Benzodiazepine Toxicity Clinical Presentation
- Author: Robin Mantooth, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Asim Tarabar, MD more...
History
History should include the time, dose, and intent of the overdose. Determine if co-ingestants are present and the duration of benzodiazepine (BZD) use.
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Unresponsiveness
- Anxiety
- Agitation
Physical
Focus the physical examination on the patient's vital signs, cardiorespiratory and neurologic function. "Classic" isolated BZD overdose presents as coma with normal vital signs.
- Nystagmus
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Ataxia
- Coma
- Hypotonia
- Weakness
- Altered mental status, impairment of cognition
- Amnesia
- Paradoxical agitation
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
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