Lack of anxiolytic effect of diazepam in pre-anaesthetic medication.

In 30 female patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy, we have compared the anxiolytic effect of diazepam 10 mg with placebo, using measurements of cardiovascular (arterial pressure and heart rate), biochemical (plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, adrenaline, cortisol and dopamine beta-hydroxylase), subjective (visual analogue scale) and behavioural (Hamilton anxiety test) variables. Pretreatment evaluation was carried out the day before surgery and post-treatment examination was performed 1.5-2 h after oral administration of premedication, immediately before transfer of patients to the operating room. We found that diazepam 10 mg had no significant effect on any of the measured variables.