If respiratory depression or other toxic effects of benzodiazepines do occur, flumazenil is the antidote used and can reverse the effects of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can cause tolerance and dependence, and if possible, the drug should be tapered down slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines can also cause respiratory depression, if taken in excess or if taken with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids. Benzodiazepines cause sedation, to the point where some benzodiazepines may even be used to treat insomnia. This is helpful in treating anxiety, treating seizures, as well as treating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Only a doctor can decide if you need this medication. This medicine, called flumazenil, can reverse the effects of lorazepam but must be given through an IV at a hospital. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow the brain down and reduce brain activity. A specific treatment to reverse the effects of lorazepam does exist. Many traditional benzodiazepines are broken down in the liver and when combined with drugs that block this action, blood levels can rise, leading to side effects. Summary Benzodiazepines, or benzos for short, are a large class of drugs with drug names that end in -pam, like clonazepam and lorazepam, names that end in -lam, like midazolam and alprazolam, as well as chlordiazepoxide. As noted in the Boxed Warnings, concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
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