What is Diazepam Overdose?

• Diazepam is a central nervous system depressant (medication) that is used in treating anxiety disorders. It also helps control alcohol withdrawal symptoms, seizures, and muscle spasms caused by neurological conditions
• Diazepam Overdose is the accidental or intentional intake of the drug in dosage higher than prescribed values
• The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests (that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)

Diazepam Overdose may be also referred to variously as the following:

• Aliseum Overdose
• Alupram Overdose
• Atensine Overdose
• Valium Overdose
• Valrelease Overdose
• Vatran Overdose
• Vivol Overdose
• Zetran Overdose

What are the Causes of Diazepam Overdose?

• Diazepam Overdose is caused by intake of diazepam in amounts that is higher than the recommended/prescribed value
• This intake could be accidental, or in some cases intentional, to bring self-harm
• The medication may be sold as Diazepam intensol, Diastat, Dizac, and Valium, among others
• Diazepam can be habit-forming and may cause a physical dependence if taken for days and weeks

Note: The drug can interact with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications in the body. Such interactions may enhance the therapeutic effects of the drug or other medications being taken, resulting in undesired side effects (such as an overdose).

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diazepam Overdose?

The signs and symptoms of Diazepam Overdose can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild in some and severe in others. Several systems of the body may be affected. The signs and symptoms of overdose may include:

• Drowsiness; deep sleep
• Feeling dizzy
• Confusion
• Difficulty moving muscles; reduced reflexes
• Hiccups
• Blurry vision; double vision
• Decreased breathing rate; labored breathing
• Upset stomach
• Weakness/tiredness
• Rapid movement of eye from side to side
• Lips and fingernails turn blue
• Tiredness and a lack of co-ordination
• Depression or excitability

How is First Aid administered for Diazepam Overdose?

First Aid tips for Diazepam Overdose:

• If the individual is unconscious or breathing rate is dangerously depressed, call 911 (or your local emergency help number) immediately
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local poison control center) for further instructions
• Provide them with information such as dosage, type of drug taken, strength and time of ingestion of medication, age, weight and general health status of affected individual
• Confirm that the airways are protected; also, ensure breathing and the presence of pulse
• Stay with the affected individual until medical help arrives
• Avoid any home remedies, which may only worsen the condition
• Take individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment
• Always try to take the medication strip/bottle/container to the ER

The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition:

• Conduct blood and urine tests, obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG), and undertake imaging scans, as needed
• Administer suitable medication (antidote) to counter effects of the compound
• Administer laxatives or emetics to eliminate drug from system
• Gastric lavage may be performed for elimination of drug
• Administer activated charcoal to avoid absorbance of drug in the body
• Manage symptoms with appropriate treatment such as respirator for breathing difficulties and intravenous drip (IV) for dehydration

Who should administer First Aid for Diazepam Overdose?

First aid for Diazepam Overdose is administered by healthcare professionals.

• The individual who overdosed, or someone near, should call 911 for emergency assistance (or the local emergency number)
• They should also call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control

What is the Prognosis of Diazepam Overdose?

• The prognosis of Diazepam Overdose is usually good. But it is also dependent on the mode of intake (intravenous or pill form), time from overdose to treatment, age and general health status of the patient. Generally, individuals overdosing on oral medications have better outcomes than those who inject the drug intravenously in large quantities
• If individuals develop pneumonia or suffers a brain damage from lack of sufficient oxygen, then the prognosis may be guarded, or the individual may have long-term disabilities
• There might be other complications if other depressants, such as alcohol, were consumed along-with diazepam or other strong stimulants were taken

How can Diazepam Overdose be Prevented?

Diazepam Overdose can be prevented by:

• Always taking the right dose of medication at recommended times
• If a dose is missed, then take the dose as soon as you remember; however, DO NOT double dose
• Avoiding drugs that might interact with diazepam
• Talking to your healthcare provider if recommended dose of diazepam does not provide adequate relief
• DO NOT continue to take medications beyond the prescribed dose duration before checking with and obtaining permission of the consulting physician
• Refraining from self-medication
• Avoiding alcohol while taking any medication: It is particularly important to NOT take diazepam medications with alcohol since the effects of both are heightened, and the users are at risk for addiction to both substances
• DO NOT recommend or share medications you are taking with others who may have similar or near similar health conditions
• Exercising caution while taking multiple drugs with diazepam
• Keeping medications out of reach of children in child-proof containers
• For older individuals and those who tend to be forgetful, medications should be stored in single dose containers with time labels, to avoid multiple dosage
• Monitor intake of this drug especially in patients, who have depression or harbor suicidal thoughts and behavior

It is important to give your healthcare provider a complete list of prescription and non-prescription medications that are being currently taken. This will help them in assessing the possible drug interactions within various medications and help avoid/prevent accidental or unintentional toxic drug effects.

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for emergency assistance, if symptoms are life-threatening
• Call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow the recommend steps
• It would be helpful if the following information is readily available:
  • Type, dosage and time of administration of medication
  • Age and weight of the individual
  • And, the overall health status of the individual