Flumazenil, a specific benzodiazepine antagonist, is useful in reversing the 
sedation and respiratory depression that often occur when benzodiazepines are 
administered to patients undergoing anesthesia or when patients have taken an 
intentional benzodiazepine overdose. Judicious use of flumazenil may provide 
useful diagnostic information and may obviate the need for mechanical 
ventilation and other invasive supportive measures. Although some controversy 
exists regarding the possible precipitation of seizure activity in the setting 
of mixed tricyclic antidepressant-benzodiazepine overdose, worldwide experience 
with flumazenil has validated its safety and efficacy.