It is also possible for benzodiazepines to become less effective after four to six months of daily use, according to a report released on American Family Physician. Individuals usually become tolerant to the milder effects of the drug like sedation and lack of motor coordination. The Center for Substance Abuse Research notes that a fair amount of cross-tolerance exists between benzodiazepines and other depressants like alcohol and barbiturates.
The Treatment Episode Data Set TEDS stated 95 percent of all benzodiazepine emergency admissions reported abusing another substance in addition to benzodiazepines. After tolerance is established, physical and psychological dependence begins. Once dependent, someone using benzodiazepines will not be able to function normally without them.
The addictive properties of benzodiazepines are incredibly strong, and tolerance can develop quickly. If someone with a dependence on benzodiazepines suddenly stops using, they will experience physical withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal process can be lethal due to the side effects, like convulsions, that may occur. Withdrawal symptoms can include sleep disturbance, anxiety, memory problems, hallucinations, seizures and possibly suicide. If someone is exhibiting signs of a benzodiazepine overdose, contact emergency services immediately.
It is important to get medical attention to reduce the likelihood of negative consequences and death. Victims of overdose will be taken to the hospital and treated with the necessary respiratory support, and medications to reverse the effects of the overdose.
Flumazenil is a common medication used to treat benzodiazepine overdose in an emergency setting. Some individuals may face prolonged recovery times depending on the extent of the overdose and how soon they receive treatment. Benzodiazepines are not only dangerous in overdose, but also in withdrawal.
People who experience benzodiazepine overdose may find detox programs helpful to come off the drug in a safe manner, by tapering doses and sometimes providing substitution therapy with a long-acting benzodiazepine. Medications that inhibit CYP3A4 make it harder for your body to break down Xanax, which increases your risk of overdosing. Drinking alcohol with Xanax also greatly increases your risk of having a lethal overdose.
This includes over-the-counter OTC medications, vitamins, and other nutritional supplements. This will help your doctor choose the right medication and dosage to reduce your risk of drug interaction. Overdosing on Xanax or other benzodiazepines can cause mild to severe symptoms. In some cases, death is possible. As with most medications, Xanax can cause mild side effects even at a low dose.
The most common side effects include:. These effects are usually mild and will go away in a few days or weeks. If you suspect a Xanax overdose has occurred, seek emergency medical care right away. If symptoms become severe, call your local emergency services. Try to stay calm and keep your body cool while you wait for emergency personnel to arrive. In the case of an overdose, emergency personnel will transport you to the hospital or emergency room.
They may give you activated charcoal while en route. This can help absorb the medication and potentially alleviate some of your symptoms. When you arrive at the hospital or emergency room, your doctor may pump your stomach to remove any remaining medication. They may also administer flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist that can help reverse the effects of Xanax. Xanax should only be taken under medical supervision. You should never take more than your prescribed dose.
Talk to your doctor if you think your dose needs to be increased. Using Xanax without a prescription or mixing Xanax with other drugs can be extremely dangerous. If you do choose to misuse Xanax recreationally or mix it with other substances, keep your doctor informed. They can help you understand your individual risk of interaction and overdose, as well as watch for any changes to your overall health. People taking Xanax often build up a tolerance.
It may be used with caution in patients with pure benzodiazepine poisoning who have severe respiratory depression and would otherwise require mechanical ventilation. Flumazenil should never be used as a diagnostic test and must only be administered by a clinician with expertise in its use.
It should not be used when there is a high risk of seizures e. Benzodiazepine overdose occurs when excessive amounts of benzodiazepine medications are taken. Commonly known as minor tranquilisers or sleeping pills, benzodiazepines are prescribed for sedative, anxiolytic, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant purposes.
Benzodiazepines are also widely abused. Acute overdose is characterised by excessive sedation with impaired mental status and diminished postural stability and reflexes. Although benzodiazepines are relatively safe medications, acute overdose may induce respiratory depression resulting in coma and even death. The effect of flumazenil Ro in the management of self-induced benzodiazepine poisoning.
A double-blind controlled study. Acta Med Scand. Chronic overuse increases the risk of many other pathologies.
BMJ Best Practice would like to gratefully acknowledge the previous expert contributor, whose work has been retained in parts of the content:.
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