Oxazepam premedication in neurosurgical patients. The use of a fast-dissolving oral preparation of oxazepam as a pre-operative anxiolytic drug in neurosurgical patients.

In a double-blind study, a new fast-dissolving formulation of oxazepam used as sole premedicant in patients undergoing neurosurgery, was assessed with particular reference to its effect on the levels of anxiety, consciousness and orientation of the patients pre- and postoperatively. The results show that when given at least one hour pre-operatively the new preparation is a highly effective anxiolytic with minimal sedative or other side-effects, is convenient to administer and has high patient acceptability.