Page "Benzodiazepine" Paragraph 23

* Benzodiazepines are effective as medication given a couple of hours before surgery to relieve anxiety.

They also produce amnesia, which can be useful, as patients will not be able to remember any unpleasantness from the procedure.

They are also used in patients with dental phobia as well as some ophthalmic procedures like refractive surgery ; although such use is controversial and only recommended for those who are very anxious.

Midazolam is the most commonly prescribed for this use because of its strong sedative actions and fast recovery time, as well as its water solubility, which reduces pain upon injection.

Diazepam and lorazepam are sometimes used.

Lorazepam has particularly marked amnesic properties that may make it more effective when amnesia is the desired effect.