Which statement about barbiturate overdose is true?

• A. It typically leads to respiratory arrest, coma, and death.
• B. It never affects respiration.
• C. It is easily treated with flumazenil.
• D. It has no risk of death.

Answer: (A)

Barbiturates depress the central nervous system by enhancing GABA-A receptor activity, which slows brain activity. In overdose, this suppression reaches the brainstem and respiratory centers, causing marked breathing suppression that can progress to respiratory arrest and coma, with a real risk of death if support isn’t provided. There isn’t a reliable antidote for barbiturate overdose; flumazenil targets benzodiazepines, not barbiturates, and can provoke seizures or other complications in overdose cases. So the statement that barbiturate overdose typically leads to respiratory arrest, coma, and death reflects the true, dangerous potential of these drugs. The other options are incorrect because barbiturates do affect respiration, flumazenil isn’t an effective treatment for them, and there is a real risk of death.