Chlordiazepoxide overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from taking a large amount (overdose) of chlordiazepoxide, an anti-anxiety medication.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Chlordiazepoxide

Where Found

• Librium
• Librax
• Limbitrol
• Equibral
• A-Poxide
• Mitran

Symptoms

• Whole body
  • Low body temperature
• Muscles, bones, and joint
  • Stiff face muscles
• Lungs
  • Labored breathing
• Bladder and kidneys
  • Difficulty urinating
• Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
  • Double vision or blurred vision
  • Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes
  • Dilated pupils
  • Dry mouth
• Skin
  • Rash
  • Bluish colored lips and fingernails
  • Jaundice
• Gastrointestinal
  • Upset stomach
• Heart and blood
  • Low blood pressure
• Nervous system
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Stupor or coma
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Seizures
  • Weakness
  • Tremor
  • Uncoordinated movement  

Home Treatment

DO NOT make the person throw up.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• When it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• Laxative
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper care, full recovery can be expected. Exceptions may include patients with aplastic anemia.