Abstract

Objective: To compare the sedative and anxiolytic effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine, oral pregabalin and alprazolam as a standard drug for sedation/anxiety in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methodology: This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial included 96 ASA I and II patients aged 18–60 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly allocated into three equal groups (32 in each group). Group 1 received IV dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) 10 min before induction, Group 2 received oral pregabalin (300 mg), and Group 3 received oral alprazolam (0.5 mg) 90 min before induction. Sedation was assessed using the modified Ramsay Sedation Scale and anxiety using the Beck Anxiety Inventory at baseline and before induction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25; p≤0.05 was considered significant.
Results: All three groups showed significant improvement in sedation and anxiety scores from baseline. Dexmedetomidine produced significantly higher sedation (p

Key words: Alprazolam; Dexmedetomidine; General Anesthesia; Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy; Pregabalin; Premedication