Zetran Overdose

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Zetran is a prescription version of the benzodiazepine diazepam. Diazepam is also the active ingredient in the commonly-prescribed anti-anxiety medication Valium. Zetran is prescribed to treat muscle spasms and anxiety. It is also sometimes given to help with alcohol discontinuance of use that causes painful physical and psychological symptoms. Zetran is intended as a short-term medication. It works by calming neural activity in the brain. Other commonly prescribed benzos include Xanax and Klonopin. Zetran can be prescribed in different forms, including an injectable solution. Zetran is injected in patients who can’t take medicine orally. While Zetran is overall considered a safe short-term medication, there are risks associated with its use. As with other benzodiazepines, Zetran can lead to misuse, psychological disease, and physical dependence. To avoid these risks, patients should take it exactly as prescribed. Zetran should never be taken for longer than instructed by a physician. Higher doses shouldn’t be taken. Other side effects possible with discontinuance of taking Zetran can include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and problems with coordination.
It is possible to overdose on Zetran, as is the case with other benzodiazepines. Benzos like Zetran can have effects similar to alcohol because both act on GABA receptors in the brain. Some of the signs a person is experiencing an overindulgence of Zetran can seem similar to being intoxicated from alcohol. Possible signs of a Zetran can include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Lethargy
  • Slow reflexes
  • Loss of coordination
  • Low blood pressure
  • Respiratory depression

If someone is suspected to have overly administered Zetran, it’s extremely important to get emergency help for them right away. A Zetran overdose can be fatal if breathing slows down too much. People who take too much Zetran may also slip into a coma. Treatment for this situation might include inducing vomiting if the substance was taken less than an hour before emergency help is sought. If not, a patient may be given treatments to absorb the drug from the digestive tract. A patient’s heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure will also be monitored. In some cases, a person who overly administered on Zetran may require placement on an artificial respirator.

Zetran Overdose
While it is possible to overdose on Zetran alone, what’s more common is people who overly intake a combination of substances. For example, many substance related ER visits involve benzodiazepines mixed with alcohol or opioids. Both alcohol and opioids are central nervous system depressants, as are benzodiazepines. When someone combines multiple CNS depressants, it can cause fatal respiratory depression. It’s estimated that more than 30% of deaths related to prescription drug overdoses involve benzodiazepines. The risk of combining benzos like Zetran with opioids has become so problematic that there is now a black box warning from the FDA. When someone has taken too much Zetran by itself, symptoms may be milder. When someone overdoses on a combination of benzos and opioids or alcohol, the signs tend to be more pronounced and severe.

While a Zetran overdose is possible, it’s less common if the medication is used on its own. Most people who take large amounts of a drug like Zetran alone will fortunately experience only sedation, and they will fall asleep. For people who combine Zetran with another CNS depressant, the risk of overdose is much higher. The symptoms are also more likely to be severe and result in death. Also, older patients are more susceptible to overly taking benzodiazepines than younger people.

If you or a loved one is displaying the signs, symptoms and side effects of Zetran misuse, psychological addiction or physical dependence, contact The Recovery Village. We can work with you to create an individualized treatment plan addressing all aspects of your benzodiazepine misuse so that you have the highest chance of successful recovery.

(Wikipedia, n.d.)
Zetran Overdose
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