What is Flumazenil?
Flumazenil can be used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine-containing sedatives such as Valium, Versed, Xanax and Tranxene.Flumazenil helps you awaken after a medical procedure or surgery in which benzodiazepine has been used as a sedative. Flumazenil can also be used to treat benzodiazepine intoxication among adults. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of flumazenil.
Side effects of Flumazenil
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Please seek medical assistance immediately.
If you:
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Continued sleepiness
- Confusion, agitation, tremors, and dizziness;
- Chest pain and severe dizziness; rapid pulse or pounding; fast heartbeats
- Feeling faint? Doing something that makes your chest hurt can give the same sensation, making you dizzy.
Flumazenil side effects include:
- Headache, dizziness;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Increased sweating
- Flushing (sudden heat, redness, or tingly sensation);
- Vision problems
- Pain where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA can be done at anytime by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 for reporting side effects.
Warnings
Flumazenil can cause seizures. This is especially true for people with sedative addiction withdrawal symptoms, recent antidepressant abuse, or those who recently took benzodiazepines or had symptoms of seizures before taking flumazenil. If you are concerned about seizure risk, talk to your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Flumazenil may cause seizures. especially:
- In people who are withdrawing from sedative dependence,
- Antidepressants are often overdosed by recent antidepressant users.
- Injectable benzodiazepines can cause a relapse in patients who have recently received them.
- Flumazenil is used in patients who have had seizure-like symptoms before being treated.
Speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding the possibility of seizures. Flumazenil should not be given to you if your allergic reaction is to flumazenil, any type of benzodiazepine or sedative, or if your antidepressant dose has been overdosed.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Epilepsy (or other seizure disorder) (especially if a benzodiazepine is used to treat seizures);
- A head injury;
- Any type of lung disease or breathing problems;
- Liver disease
- Anxiety disorder or panic
- Alcoholism, or drug abuse.
- If you have used benzodiazepine for a long time,
Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Flumazenil?
Flumazenil can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Flumazenil can cause swelling, burning, or pain around the IV needle. After receiving flumazenil, your breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be closely monitored. While you're waking up after sedation, you may experience temporary amnesia. For up to two hours, you may not be able to remember what is going on around you.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a flumazenil dose because you will be receiving it in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive for at least 24 hours after leaving the hospital or surgery center. Do not do anything that requires alertness or awakeness. You may be unable to react properly. Limit these activities until your feelings of sedation (weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness) disappear. Avoid taking over-the-counter medications for 24 hours or more, particularly if you feel sedated. You should not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours following the administration of flumazenil or if you feel sedated.
Interaction with other drug
Flumazenil can have dangerous side effects if taken after large doses of antidepressants such as amitriptyline or doxepin. Flumazenil can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking as well as those you plan to start or stop taking in order to ensure an effective course of action.
