Investigating the Pattern of Benzodiazepine Poisoning in Gorgan, 2008-2014

Background and objectives: Benzodiazepine poisoning is one of the most important and common medical emergencies worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of poisoning with benzodiazepines in Gorgan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted on patients with acute benzodiazepine poisoning admitted to 5 th Azar Hospital in Gorgan between 2008 and 2014. Data were collected from medical records of patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: Benzodiazepine poisoning accounted for 37.2% of all drug poisoning cases. Of the 230 cases of benzodiazepine poisoning, 108 (50.7%) were female, and most cases (53.5%) belonged to the 20-29 years age group. Suicide attempt was the predominant (91.1%) type of benzodiazepine poisoning. Among the benzodiazepines, alprazolam (33.3%) and diazepam (30.5%) were the chief causes of drug poisoning. In addition, in 7.5% of the subjects, benzodiazepines were taken in combination with other drugs, especially tramadol (19.2%). Age, marital status, employment status, education level and place of residence were significantly associated with benzodiazepine poisoning (P<0.001). Conclusion: Benzodiazepines, particularly alprazolam and diazepam, are responsible for more than one-third of all drug poisoning incidents in Gorgan. Self-poisoning with this group of drugs as an attempt to commit suicide is most prevalent among young individuals.