Oxazepam overdose

Definition

Oxazepam is a medicine used to treat anxiety and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Oxazepam overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes too much of this medicine.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or a local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Serax overdose; Adumbran overdose; Serenid Forte overdose; Zapex overdose; Novoxapam overdose; Oxpam overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Oxazepam

Where Found

Oxazepam is sold under the following brand names:

• Adumbran
• Novoxapam
• Oxpam
• Serax
• Serenid Forte
• Zapex

This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea
• Lungs
  • Slow breathing
• Nervous system
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Slurred speech
  • Staggering gait
  • Stupor
  • Tiredness
  • Uncoordinated movement
  • Weakness
• Skin
  • Rash

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a local poison control center. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Gastric lavage

Outlook (Prognosis)

With proper care, recovery normally occurs.

References

Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.

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