APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. a drug used for the emergency reversal of symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose and in anesthesia to reverse benzodiazepine-induced sedation. It acts by displacing benzodiazepine (which acts as a GABA agonist) from binding sites on the GABA receptor complex (see benzodiazepine antagonist; GABAA receptor). Because it is a short-acting agent, multiple doses may be required. It is not effective in managing benzodiazepine dependence, because its rapid action may precipitate a sudden withdrawal syndrome, nor does it antagonize the central nervous system effects of other GABA agonists (e.g., barbiturates) or reverse their effects. U.S. trade name: Romazicon.