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February 3, 2012
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Drug Overdose

Medical Author:
Anthony Anker, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James S Cohen, MD

Drug Overdose Overview

Overdoses of drugs or chemicals can be either accidental or intentional. Drug overdoses occur when a person takes more than the medically recommended dose. However, some people may be more sensitive to certain medications so that the high end of the therapeutic range of a drug may be toxic for them.

Illicit drugs, used to get high, may be taken in overdose amounts when a person's metabolism cannot detoxify the drug fast enough to avoid unintended side effects.

Exposure to chemicals, plants, and other toxic substances that can cause harm are called poisonings. The higher the dose or the longer the exposure, the worse the poisoning. Two examples are carbon monoxide poisoning and mushroom poisoning.

  • People respond differently to a drug overdose. Treatment is tailored to the individual's needs.

  • Drug overdoses can involve people of any age. It is most common in very young children (from crawling age to about 5 years) and among teenagers to those in their mid-30s.

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Drug Overdose

Benzodiazepine Abuse »

Benzodiazepine Abuse Overview

  • Benzodiazepines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers. Familiar names include Valium and Xanax. They are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. When people without prescriptions take these drugs for their sedating effects, then use turns into abuse.
    • Doctors may prescribe a benzodiazepine for the following legitimate medical conditions:
    • Anxiety
    • Insomnia
    • Alcohol withdrawal
    • Seizure control
    • Muscle relaxation
    • Inducing amnesia for uncomfortable procedures
    • Given before an anesthetic (such as before surgery)
  • Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system, produce sedation and muscle relaxation, and lower anxiety levels.
  • Although more than 2000 different benzodiazepines have been produced, only about 15 are currently FDA-approved in the United States. ...

Read the Benzodiazepine Abuse article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Injecting Drug Use »

The hypodermic syringe was invented in the mid-1800s. By the late 1800s and early 1900s in the United States, the public could purchase hypodermic needles and syringes legally, and opiates and cocaine were widely available.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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