[High-dose thalamonal-rohypnol for premedication. A randomized double-blind study]

The combination of fentanyl and droperidol, Innovar, was compared to flunitrazepam (1-2 mg) in a higher dosage (2.5-5 ml) for i.m. premedication. We measured psychological (ESB) and physiological (blood pressure, heart rate, p.cortisol) stress parameters before and after premedication. Side effects were registered. The day after surgery the patients were asked about the quality of premedication. Flunitrazepam reduced anxiety; Innovar did not. After Innovar the feeling of weakness increased significantly compared to flunitrazepam. Two patients panicked and refused operation. Other severe side effects were not observed. There were slight advantages for flunitrazepam on physiological stress. Patients were more satisfied with flunitrazepam than with Innovar premedication. The results show that Innovar also in a higher dosage cannot be recommended for premedication.