The subjective effects of low-dose propofol. A double-blind study to evaluate dimensions of sedation and consciousness with low-dose propofol.
In this study the subjective effects (sedation and mood) of subanaesthetic doses of propofol were examined in 28 healthy male volunteers. A computer model was used to predict the infusion profiles necessary to obtain steady state propofol plasma concentrations of 0.3 microgram.ml-1, 0.6 microgram.ml-1, 0.9 microgram.ml-1. Objective measures of sedation from saccadic eye movement and choice reaction time gave significant dose responses at each level but a battery of psychometric tests failed to show dose-related subjective responses. Of particular note in the subjective data is the lack of a difference between groups or even of a consistent trend within the data. This suggests that a low concentration of propofol in plasma does not induce euphoria or a sense of well-being. The anecdotal evidence available for mood changes with propofol therefore remains unsubstantiated.
Whitehead
C
C
Anaesthetics Department, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff.
Sanders
L D
LD
Oldroyd
G
G
Haynes
T K
TK
Marshall
R W
RW
Rosen
M
M
Robinson
J O
JO
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D013997:Time Factors
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D015742:Propofol