HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Drowsiness After Having Overdosed Temazepam?

default
Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Question: I use temazepam 30 mg as needed on my doctor's prescription. today I was not planning to take it at all but I confused it with another medication, namely celebrex for arthritis, and took 2 pills instead of one (30 mg x 2= 60 mg). i roughly weigh 200 pounds (maybe more) and my height is roughly 165-167 cm. My age is "3 times 20" as I always joke. I tried to cause vomit immediately by putting two fingers into my mouth after I took these pills but I failed to throw it up. I begin to feel sleepy now with no other symptoms. I want to go to bed, otherwise there is nothing unusual. please advise. rds. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
inform emergency, it never harms to play safe

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Although benzodiazapines are relatively safe in even high doses but temazepam is risky; espically in special populations like old age. I dont want to trouble you but as you were unable to vomit out and now feeling sleepy, I would suggest that you eithet call up emergency and state your problem
Or if not possible- do call up someone reliable to monitor your blood pressure and respiratory status till you regain complete alertness and can contact emergency if needed.

The most problematic side effect of overdosage ( the dosage of which has not been specified anywhere clearly) can lead to confusion, coma, and respiratory depression.
So, take precautions and inform someone responsible. It is very likely that nothing untoward will happens and you will just sleep and awake up completely fine. But taking precautions never harm anyone.

Flumazenil is an antidote which helps in complete or partial reversal of benzodiazepine overdosage. It is usually given in emergency department in such cases.

Take care.
Please ask more queries if you have.

Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psychiatry
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (10 minutes later)
Dear Doctor,

Thank you for the prompt reply.
how long does it take temazepam to be eliminated from the body?
Will it help if I drink much water or some cranberry beverage with lemon?

Rds.
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it takes almost 8-18 hrs

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It takes 8-18 hours for most of it to get out of body.
Taking water and juices can help in early elimination but there is a risk of it getting spilled in respiatory tract while you are unconscious or sleepy and posing danger in respiration.

So, better not drink much as you may vomit under unconsciousness. And call a doctor or someone to take care of you till you are awake and alert again.

I hope the reply is helpful.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psychiatry
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (3 minutes later)
In order not vomit later, should I cause vomit now? how does one do it?

Rds.
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
saline water or gastric lavage

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
One can induce vomiting by putting fingers in throat or by drinking saline water.
The good way is getting a gastric lavage which is done in hospital and helps in preventing the further absorption of drug in blood stream.

Even after vomiting there can be some secretion in stomach which can spill accidently while being unconscious. The good way to prevent it from entering respiatory tract is by lying on one side and not on the back.

Take care.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Manisha Gopal

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 947 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Drowsiness After Having Overdosed Temazepam?

Brief Answer: inform emergency, it never harms to play safe Detailed Answer: Hello, Although benzodiazapines are relatively safe in even high doses but temazepam is risky; espically in special populations like old age. I dont want to trouble you but as you were unable to vomit out and now feeling sleepy, I would suggest that you eithet call up emergency and state your problem Or if not possible- do call up someone reliable to monitor your blood pressure and respiratory status till you regain complete alertness and can contact emergency if needed. The most problematic side effect of overdosage ( the dosage of which has not been specified anywhere clearly) can lead to confusion, coma, and respiratory depression. So, take precautions and inform someone responsible. It is very likely that nothing untoward will happens and you will just sleep and awake up completely fine. But taking precautions never harm anyone. Flumazenil is an antidote which helps in complete or partial reversal of benzodiazepine overdosage. It is usually given in emergency department in such cases. Take care. Please ask more queries if you have. Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Psychiatry