Flumazenil-induced ballism

J Korean Med Sci. 2003 Apr;18(2):299-300. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2003.18.2.299.

Abstract

Flumazenil, an imidazobenzodiazepine, is the first benzodiazepine antagonist and is being used to reverse the adverse pharmacological effects of benzodiazepine. There have been a few reports on the central nevous system side effects with its use. We report a patient with generalized ballism following administration of flumazenil. The mechanism through which flumazenil induced this symptom is unknown. It is conceivable that flumazenil may antagonize the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex and induce dopamine hypersensitivity, thus induce dyskinesic symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dyskinesias / etiology*
  • Female
  • Flumazenil / adverse effects*
  • GABA Modulators / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • GABA Modulators
  • Flumazenil