What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?

Flumazenil is the correct antidote for benzodiazepine overdose due to its role as a competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system. When administered, flumazenil can effectively reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, leading to the restoration of consciousness and respiratory function in individuals who have overdosed on these medications.

In cases of benzodiazepine overdose, flumazenil is particularly beneficial for its rapid onset of action, allowing healthcare providers to quickly address severe sedation or respiratory depression that may arise. However, it is important to note that flumazenil should be used with caution, especially in patients with a history of benzodiazepine dependence, as it may precipitate withdrawal and seizures.

Other choices do have their own clinical applications but do not serve as antidotes specific to benzodiazepine overdose. Acetylcysteine is primarily used for acetaminophen overdose, activated charcoal can be used generally for various overdoses to reduce absorption of drugs if administered promptly, and atropine is used mainly to treat bradycardia and organophosphate poisoning rather than benzodiazepine toxicity. Thus, flumazenil stands out as the appropriate countermeasure for