Benzodiazepine poisoning in Morocco: epidemiological study

Objective: This study aims to describe the main epidemiological characteristics of benzodiazepine intoxication in Morocco. Methods: This is a retrospective study of cases of benzodiazepine poisoning reported at the Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center of Morocco between 2012 and 2016. Results: During the period 2012-2016, 1,544 cases of benzodiazepine poisoning were recorded in Morocco. The average age of the addicts is 21.68 ± 14.41 years. According to the data of the study, 70% are Female, with a sex ratio of 2.25.The suicidal act represents a significant percentage with 31.5% of cases. Almost all patients were orally intoxicated with 97.1%.The signs presented are various according to the quantity ingested and the time elapsed before the treatment in particular the psychiatric, neurological, digestive and cardiovascular disorders. Unfortunately, three cases died. The other cases survived with or without sequelae. Conclusion: benzodiazepines are drugs used in the treatment of several disorders such as anxiety, insomnia and psychomotor agitation. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to use this type of medicine.which exposes them to poisoning, for this reason it is necessary to carry out sensitization campaigns for the good use of benzodiazepines at the national level. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(2) 2021 p.396-400