Lorazepam overdose
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overdosage topics
General information
Symptoms
Management
Flumazenil
General information
In postmarketing experience, overdose with Lorazepam has occurred predominantly in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. Therefore, in the management of overdosage , it should be borne in mind that multiple agents may have been taken. Return to top
Symptoms
Overdosage of benzodiazepines is usually manifested by varying degrees of central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to coma. In mild cases, symptoms include drowsiness, mental confusion, paradoxical reactions, dysarthria and lethargy. In more serious cases, and especially when other drugs or alcohol were ingested, symptoms may include ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension,cardiovascular depression, respiratory depression, hypnotic state, coma, and death. Return to top
Management
General supportive and symptomatic measures are recommended; vital signs must be monitored and the patient closely observed. When there is a risk of aspiration, induction of emesis is not recommended. Gastric lavage may be indicated if performed soon after ingestion or in symptomatic patients. Administration of activated charcoal may also limit drug absorption. Hypotension, though unlikely, usually may be controlled with norepinephrine bitartrate injection. Lorazepam is poorly dialyzable. Lorazepam glucuronide, the inactive metabolite, may be highly dialyzable. Return to top
Flumazenil
The benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil may be used in hospitalized patients as an adjunct to, not as a substitute for, proper management of benzodiazepine overdose. The prescriber should be aware of a risk of seizure in association with flumazenil treatment, particularly in long-term benzodiazepine users and in cyclic antidepressant overdose. Return to top
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.