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How can you care for yourself after benzodiazepine poisoning?
- Get plenty of rest. The medicine that made you sick may take a long time to get out of your body completely.
- If you had a tube in your throat to help you breathe, you may have a sore throat or feel hoarse for a few days. Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids may help soothe your throat. Hot fluids, such as tea or soup, may help ease throat pain.
- Benzodiazepines can be addictive. If you think you have an addiction problem, contact your doctor.
- If you are going to keep taking benzodiazepine medicine, make sure you take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
- If you took too much medicine on purpose, or if you feel like you want to do it again, talk with your doctor or a counselor.
- Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases the effect of these medicines. This can make you very ill.
Poisoning (benzodiazepine): When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have a seizure.
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have serious withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, or severe trembling.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
- You have been feeling sad, depressed, or hopeless or have lost interest in things that you usually enjoy.
- You think you may have a problem with benzodiazepines or another substance.
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