Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because of a problem with a medicine called a "benzodiazepine." These are strong medicines sometimes used to treat anxiety or sleep problems.
If not taken correctly, benzodiazepines can cause you to stop breathing. They can also cause slurred speech, loss of balance, and confusion. They can be habit-forming and can be even more harmful when mixed with other medicines, drugs, or alcohol.
The doctors think you have a substance use problem based on how often you are using benzodiazepines or how much you are taking.
Do not suddenly stop taking benzodiazepines without the help of a doctor. It can be dangerous. To stop taking benzodiazepines, you might need help from a support group or counselor. Or you might need care in a special type of hospital.
Benzodiazepine use disorder can be life-threatening if you do not deal with it now.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your prescription medicines exactly as instructed. Do not share them with others, and do not take medicines prescribed to somebody else. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure all your medicines are safe to take together.
●Make a plan to stop using benzodiazepines and other drugs. Working with a doctor, counselor, or support group can help.
●Avoid people who use illegal drugs or take medicines without needing them.
●Learn how to deal with peer pressure. Avoid situations where you feel pressured to take drugs or drink alcohol.
●Learn ways to manage stress. Your doctor, counselor, or therapist can help. Relaxation methods like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation can help. Things like yoga, exercise, and tai chi are also good.
When should I get emergency help?
●Someone should call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have severe trouble breathing, have slow or shallow breathing, or stop breathing
•Are very confused or have trouble speaking
•Are very sleepy, have trouble waking up, or cannot be woken up
•Have a seizure
•Feel like you might harm yourself or someone else. In the US and Canada, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have shortness of breath
•Have chest or belly pain
•Feel like your heart is beating very fast or very slow
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
●Feel very weak
●Feel very agitated
●Feel like you will start using benzodiazepines again
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Prescription drug misuse (The Basics)
Patient education: Substance use disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping with worry and stress (The Basics)
