Which of the following treatments is recommended for benzodiazepine overdose?

Prepare for the Pennsylvania Psychiatry Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Master the material and boost your confidence!

Flumazenil is the recommended treatment for benzodiazepine overdose because it acts as a competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine receptor sites. This means that it can reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines by displacing them from their binding sites in the central nervous system, thereby alleviating symptoms of overdose such as sedation, respiratory depression, and altered mental status.

The use of flumazenil should be approached with caution, especially in patients who may have underlying seizure disorders or those dependent on benzodiazepines, as it can potentially precipitate withdrawal and seizures. However, its role as a specific antidote makes it the most appropriate choice for treating benzodiazepine overdose.

The other options listed do not have therapeutic effects in the context of benzodiazepine overdose. Sertraline is an antidepressant used for anxiety and mood disorders but does not reverse benzodiazepine effects. Buspirone is an anxiolytic that does not counteract benzodiazepines in overdose situations. Valproate is an antiepileptic medication primarily used in mood stabilization and seizure control, rather than for benzodiazepine toxicity. Thus, flumazenil is the effective and targeted treatment for reversing the specific effects

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