Is It Possible to Take Too Much Diazepam?
Diazepam (
Valium®) is a medication that is used to treat muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal,
seizures, and
anxiety. As with all medicines, it is possible for a person to overdose on diazepam. The specific effects of an overdose will vary, depending on a number of factors, including how much diazepam was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, drugs, or alcohol.
Symptoms of a Diazepam Overdose
As mentioned, if a person takes too much diazepam, the symptoms can vary. Some commonly reported signs of an overdose with diazepam include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Coma
- Slow reflexes.
Life-threatening overdose symptoms are more likely if diazepam is combined with alcohol or other medications.
Treatment for an Overdose of Diazepam
The treatment for a diazepam overdose also will vary. If the overdose was recent, the healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Once the medication has been absorbed into the body, dialysis may be useful for removing it from the blood. Flumazenil (Romazicon®), an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose, may also be helpful.
Treatment also can involve 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)
- Other treatments based on complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have taken too much diazepam.
