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| Benzodiazepine overdose may occur when a [[benzodiazepine]] is taken in extremely heavy quantities or concurrently with practically all other [[depressants]]. This is particularly dangerous with other [[GABA|GABAergic]] depressants such as [[barbiturate|barbiturates]] and [[alcohol]] since they work in a similar fashion, but bind to distinct allosteric sites on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, cross-potentiating each other.{{citation needed}} | | Benzodiazepine overdose may occur with extremely high doses or, more commonly, when it is taken with other [[depressants]]. This risk is especially present with other [[GABA|GABAergic]] depressants, such as [[barbiturate|barbiturates]] and [[alcohol]], since they work in a similar fashion but bind to distinct sites on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, resulting in significant cross-potentiation.{{citation needed}} |
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| For example, benzodiazepines increase the frequency in which the chlorine ion pore opens on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor while barbiturates increase the duration in which they are open, meaning when both are consumed, the ion pore will open more frequently and stay open longer.<ref>Twyman, R. E., Rogers, C. J., & Macdonald, R. L. (1989). Differential regulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor channels by diazepam and phenobarbital. ''Annals of Neurology'', 25(3), 213-220. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.410250302</ref> This can result in dangerously disinhibited, total blackout states along with potential lethal respiratory depression.{{citation needed}}
| | Benzodiazepine overdose is a medical emergency that may lead to a coma, permanent brain injury or death if not treated promptly. Symptoms may include severe [[language suppression|slurred speech]], [[confusion]], [[delusions]], [[respiratory depression]], and non-responsiveness. The user might seem like they are sleepwalking. The user is also more susceptible to consume more of the same or another substance due to their impaired judgement, which is typically not seen with other substances during overdose. |
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| Benzodiazepine overdose is a medical emergency that may lead to a coma, permanent brain injury or death if not treated promptly and properly.
| | Benzodiazepine overdoses may be treated effectively in a hospital environment, with generally favorable outcomes. Care is primarily supportive in nature, although overdoses are sometimes treated with [[flumazenil]], a GABA<sub>A</sub> antagonist<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hoffman, E. J.)), ((Warren, E. W.)) | journal=Clinical Pharmacy | title=Flumazenil: a benzodiazepine antagonist | volume=12 | issue=9 | pages=641–656; quiz 699–701 | date= September 1993 | issn=0278-2677}}</ref> or additional procedures such as [[adrenaline]] injections if other substances are involved.{{citation needed}} |
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| Symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose may include severe [[thought deceleration]], [[language suppression|slurred speech]], [[confusion]], [[delusions]], [[respiratory depression]], coma or death. A person might seem like they are sleepwalking, usually expressing vague emotions such as [[depression]] or aggressiveness. A person is also more susceptible to consume more of the same or other substance due to their impaired judgement, which is typically not seen with other psychoactive substances during overdose.
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| Benzodiazepine overdoses may be treated effectively in a hospital environment, with generally favorable outcomes. Benzodiazepine overdoses are sometimes treated with [[flumazenil]], a GABA<sub>A</sub> antagonist<ref>Amrein, R., Leishman, B., Bentzinger, C., & Roncari, G. (1987). Flumazenil in benzodiazepine antagonism. ''Medical Toxicology and Adverse Drug Experience'', 2(6), 411-429. PMID: 8306565</ref> or they may consist of additional procedures such as [[adrenaline]] injections{{citation needed}} if other substances are involved; however, care is primarily supportive in nature. | |