Benzodiazepine poisoning

Benzodiazepines are medicines prescribed for many conditions, such as acute anxiety, seizures, neuromuscular abnormalities, insomnia, etc. The cause of intoxication or overdose may be accidental or intentional, when a person takes more than the recommended dose. The most common symptoms are drowsiness, speech difficulties, involuntary movement of the eyes and reduced pupil size (miosis). Diagnosis is made by taking the medical history, performing a physical examination and blood and urine tests. Treatment is based on ensuring supportive measures. The vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure) are monitored. There is an antidote that has to be administered as soon as possible: flumazenil.