Benzodiazepines: respiratory effects

Benzodiazipines decrease the respiratory response to C02.

This effect use usually insignificant when benzodiazepines are administered alone, but can be profound when they are co-administered with barbituates or narcotics.

Always monitor ventilation in patients that have received benzodiazepines.

Always have resuscitation equipment available when patients have received benzodiazepines.