Diazepam. A useful hypnotic drug for direct-current cardioversion.

Diazepam was administered intravenously in doses of 10 to 40 mg to 18 consecutive patients who underwent 21 elective, direct-current countershock procedures for ventricular or supraventricular arrhythmias. Hypnosis lasting 15 to 30 minutes with complete amnesia for the event was induced on 20 occasions. One patient remained semiconscious and did recall three shocks up to 400 w/sec. No significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate were noted following administration of diazepam. The drug is safe, and it has enhanced the simplicity of the entire procedure.

[1]  B. Lown,et al.  New method for terminating cardiac arrhythmias. Use of synchronized capacitor discharge. , 1986, JAMA.

[2]  J. S. Graettinger,et al.  Comparison between diazepam and sodium thiopental during DC countershock. , 1967, JAMA.

[3]  R. Kernohan.  DIAZEPAM IN CARDIOVERSION , 1966 .

[4]  D. Nutter,et al.  Diazepam in cardioversion. , 1965, The New England journal of medicine.

[5]  J. Hurst,et al.  CLINICAL PROBLEMS OF CARDIOVERSION. , 1965, American heart journal.

[6]  J. Kitchell,et al.  ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATED WITH DIRECT CURRENT COUNTERSHOCK. , 1965, Archives of internal medicine.

[7]  R. Hendrickse,et al.  THERAPEUTIC TRIAL OF DIAZEPAM IN TETANUS. , 1965, Lancet.

[8]  A. Castellanos,et al.  Arrhythmias Related to Cardioversion , 1964, Circulation.

[9]  B. Lown.  "CARDIOVERSION" OF ARRHYTHMIAS. I. , 1964, Modern concepts of cardiovascular disease.

[10]  J. Aldes,et al.  A new drug approach to muscle relaxation. , 1962, Journal of neuropsychiatry.

[11]  G. A. Heise,et al.  Pharmacological and clinical studies on Valium (T.M.) a new psychotherapeutic agent of the benzodiazepine class. , 1961, Current therapeutic research, clinical and experimental.

[12]  Brandt Al,et al.  PREANESTHESIA MEDICATION: DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY OF A NEW DRUG, DIAZEPAM. , 1965 .

[13]  L. Vandam,et al.  ANESTHESIA FOR CARDIOVERSION. , 1965, The American journal of cardiology.