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Benzodiazepine Overdose

Benzodiazepines or “benzos” work in the central nervous system and are often prescribed to treat anxiety, alcohol addiction, withdrawal, and seizures. Benzodiazepines street names are referred to as downers, nerve pills, and tranks. The drug is commonly consumed orally or snorted. The effects may be helpful for a short time, but if misused and overused, the drug’s calming sensations can lead to addiction and potential benzo overdose.

2 Minute Read | Published Aug 18 2023 | Updated Feb 29 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by

Dangers of Benzo Addiction

The physical dependence on benzodiazepines often is shared with other substance abuse. Individuals will mix prescription pills with opioids or other pain relievers to enhance the euphoric effects. Benzos should never be mixed with alcohol since this can increase adverse symptoms. Users are at an increased risk of experiencing benzo side effects like confusion, shakiness or drowsiness, and slow or irregular heartbeat. Even convulsions can occur if the user’s tolerance is heightened after several months of benzo use.

Benzo addiction can also cause long-term side effects like dementia. Dementia means a person has an impaired memory and has difficulty thinking or making decisions. Plus, potential benzo overdose can cause life-threatening severe health problems and death.

Benzodiazepine Overdose Symptoms

Although the medical applications for benzodiazepines seem worth the risks of negative side effects, overdose is a serious potential threat to a person’s life. Panic disorders, insomnia, and muscle spasms can be treated with the use of benzos. However, benzo od is possible and the side effects include:

  • Coma
  • Death
  • Brain damage
  • Trouble breathing
  • Respiratory distress
  • Low blood pressure
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Uncoordinated muscle movements

If you are wondering what to do for a benzo overdose, seek immediate medical attention. A person can avoid an overdose if an addict goes through a benzo detox and safely gets through the withdrawal process with the help of professionals. In addition, an overdose can be prevented by taking medicine as prescribed and not mixing the drug with other substances.

Benzodiazepine Overdose Treatment at Better Addiction Care

At Better Addiction Care, our benzodiazepine rehab provides unique services and programs to help you return to living a productive life. Our team of professionals will effectively get you through benzo withdrawals, as we understand addiction and recovery is different for everyone. We offer a safe and clean environment to heal and learn from the past.

Contact Better Addiction Care at (800) 429-7690 and ask about our types of rehab treatment to get started today!

Related Readings:

What Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Drug Rehab

Best Remedies to Make Withdrawal More Comfortable

Resources

bullet Benzodiazepine Overdose. (2022) In StatPearls
"Benzodiazepine Toxicity"
Retrieved on April 19, 2022
bullet American Addiction Centers
"Benzodiazepine Overdose: What to Know (2022)"
Retrieved on April 19, 2022
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
"Benzodiazepines and Opioid Overdose (2020)"
Retrieved on April 19, 2022
bullet Mayo Clinic
"Benzodiazepines: Uses, Side Effects, and Risks (2021)"
Retrieved on April 19, 2022
bullet Verywell Mind
"Benzodiazepine Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment (2022)"
Retrieved on April 19, 2022
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