Substance
Benzodiazepines

[Other Names]
Alprazolam
Chlordiazepoxide
Clonazepam
Clorazepate
Diazepam
Estazolam
Flurazepam
Lorazepam
Midazolam
Oxazepam
Prazepam
Quazepam
Temazepam
Triazolam

Pathology
Generalized CNS depressant effects caused by enhanced activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Symptoms
Confusion, dizziness, somnolence, ataxia, hypotension, coma, respiratory depression, cardiovascular depression.

Emergency Measures
Airway maintenance and ventilation assistance, if necessary; administration of activated charcoal. For ingestions by patients with no history of chronic use, flumazenil (a benzodiazapine antagonist) can be administered as a specific antidote. Flumazenil should be avoided in chronic users – it may trigger seizures.

Comments
Generally considered safe, even in high doses. Fatalities are rare and usually due to coingestions with other CNS depressants.