Midazolam

Midazolam, sold under the brand name Versed among others, is a benzodiazepine medication used for anesthesia, premedication before surgical anesthesia, and procedural sedation, and to treat severe agitation.^[11] It induces sleepiness, decreases anxiety, and causes anterograde amnesia.^[11]

The drug does not cause an individual to become unconscious, merely to be sedated.^[11] It is also useful for the treatment of prolonged (lasting over five minutes) seizures.^[13] Midazolam can be given by mouth, intravenously, by injection into a muscle, by spraying into the nose, or through the cheek.^[11][13] When given intravenously, it typically begins working within five minutes; when injected into a muscle, it can take fifteen minutes to begin working;^[11] when taken orally, it can take 10–20 minutes to begin working.^[14]

Side effects can include a decrease in efforts to breathe, low blood pressure, and sleepiness.^[11] Tolerance to its effects and withdrawal syndrome may occur following long-term use.^[15] Paradoxical effects, such as increased activity, can occur especially in children and older people.^[15] There is evidence of risk when used during pregnancy but no evidence of harm with a single dose during breastfeeding.^[16][17]

Midazolam was patented in 1974 and came into medical use in 1982.^[18] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.^[19] Midazolam is available as a generic medication.^[16] In many countries, it is a controlled substance.^[11]