Signs of overdose range through mental confusion,
dysarthria,
paradoxical reactions,
drowsiness,
hypotonia,
ataxia,
hypotension,
hypnotic state,
coma, cardiovascular depression,
respiratory depression, and
death. However, fatal overdoses on benzodiazepines alone are rare and less common than with
barbiturates.
[77] Such a difference is largely due to benzodiazepine activity as a neuroreceptor
modulator, and not as an activator per se. Lorazepam and similar medications do however act in synergy with alcohol, which increases the risk of overdose.