Oxazepam Overdose

Definition

Oxazepam overdose is poisoning from an overdose of oxazepam.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Oxazepam

Where Found

• Serax
• Adumbran
• Serenid Forte
• Zapex
• Novoxapam
• Oxpam

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  • Weakness
  • Tremor
  • Fainting
  • Incoordination
  • Staggering gait
• Respiratory
  • Difficulty breathing (labored or slow)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Double vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes
• Skin
  • Rash
  • Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea
• Nervous system
  • Drowsiness
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Stupor
  • Slurred speech
  • Coma

Home Treatment

Call Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following may be performed or given:

• Activated charcoal
• Gastric lavage 
• Treatment of other symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper care, recovery normally occurs.

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Review Date:5/10/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.