ABSTRACT
The result of a study on the modifications of the Expectancy Wave (or Contingent Negative Variation) induced in 10 cases by a new benzodiazepine, midazolam, is reported. A double blind cross-over comparison with placebo has been carried out. The administration of placebo did not give rise to significative variations of the Expectancy Wave after 10, 30 and 240 minutes. The administration of midazolam was followed by a statistically significative reduction of the amplitude of the area and of the maximum peak of the Expectancy Wave. This effect was manifest after 30 minutes from the ingestion of a 15 mg tablet of the drug. After 4 hours both parameters showed again values similar to those observed in basal conditions. Midazolam thus appears to possess a central activity typical of the benzodiazepines group, which is of an early onset and short duration and could be properly utilized on a clinical ground.
