Which medication is known to act as an antidote for benzodiazepine overdoses?

Flumazenil is recognized as an antidote specifically for benzodiazepine overdoses due to its action as a competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABA-A receptor. By binding to the same site, flumazenil can effectively reverse the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of benzodiazepines. It restores the central nervous system functionality, making it a crucial therapeutic option in acute benzodiazepine toxicity.

Other substances listed do not serve this function. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses by acting on opioid receptors but is ineffective against benzodiazepines. Acetylcysteine is predominantly used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity and does not have a role in benzodiazepine overdoses. Activated charcoal can be administered to reduce drug absorption in cases of overdose but does not specifically counteract the effects of benzodiazepines. Therefore, flumazenil’s precise mechanism and target make it the appropriate choice for treating such overdoses.