The effects of midazolam in conjunction with alcohol on iconic memory and free-recall

The effects of midazolam 15 mg and alcohol 0.5 g/kg on short-term storage in the visual system (iconic memory) and free recall of a word list were investigated in 8 normal volunteers. Acute doses of midazolam, alcohol and midazolam in combination with alcohol were all found to decrease iconic memory whereas only midazolam and midazolam + alcohol impaired immediate recall. Anterograde amnesia was observed following treatment with midazolam and midazolam in conjunction with alcohol. The results suggest a potentiation of the effects of midazolam, on aspects of human memory by the co-administration of small doses of alcohol.