Physostigmine Reversal of Diazepam-Induced Depression

Abstract

Diazepam is a valuable and widely-used adjunct to many inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, the occasional and often unexpected delirium or coma induced by even modest doses of diazepam can be life threatening. Four cases are reported which demonstrate the prompt and effective reversal of diazepam-induced delirium and coma by the administration of physostigmine.