Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine compounds are rarely fatal if ingested alone but will potentiate central nervous system depression caused by co-ingested medication. Although an antagonist, flumazenil, is available, its use in overdose is associated with potential hazard, particularly the risk of precipitating convulsions or withdrawal if given in excess to those who have co-ingested a pro-convulsant, who take benzodiazepines regularly or who are known epileptic patients. Routine use in all cases is therefore not advised, and indications are restricted to patients who develop reduced ventilation and coma and who otherwise would require mechanical ventilation and have not ingested tricyclic antidepressants or other pro-convulsants, including cocaine.