Diazepam overdose

• Alternative names
• Definition
• Poisonous Ingredient
• Where Found
• Symptoms

• Before Calling Emergency
• Poison Control, or a local emergency number
• What to expect at the emergency room
• Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names   

Definition    Return to top

Poisoning from an overdose of diazepam.

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

• diazepam

Where Found    Return to top

• Valium
• Valrelease

Symptoms    Return to top

• body as a whole
  • weakness
  • tremor
  • incoordination
  • hiccups
• respiratory
  • labored breathing
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • double vision
  • blurred vision
  • ringing in the ears
  • rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes
• skin
  • rash
  • bluish colored lips and fingernails
• gastrointestinal
  • stomach upset
• nervous system
  • drowsiness
  • depression
  • tiredness
  • weariness
  • stupor
  • coma
  • dizziness
  • hallucinations
  • excitability

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number    Return to top

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room    Return to top

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

With proper care, recovery normally occurs (except possibly in patients with aplastic anemia).