Template:BenzoOD

Benzodiazepine overdose may occur when a benzodiazepine is taken in extremely heavy quantities or concurrently with practically all other depressants. This is particularly dangerous with other GABAergic depressants such as barbiturates and alcohol since they work in a similar fashion, but bind to distinct allosteric sites on the GABA_A receptor, cross-potentiating each other.

For example, benzodiazepines increase the frequency in which the chlorine ion pore opens on the GABA_A receptor while barbiturates increase the duration in which they are open, meaning when both are consumed, the ion pore will open more frequently and stay open longer. This can result in dangerously disinhibited, total blackout states along with potential lethal respiratory depression.

Benzodiazepine overdose is a medical emergency that may lead to a coma, permanent brain injury or death if not treated promptly and properly.

Symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose may include severe thought deceleration, slurred speech, confusion, delusions, respiratory depression, coma or death. A person might seem like they are sleepwalking, usually expressing vague emotions such as depression or aggressiveness. A person is also more susceptible to consume more of the same or other substance due to their impaired judgement, which is typically not seen with other psychoactive substances during overdose.

Benzodiazepine overdoses may be treated effectively in a hospital environment, with generally favorable outcomes. Benzodiazepine overdoses are sometimes treated with flumazenil, a GABA_A antagonist or they may consist of additional procedures such as adrenaline injections if other substances are involved; however, care is primarily supportive in nature.