
Pictured: Benzodiazepines
Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs
Level of toxicity: Generally mild to severe
Common signs to watch for:
- Severe sedation
- Incoordination
- 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 increasing the release of and/or facilitation of neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity. When dogs and cats get into a toxic amount of benzodiazepines, clinical signs of severe sedation, incoordination, 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