The key sign of a benzo overdose is excessive sedation. Of particular concern is an increase in deadly overdoses among patients aged 65 and older. That’s a 500 percent increase since the late 1990s. In 2013, benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium were involved in 31 percent of nearly 23,000 of the nation’s fatal prescription drug overdoses. But taking large doses of benzodiazepines or mixing the drugs with other central nervous system depressants can lead to coma, respiratory depression and death.īenzo overdoses have been on the rise. That’s one reason they’re so widely prescribed. Benzodiazepines, or “benzos” as they’re often called, produce these effects by slowing the central nervous system.īenzos are relatively safe drugs when used as directed. You can also call the national toll-free Poison Help hotline at 1-80 for instructions on how to help an overdose victim.īenzodiazepines are sedatives that are often used to relieve anxiety, induce sleep and prevent seizures. If you believe someone has overdosed on a benzodiazepine, call 911 immediately.
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