What is the primary toxic effect of benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines bind to a specific benzodiazepine receptor, thereby enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and causing CNS depression. In overdose situations this pharmacological effect is extended leading to a more severe CNS depression and potentially coma or cardiac arrest.
What drug treats iron toxicity?
Medication Summary Deferoxamine (Desferal) is used for chelation of iron in both acute and chronic toxicity.
What is an antidote for benzodiazepines?
Flumazenil, a specific benzodiazepine antagonist, is useful in reversing the sedation and respiratory depression that often occur when benzodiazepines are administered to patients undergoing anesthesia or when patients have taken an intentional benzodiazepine overdose.
Does benzodiazepine overdose cause Miosis?
However, in benzodiazepine overdose situations, respiratory depression is still a major concern. Other signs and symptoms accompanying sedative-hypnotic syndrome include hypothermia, miosis, ileus, and bradycardia (Table 3-4).
What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
Pharmacology. Benzodiazepines are a group of CNS depressants which induce feelings of calm (anxiolysis), drowsiness and sleep. They act by facilitating the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at various GABA receptors throughout the CNS.
Are Benzos toxic?
Patients with benzodiazepine toxicity will primarily present with central nervous system depression ranging from mild drowsiness to a coma-like, stuporous state. The classic presentation of an isolated benzodiazepine overdose consists of CNS depression with normal vital signs.
What causes iron toxicity?
Most causes of iron poisoning occur when a person, usually a child, simply swallows too many iron supplements or vitamins. An expectant mother often takes iron supplements during pregnancy. If these are left around the house, they can become targets of curious children.
What is the antidote for iron overload?
Deferoxamine mesylate (Desferal)
What are side effects of benzodiazepines?
The most common side effects of benzodiazepines include:
- drowsiness.
- light-headedness.
- confusion.
- unsteadiness (especially in older people, who may fall and experience injuries)
- dizziness.
- slurred speech.
- muscle weakness.
- memory problems.
What are the physiological effects of benzodiazepines?
Common side effects among all BZDs include drowsiness, lethargy, and fatigue. At higher dosages, impaired motor coordination, dizziness, vertigo, slurred speech, blurry vision, mood swings, and euphoria can occur, as well as hostile or erratic behavior in some instances.
What are the effects of benzodiazepines?
What is the mechanism of toxicity of benzodiazepines?
Mechanism of toxicity. Benzodiazepines enhance the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They also inhibit other neuronal systems by poorly defined mechanisms. The result is generalized depression of spinal reflexes and the reticular activating system. This can cause coma and respiratory arrest.
When is intubation indicated for benzodiazepine toxicity?
If patient is not protecting their airway or has an aspiration risk intubation is recommended. Usually isolated benzodiazepine overdose causes only mild sedation and can be managed with simple supportive care. The addition of other agents or ethanol will change your risk assessment and increase length of stay and mortality.
What are benzodiazepines (BZDs)?
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most commonly used prescription drug products in the United States with nearly 5.2% of adults having used BZDs in 2008 2 Several BZDs have active metabolites (such as chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, midazolam, and quazepam)
What are nonbenzodiazepines that have similar effects?
Three nonbenzodiazepines—eszopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem—have similar clinical effects and are included here. In general, death from benzodiazepine overdose is rare unless the drugs are combined with other CNS-depressant agents, such as ethanol, opioids, and barbiturates.