Alpranax Overdosage

Symptoms and Treatment for Overdosage and Antidote(s): As with other benzodiazepines, overdose should not present a threat to life unless combined with other CNS depressants (including alcohol). Manifestations of Alprazolam overdosage include extensions of its pharmacologic activity eg. slurring of speech, motor incoordination and degrees of central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to coma. In mild cases, symptoms include drowsiness, mental confusion and lethargy. In more serious cases, symptoms may include ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, respiratory depression, rarely coma and very rarely death.
The treatment includes induced vomiting and/or gastric lavage. If there is no advantage in emptying the stomach, activated charcoal should be given to reduce absorption. Respiration and cardiovascular functions eg. respiration pulse and blood pressure should be monitored and supported by general measures when necessary. IV fluids may be administered and an adequate airway maintained.
Flumazenil may be useful as an antidote.
Animal experiments have suggested that forced diuresis or hemodialysis is probably of little value in treating overdosage.
The physician should bear in mind that multiple agents may have been ingested.