[Diazepam (valium) in premedication. Experimental findings]

The anxiolytic and analgesic effects of 10 mg of orally administered diazepam (Valium) were assessed on 10 volunteers. The electrodermal activity was recorded during two experimental sessions while cutaneous electrical stimulations were administered to the subjects. On one hand, the anxiolytic activity of diazepam could be observed by a decrease of both autonomic nervous system and anticipatory activities. On the other hand, an increase of the pain threshold could be shown under diazepam by lower responses to the stimulations. These results confirm that diazepam can be useful in anxious patients undergoing dental procedures.