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"   What is it used for?  Reversing the effects of benzodiazepines.    How does it work? Anexate injection contains the active ingredient flumazenil, which is a medicine used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam and temazepam) are often used to induce sedation prior to minor surgical procedures. The benzodiazepines work by acting on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) causing the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). GABA is a major inhibitory chemical in the brain involved in inducing sleep and control of anxiety and fits. Benzodiazepines act by increasing the activity of GABA, thereby reducing the functioning of certain areas of the brain. This results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety and relaxation of muscles.  Flumazenil reverses the effects of benzodiazepines by competing with them for the GABA receptors. Flumazenil binds to the receptors, preventing benzodiazepines from acting on them. This blocks their effects and causes sedation to be reversed. Flumazenil is used to reverse general anaesthesia induced by benzodiazepines, sedation induced by benzodiazepines for short term procedures and sedation of patients in intensive care.   Warning!  As benzodiazepines have potential for dependance when used long term, symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal such as depression, nervousness, rebound insomnia, sweating and irritability may occur with this medicine if patients have been treated with high doses of benzodiazepines for prolonged periods. This may also occur mildly if benzodiazepine treatment is reversed after a short period. People who have received this medicine should not drive or operate machinary for at least 24 hours after treatment, as the effect of the benzodiazepine may return temporarily, decreasing mental and physical ability.    Use with caution in  Elderly people.  Anxiety. Children. Decreased liver function. People with epilepsy receiving long-term benzodiazepine treatment. Head injury. Intentional overdose.    Not to be used in  Allergy to benzodiazepines. People given benzodiazepines to control a life threatening condition. Symptoms of severe intoxication with tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.   Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor. Small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding should be stopped for at least 24 hours after treatment with this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medicine.     Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.   Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)  Feeling or being sick.     Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)  Awareness of your heart beat (palpitations).  Anxiety.     Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)  An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).  Hypersensitivity with swelling of hands, feet, rash and itching.     Unknown frequency  High blood pressure.  Increased heart rate (tachycardia).  Agitation.  Flushing. Convulsions. Dizziness.  Seizures Withdrawal reactions e.g. depression, insomnia, irritability, sweating, diarrhoea.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.   How can this medicine affect other medicines? It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Likewise, always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines during treatment with this one, to check that the combination is safe. Flumazenil blocks the effects of benzodiazepines such as diazepam in the brain and also blocks the effects of non-benzodiazepines, such as zopiclone, which act at the same receptors.   Other medicines containing the same active ingredient Flumazenil injection is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine. Last updated 18.11.2012 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/a8017/anexate-flumazenil/>