What is the treatment of choice for benzodiazepine intoxication?

The most appropriate treatment for benzodiazepine intoxication is flumazenil. Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that can quickly reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose. It works by displacing benzodiazepines from the receptor sites, effectively counteracting their sedative effects.

While activated charcoal can be used in cases of certain overdoses if administered promptly, it does not specifically address the underlying effects of benzodiazepine intoxication. Diazepam and phenobarbital are also benzodiazepines or act on similar pathways, so they would not be effective in reversing the effects of an overdose. In fact, they could exacerbate respiratory depression and sedation if used in a patient who is already intoxicated with benzodiazepines.

Thus, flumazenil is favored in clinical settings for its targeted action in reversing the effects of benzodiazepines, making it the treatment of choice in cases of benzodiazepine overdose.