The same controversial sedatives used on death row inmates during the execution process have recently come under greater scrutiny in the treatment of the elderly and end-of-life patients in palliative care and those with COVID-19.
Sedatives such as midazolam (Versed), diazepam (Valium), and clonazepam (Klonopin) work as depressants on a person’s central nervous system to slow down brain activity and calm people. All of these are in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Such drugs have ranged in use from being administered to sedate prisoners during the execution process to easing the anxiety of elderly or end-of-life patients in palliative care….