Which medication reverses benzodiazepine effects?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Flumazenil
• C. Activated charcoal
• D. Oxygen

Answer: (B)

Reversing benzodiazepine effects requires blocking the drug’s action at the GABA-A receptor. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that binds at the same site as benzodiazepines but does not depress the CNS itself. By occupying the benzodiazepine binding site, it displaces any benzo from the receptor and rapidly reverses the sedative and respiratory depressive effects of the overdose.

This contrast with other options helps; naloxone reverses opioid effects by blocking mu receptors, not the benzodiazepine site. Activated charcoal can help reduce absorption if ingestion was recent, but it doesn’t reverse the drug’s action. Oxygen supports breathing but doesn’t reverse CNS depression at the receptor level.

Be aware that reversing benzodiazepines can trigger withdrawal or seizures in dependent individuals or in cases of mixed overdose, so use is typically guided by clinical judgment and monitoring.