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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.
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
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. 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.
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.
Reviewed By: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Samaritan Regional Health System, Ashland, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
