An Introduction to Oxazepam Overdose
Oxazepam (
Serax®) is a medication that is used to treat
anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It belongs to a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. As with all medicines, it is possible for a person to overdose on oxazepam. The specific effects of an oxazepam overdose will vary depending on a number of factors, including how much oxazepam was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, drugs, and alcohol.
Symptoms of an Oxazepam Overdose
If a person overdoses on oxazepam, the symptoms can vary. Some commonly reported symptoms of an oxazepam overdose include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Coordination problems
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Coma
- Loss of life.
Life-threatening overdose symptoms are more likely if oxazepam is combined with alcohol or other medications that affect the brain.
Treatment for an Oxazepam Overdose
The treatment for an oxazepam overdose will vary.
If the oxazepam overdose was recent, the healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Flumazenil (Romazicon
®), an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose, may also be helpful. Treatment also involves supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
- Close monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
- Other treatments based on complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on oxazepam.
