Most often, when a person experiences an overdose with benzodiazepines, there are other substances involved, such as alcohol, opioids, or some other narcotic.Īdministering flumazenil is not suggested in those circumstances, and therefore is not a good choice for someone in need of a benzodiazepine overdose reversal.
When a person takes benzos daily, administering flumazenil during an overdose can cause immediate withdrawal symptoms, and the person may experience severe seizures. There is a significant risk of seizure when flumazenil is administered under those circumstances.Īdditionally, the following risks are possible with flumazenil use: Helpline Information Using The Benzodiazepine Antidote Can Be Dangerousįlumazenil should never be used when the person has additional drugs besides benzodiazepines or if the person is in withdrawal from benzodiazepines.