Midazolam attenuates ketamine-induced abnormal perception and thought process but not mood changes

Purpose: To determine the effects of midazolam, 30 ng·mL−1, on altered perception, mood, and cognition induced by ketamine. Methods: After ketamine was administered to achieve target concentrations of 50, 100, or 150 ng·mL−1 in 11 volunteers, perception, mood, and thought process were assessed by a visual analog scale. Mini-Mental State examination (MMSE) assessed cognition. Boluses of midazolam, 30, 14.5, and 12µg·kg−1, were injected every 30 min to maintain the plasma concentration at 30 ng·mL−1, which was reached 30 min after each injection. Results: Ketamine produced changes in perception about the body (P