Chlordiazepoxide overdose
Definition
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Chlordiazepoxide is a prescription medication used to treat certain anxiety disorders and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Alternative Names
Librium overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
Chlordiazepoxide
Where Found
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.
Symptoms
- Airways and 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
- Heart and blood
- Low blood pressure
- Nervous system
- Coma
- Confusion
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Low body temperature
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Stupor
- Tremor
- Uncoordinated movement
- Weakness
- Skin
- Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
- Rash
- Yellow skin
- Stomach and intestines
- Upset stomach
Home Care
Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
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
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 United States 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: Poison control center - emergency number
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. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
With proper care, full recovery can be expected. Exceptions may include patients with aplastic anemia.
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/29/2007).
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