The use of lorazepam as a soporific and for premedication.

An open study, in which 48 patients scheduled for elective surgery received either 1,25 mg or 2,5 mg of lorazepam (orally) as a soporific the night before surgery and as premedication immediately prior to surgery, revealed that lorazepam produced a good night's rest and a desirable calm immediately prior to surgery. Vital signs remained stable throughout the operative procedure, and vomiting and other reactions were virtually absent.