Which antidote is used to reverse benzodiazepines in overdose?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Protamine sulfate
• C. Acetylcysteine
• D. Flumazenil

Answer: (D)

Flumazenil works by blocking the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABA-A receptor. Benzodiazepines enhance GABA’s inhibitory effect, leading to CNS depression. Flumazenil is a competitive antagonist at that site, so it can rapidly reverse the sedative and respiratory effects of a benzodiazepine overdose by displacing the drug from the receptor. It’s given IV in clinical settings, but must be used with caution because it can trigger withdrawal or seizures in people who are benzodiazepine-dependent or have seizure disorders, and it may complicate overdoses involving other depressants or opioids. The other options treat different substances: naloxone reverses opioids, protamine reverses heparin, and acetylcysteine treats acetaminophen poisoning.