving treatment but also rebuilding a healthy life.
Let’s learn more about what a benzo overdose is, the signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for, and how to respond to this medical emergency.
What Is a Benzodiazepine Overdose?
A benzodiazepine overdose occurs when someone takes a higher dose of benzos than the body can safely process, leading to potentially serious and life-threatening symptoms. Overdoses can be caused in a few different ways. An accidental overdose is when you take more than the prescribed dose by mistake. An intentional overdose happens when you consume an excessive amount of the substance to achieve a euphoric effect. There are also interactions that can occur when benzodiazepines are mixed with other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, or barbiturates.
Warning Signs of a Benzodiazepine Overdose
Recognizing the warning signs of a benzodiazepine overdose is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. Benzo overdoses involve a wide range of behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms. Some symptoms can be severe and require immediate intervention. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek medical help.
Signs and Symptoms of Benzo Overdose
The main signs and symptoms of a benzo overdose are:
Behavioral signs:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Unresponsiveness
- Restlessness or irritability
Physical signs:
- Slurred speech
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Psychological signs:
- Severe anxiety
- Hallucinations
Dangers of an Overdose
Benzodiazepine overdoses can be dangerous and even life-threatening. The severe warning signs you need to be aware of include respiratory depression (slow, shallow, or irregular breathing), bluish discoloration of the lips, fingers, or skin, unconsciousness, coma, and seizures. Unlike opioid overdoses that can be reversed, there is no specific antidote for treating benzo overdoses. Instead, the focus is on supportive care. However, there are limited situations where a medication called flumazenil can be used to reverse the sedative side effects of benzodiazepines.
What to Do in the Event of an Overdose
If a benzodiazepine overdose does occur, follow these steps:
- Call emergency services if you suspect an overdose. Provide detailed information about the person’s condition and any other substances involved.
- Stay with the person. Monitor their condition until help arrives. If possible, keep them awake and responsive.
- Assess breathing and consciousness. Check to see if the person is breathing. Shallow, slow, or stopped breathing is a critical emergency. Also check to see if the person is conscious. Try to keep them awake by gently shaking them and calling their name.
- Position the person. If the person is unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position, which is on the side with the knees bent. The purpose of this is to keep the airways open and prevent choking if they throw up. If the person is not breathing and you are trained in CPR, you can administer it now.
Do not give the person anything to eat and drink, and do not try to induce vomiting.
Who Is Most at Risk of a Benzodiazepine Overdose?
When benzodiazepines are taken according to the doctor’s instructions, the risk of overdose is extremely low. The risk increases when these medications are misused, either accidentally or intentionally. Keep in mind that some overdoses occur due to dangerous interactions between medications. However, certain people are at a higher risk for experiencing a benzo overdose, including those with co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders and those with chronic anxiety or insomnia. Elderly individuals and people with underlying respiratory conditions are also at a heightened risk for overdose and overdose complications.
Risk Factors for Benzodiazepine Overdose
As mentioned above, as long as benzodiazepines are taken as prescribed, they are generally safe. But, they are still medications with the potential for adverse side effects, especially when they are used longer than they should or in higher doses. The key risk factors for benzodiazepine overdose include a history of underlying substance use, co-occurring mental health or medical conditions, taking multiple medications at once, a lack of medical supervision, and taking the medication in high dosages. Prolonged use can also lead to tolerance, increasing the risk of overdose.
Treatment Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction in Prescott, AZ
A benzodiazepine use disorder is a treatable condition. It involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social support. The process begins with detox, which should be done under medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Most people will follow a tapering schedule that involves gradually reducing the amount of benzos to minimize withdrawal symptoms and avoid severe complications. Medications are available to treat uncomfortable symptoms.
When you are stable, you can move onto a rehab for benzodiazepine addiction, which involves therapy, support groups, family intervention, and holistic practices like yoga and outdoor therapy. The goal is to treat your benzodiazepine use disorder and any other co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders while helping you reshape your life. There is no reason to live in fear of recovery. Yes, it is hard work, but with the right support, anything is possible!
Wolf Creek Recovery provides comprehensive treatment for benzodiazepine use disorders and co-occurring mental health or substance use conditions. We recognize that polysubstance use is common with benzodiazepines, but this does not have to complicate the recovery process. We will treat all conditions simultaneously using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies, including outdoor therapy. Contact us today at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our programs and build a life you love.
FAQs About Benzodiazepine Overdose
Are there any medications to reverse a benzo overdose?
Yes, there is a medication that can reverse the sedative effects of a benzo overdose called flumazenil. It’s a benzodiazepine antagonist, meaning it counteracts the effects of benzos by binding to the same receptors in the brain but without activating them.
What should I do if I think I am having an overdose?
If you suspect that you’re experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. First responders can assess the situation and provide you with the medical intervention you need. While waiting for help to arrive, try to stay awake and alert. Provide the emergency services with as much information as possible, if you can, such as what medications you’ve taken, when, and in what dosage.
Who is most likely to experience a benzo overdose?
The people who are at a higher risk for experiencing an overdose from benzodiazepines are those with pre-existing mental health or substance use disorders, those with underlying medical conditions, and those who take benzodiazepines in high dosages or for longer periods of time.
