Use with caution in clients with head injury as the drug may precipitate seizures or alter cerebral blood flow in clients receiving benzodiazepines. Use with caution in clients with alcoholism and other drug dependencies due to the increased frequency of benzodiazepine tolerance and dependence. Use with caution during lactation. Flumazenil may precipitate a withdrawal syndrome if the client is dependent on benzodiazepines. Flumazenil may cause panic attacks in clients with a history of panic disorder.
Seizures are the most common serious side effect noted.
Dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, anxiety, nervousness, tremor, palpitations, insomnia, dyspnea, hyperventilation, abnormal crying, depersonalization, euphoria, increased tears, depression, dysphoria, paranoia, delirium, difficulty concentrating, seizures somnolence, stupor, speech disorder. Headache, increased sweating, asthenia, malaise, rigors, shivering, paresthesia. Transient hearing impairment, tinnitus, hyperacusis. Only To reverse conscious sedation or in general anesthesia. Most clients will respond to doses of 0.6-1 mg.