What is the antidote for lorazepam overdose?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Acetylcysteine
• C. Flumazenil
• D. Atropine

Answer: (C)

Reversing benzodiazepine effects in overdose works by blocking the drug at its site of action. Lorazepam enhances GABA signaling at the GABA-A receptor, causing sedation and potentially respiratory depression when overdosed. A specific antagonist, flumazenil, binds competitively to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptor, displacing lorazepam and rapidly reversing the sedative and respiratory effects. Other agents target different toxicities: naloxone reverses opioids, acetylcysteine treats acetaminophen toxicity, and atropine is used for anticholinergic or organophosphate poisoning. Flumazenil must be used carefully because it can precipitate withdrawal or seizures in people who are dependent on benzodiazepines or have mixed overdoses.