Aminophylline antagonizes diazepam-induced anesthesia and EEG changes in humans

General anesthesia was induced in eight subjects by the slow IV injection of 60 mg diazepam. During the anesthetic effect, the EEG was characterized by 3-5 Hz high voltage activity. Immediate recovery of consciousness and reversal of the EEG pattern to fast low voltage activity was obtained after the IV injection of 60 mg aminophylline. On the other hand, three diazepam-treated subjects who received IV saline instead of aminophylline recovered from anesthesia 73-120 min after saline.