Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of flumazenil?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Dizziness
• C. Nausea
• D. Seizures

Answer: (C)

Flumazenil works by blocking the benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptor, reversing the sedative and anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines. Because this reversal can abruptly remove inhibitory control and provoke withdrawal-like symptoms or CNS hyperexcitability, a range of adverse effects can occur. Nausea is a recognized, relatively common reaction after administration and is usually mild and transient. While seizures can happen, they tend to occur in patients who are benzodiazepine dependent or who have mixed overdoses, making them less universal. Dizziness or other symptoms may occur as well, but the key point is that nausea is a documented potential adverse effect of flumazenil to be aware of during reversal.