Question

"a patient is brought to the emergency department with decreased respirations and somnolence. the nurse notes a heart rate of 60 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 80/58 mm hg. the patient is known to take alprazolam (xanax) to treat anxiety. which medication will the nurse anticipate the provider to order?"

Answer 1

This is a case of benzodiazepine overdose from Alprazolam (Xanax). Benzodiazepine overdose presents mostly with inhibition of the central nervous system including the brainstem (hence explaining the decreased respiratory rate and somnolence) as well as systemic effects such as decrease in heart rate and in blood pressure. The antidote for benzodiazepine overdose is Flumenazil which is a selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist and prevent further binding and action of the administrated benzodiazepine.