If a victim has co-ingested opioids and a benzodiazepine, what remains after naloxone restores breathing?
Answer
Residual sedation or unconsciousness due to the benzodiazepine
A critical limitation arises during co-ingestion of opioids with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. Naloxone will successfully address and reverse the opioid-induced respiratory suppression, allowing the victim to breathe again. However, it does not interact with the other substance. Consequently, the person might awaken breathing but could remain heavily sedated, deeply unconscious, or unresponsive due to the lingering effects of the co-ingested depressant.
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