Midazolam vs lorazepam and placebo as hypnotic premedication before surgery. A controlled, double-blind study.

The efficacy of midazolam vs lorazepam and placebo was studied in 60 patients in a comparative, double-blind study. Midazolam 15 mg and lorazepam 2.5 mg were given orally in a single dose the night before operation. Sleep latency was shortest on midazolam but the mean duration of sleep longest on lorazepam. Four patients on lorazepam complained of headache and one reported tinnitus. Three patients receiving midazolam complained of headache. Headache was observed also in one patient given placebo and another experienced tachycardia. Midazolam administered the night before surgery is a preferable hypnotic for transient insomnia caused by preoperative anxiety.