[Confusional states following administration of the hypnotic midazolam]

Five cases are reported in which confusional states and total anterograde amnesia occurred after oral intake of recommended doses of midazolam, a new ultra-short acting benzodiazepine. Particular risk factors were not present, and in three out of five patients the complications occurred with the first administration. Analysis of these cases and experimental data reported in the literature suggest that the extreme response curve of midazolam may be responsible for these complications. The potential danger of the patients' actions in these states is pointed out.