The effect of flumazenil on sedation, amnesia, and disturbance of equilibrium function by diazepam part 2

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects and side effects of flumazenil on diazepam. Ten healthy adult volunteers were studied. They received diazepam 0.3 mg/kg. Ten minutes later, an initial injection of 0.2 mg flumazenil was given intravenously. Four minutes later 0.1 mg was given, followed by 0.1 mg increments every one minute until they exhibited no further signs of sedation. The degree of sedation was assessed at 0, 10 minutes after administration of diazepam and 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after awaking by flumazenil. Amnesia was tested by showing them a cup, a pen, or a watch before diazepam and alter administration of flumazenil. After the experiment, they were asked what had seen. Equilibrium function was measured by Romberg's test, the one-leg test, Mann's test, and the standing-on disc test before diazepam and at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after they were awaken by flumazenil (Fig. 1). All tests except the standing-on-disc test were performed with eyes both open and closed. The total dose of flumazenil was 0.47 ± 0.24 mg (mean ± SD). Flumazenil significantly reduced the number of sedative cases, and no case experienced deep resedation (Fig. 2). Amnesia was not found in any case. Flumazenil antagonized amnesia as well as the sedation caused by diazepam. Equilibrium function was found to be disturbed for 120 minutes after they were awaken by flumazenil (Fig. 3-6). When flumazenil is administered to counteract deep level of sedation, the effects of diazepam may appear again, so patients must be observed.