Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, are central nervous system depressants that can be used effectively for sedation in dental procedures. When discussing the use of these medications, it is crucial to recognize that flumazenil is a specific benzodiazepine antagonist. This means that flumazenil can reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, including sedation and respiratory depression, making it a valuable medication in the event of an overdose or excessive sedation.

In a dental context, the use of flumazenil can provide a safety net for practitioners, as it allows for the management of potential complications arising from the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. Therefore, saying that benzodiazepine effects can be reversed by flumazenil is accurate.

Other assertions may not hold true. For instance, benzodiazepines are not primarily analgesics, and their analgesic effects are minimal compared to their sedative effects. Regarding post-operative headaches, while they can occur for various reasons, they are not a common side effect specifically associated with benzodiazepines like diazepam. Moreover, although diazepam does provide amnesia in certain situations, claiming it has profound amnesic action without side effects overlooks the potential adverse