Oxazepam overdose

Definition

Oxazepam is a medicine used to treat anxiety and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. Oxazepam overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes too much of this medicine.

Benzodiazepines are the most common prescription drugs used in suicide attempts.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Benzodiazepine overdose - oxazepam

Poisonous Ingredient

Oxazepam

Symptoms

Symptoms of oxazepam overdose include:

• Blurred or double vision, rapid side-to-side movement of eyes (nystagmus)
• Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness, tiredness, fainting
• Nausea
• Rash
• Slowed or absent breathing
• Stupor (decreased level of alertness)
• Slurred speech
• Weakness, uncoordinated movement, staggering gait (ataxia, seen commonly in children)

Before Calling Emergency

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medicine was prescribed for the person

DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support, including oxygen, tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
• Computerized axial tomography (CT, or advanced imaging) scan
• Chest x-ray
• ECG (electrocardiogram), or heart tracing
• Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV)
• Laxative
• Medicines to treat symptoms, including flumazenil, an antidote to reverse the effect of the poison

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery usually occurs with proper treatment. People who are in a prolonged coma or who have respiratory complications may have permanent disability.

References

Aronson JK. Oxazepam. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:405-406.

Gussow L, Carlson A. Sedative hypnotics. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 159.