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Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that can reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, although its use following benzodiazepine overdose is controversial. Medical observation and supportive care are the mainstay of treatment of benzodiazepine overdose. [ 16 ]
Low-dose, slow subcutaneous flumazenil administration is a safe procedure for patients withdrawing from long-term, high-dose benzodiazepine dependency. [24] It has a low risk of seizures even amongst those who have experienced convulsions when previously attempting benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Flumazenil is an imidazobenzodiazepine that can help mediate and antagonize the effects of benzodiazepines. It can be used in anaesthesia as well as intensive care. [6] Flumazenil raises concerns with its tendency to induce benzodiazepine withdrawal, and symptoms include seizures and agitation.
[citation needed] Bemegride and flumazenil are used to treat drug overdoses (of barbiturates and benzodiazepines respectively), but may cause convulsions if the dose is too high. [8] [9] Convulsants are also widely used in scientific research, for instance in the testing of new anticonvulsant drugs. Convulsions are induced in captive animals ...
Flumazenil was found to be more effective than placebo in reducing feelings of hostility and aggression in patients who had been free of benzodiazepines for 4–266 weeks. [92] This may suggest a role for flumazenil in treating protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
Similarly to naloxone, flumazenil has a short half-life, and this needs to be taken into account because the patient may exhibit central nervous depression after the antidote has been cleared. Benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of seizures and subsequently, the administration of flumazenil may result in seizures. Therefore, slow ...
However, a CT study in 1987 found no evidence of cerebral atrophy in prescribed benzodiazepine users. [72] In 1989, in a 4- to 6-year follow-up study of 30 inpatient people who used benzodiazepines non-medically, Neuropsychological function was found to be permanently affected in some people with long-term high dose non-medical use of ...
Benzodiazepine abuse is steadily increasing and is now a major public health problem. Benzodiazepine abuse is mostly limited to individuals who abuse other drugs, i.e. poly-drug abusers. Most prescribed users do not abuse their medication, however, some high dose prescribed users do become involved with the illicit drug scene.