A double-blind randomised crossover trial of low-dose flumazenil for benzodiazepine withdrawal: A proof of concept

Original research
by
MacDonald, T. et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

Australia

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

BZDs are often a difficult drug class to cease once neuroadaptation has occurred; recommendations usually involve gradual dose reductions of variable rates. A growing body of evidence has suggested that low dose flumazenil, a GABAA receptor antagonist, may be a useful agent to allow for rapid detoxification.

Findings/Key points

Low dose flumazenil may aid in BZD detoxification in participants taking daily diazepam equivalent at the maximum or above the therapeutic range (≥30 mg) by reducing the need for diazepam.

Design/methods

Randomized double-blind crossover study (n=28)

Keywords

Withdrawal
Clinical guidance