Poisoning by unspecified sedative or hypnotic

This code signifies an adverse health effect resulting from the ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of a sedative or hypnotic agent, where the specific drug involved is not identified. It represents a toxic reaction or overdose to a central nervous system depressant.

Use this code when a patient presents with symptoms of poisoning (e.g., somnolence, respiratory depression, coma) due to a sedative or hypnotic, but the medical record lacks documentation of the specific drug name. This applies when the substance is known to be a sedative/hypnotic class but the exact agent is unknown or unconfirmed.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific sedative or hypnotic agent can be identified from the documentation.
• Always sequence this code after the appropriate E-code (E853.2 for accidental, E950.3 for suicide attempt, E980.3 for undetermined intent).
• Ensure documentation clearly states "unspecified sedative" or "unspecified hypnotic" or similar language indicating the lack of specificity.