What happens if someone takes 20 tablets of clonazepam?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Clonazepam tablets are a sedative medication. Overuse may lead to central nervous system depression, causing symptoms such as drowsiness, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. In addition, it may result in serious life-threatening conditions, including fainting, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, all medications should be taken according to a doctor's instructions, and should not be used in excess or abused.
Generally, clonazepam tablets are a type of sedative. Overuse may lead to central nervous system depression, causing symptoms such as drowsiness, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Drowsiness
The effect of clonazepam on the central nervous system is achieved by enhancing the inhibitory action of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that suppresses neuronal excitability. Clonazepam enhances the activity of GABA receptors, strengthening their inhibitory effects, thereby reducing neural excitability in the brain and producing sedative and hypnotic effects.
2. Muscle Weakness
This medication inhibits the release of neurotransmitters, thus slowing down the transmission speed of nerve signals, leading to delayed muscle responses. At high doses, it can cause muscle weakness.
3. Difficulty Breathing
When overdosed, the drug's inhibitory effects may extend to the body's autonomic nervous system and respiratory system, resulting in serious respiratory depression such as difficulty breathing.
In addition, overdose may also lead to fainting, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and other severe complications. Therefore, all medications should be taken strictly according to medical advice, avoiding excessive dosage or abuse.
