What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?

• A. Flumazenil
• B. Acetylcysteine
• C. Naloxone
• D. Atropine

Answer: (A)

Flumazenil is the specific antidote for benzodiazepine overdose due to its pharmacological action as a competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptor. When a patient has overdosed on benzodiazepines, flumazenil can help reverse the sedative effects by displacing benzodiazepines from their binding sites, thereby restoring normal GABAergic neurotransmission and alleviating symptoms such as excessive sedation, respiratory depression, or altered mental status.

It's important to use flumazenil cautiously, especially in patients who may have a history of seizures or poly-drug overdoses, since it can precipitate withdrawal or seizures in those who are dependent on benzodiazepines. In summary, flumazenil is effective in reversing the effects of benzodiazepines specifically, making it the correct choice when addressing a benzodiazepine overdose.