Benzodiazepines
Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs
Level of toxicity: Generally mild to severe
Common signs to watch for:
- Severe sedation
- Walking drunk
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiovascular depression
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used in both human and veterinary medicine as sedatives/hypnotics. They are also used as anti-anxiety medications, anti-convulsants (e.g., anti-seizure drugs), and as muscle relaxants. These drugs work by inhibiting neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, with the opening of chloride channels. When dogs and cats get into a toxic amount of benzodiazepines, clinical signs of severe sedation, walking drunk, aggression, agitation, nausea, and vomiting may be seen. In severe cases, respiratory and cardiovascular depression may be seen.
Poison type: Medications
Alternate names: alprazolam, Xanax, clonazepam, Klonopin, lorazepam, Ativan, diazepam, Valium, midazolam, Versed, nitrazepam, oxazepam, pinazepam, prazepam, zolazepam
