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Warning-sign checks

Diazepam overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if someone:

    • Cannot be awakened or has collapsed
    • Is breathing slowly, shallowly, irregularly, or not at all
    • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Has a seizure
    • May have taken diazepam with opioids, alcohol, or unknown substances
    • Has taken diazepam as an act of self-harm

    If the person is not breathing normally, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation if you know how and follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.

    If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if it is safe to do so.

    Do not make them vomit or give food, drink, or another medicine.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after emergency care if there are questions about ongoing diazepam use, dependence, medicine storage, or emotional wellbeing.

    New breathing difficulty, worsening drowsiness, fainting, or inability to wake is not a routine issue and needs emergency help.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    For any suspected overdose without severe symptoms, contact a poison centre or urgent medical service immediately.

    In the United States, Poison Control is available at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Elsewhere, use your local poison information service.

    Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Diazepam overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.