Intramuscular lorazepam versus pentobarbital premedication: a comparison of patient sedation, anxiolysis, and recall.

In a double-blind, controlled study in 40 veterans, IM lorazepam was significantly superior to IM pentobarbital as a preoperative sedative and in ability to suppress the memory of events of the operative day. A trend was noted (not statistically in this small series) toward greater patient acceptance of lorazepam. No important adverse effects or changes in vital signs occurred with either agent.