Which medication class is often used for premedication before anesthesia?

Benzodiazepines are commonly used for premedication before anesthesia due to their sedative and anxiolytic properties. They help to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and facilitate cooperation from patients prior to surgical procedures. By calming preoperative nerves, benzodiazepines can lead to a smoother induction of anesthesia and improve overall patient comfort. They also have rapid onset and can be titrated easily to achieve the desired level of sedation without significant respiratory depression when used appropriately.

While opioids can also be utilized for pain management or sedation in specific scenarios, they are not typically the primary choice for premedication, as their primary role is pain relief rather than anxiety management. Barbiturates were historically used in anesthesia but have fallen out of favor due to safety concerns and the availability of better alternatives. Antidepressants are generally not indicated for premedication and are used to manage chronic mental health conditions rather than for acute procedural-related anxiety.