What is an overdose of midazolam?

The symptoms of midazolam overdose are mainly an intensification of the therapeutic effects and may lead to coma, cardiorespiratory depression, and apnea (13). The effects of overdose can be controlled with the benzodiazepines antagonist flumazenil (Anexate).

What does midazolam do in the death penalty?

It is a drug that has been used in executions by lethal injection in certain states, combined with other drugs. It has been used as part of a three-drug cocktail. The drug acts as a sedative to make the prisoner unconscious. The other drugs then stop the lungs and heart working.

How much sedative is lethal?

Barbiturates: For short-acting drugs, the lethal dose is 3 g or a serum concentration higher than 3.5 mg/dL. For long-acting drugs, the lethal dose is 5-10 g or a concentration higher than 8 mg/dL. Methaqualone: A serum concentration higher than 8 mg/L is life threatening.

What are the two serious side effects of midazolam?

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Does midazolam knock you out?

Yes, side effects of Versed include drowsiness, loss of memory, and slower breathing. It can also cause a cough. In some instances, Versed can cause agitation, hyperactivity, or combativeness as it wears off. You should not drive after taking Versed.

How does midazolam get to the brain?

Midazolam works by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. GABA is involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells and acts as a natural ‘nerve-calming’ agent.

How much stimulant is lethal?

It depends on how much you ingested and how sensitive you are to stimulants. A lethal dose of amphetamine is reportedly between 20 to 25 mg per kilogram (kg) of weight. For example, a lethal dose for someone who weighs 70 kg (154 pounds) is about 1,400 mg.

Does midazolam cause unconsciousness?

Midazolam injection is also used as an anesthesia to produce loss of consciousness before and during surgery. Midazolam injection is also used to treat status epilepticus, a severe type of seizure where there is more than one seizure within 5 minutes.

What happens if you take too much midazolam?

Forcelli said that the effect of very high doses of midazolam is unknown, because those dosage levels have not been tested. Lower doses of the drug do not cause anesthesia, but because higher doses have not been tested, “there is a gap in the data,” Forcelli said.

How many milligrams of midazolam do you give for sedation?

Initial: Usually 0.5-1 mg given over 2 minutes (not to exceed 2.5 mg/dose); wait 2-3 minutes to evaluate sedative effect after each dose adjustment; total dose >5 mg usually not necessary to reach desired sedation; use 30\% less midazolam if patient premedicated with narcotics or other CNS depressants

What is the half life of midazolam in humans?

The α-hydroxy-midazolam metabolite has an elimination half-life of 1 h in humans. Excretion of midazolam is primarily by the kidneys.14Table 1compares the pharmacology of midazolam with other commonly used benzodiazepines. Table 1. Pharmacology of Midazolam with Other Commonly Used Benzodiazepines.

Can states still use midazolam in lethal injections?

States can still use the sedative drug midazolam in lethal injections, according to today’s Supreme Court decision.