anxiolyse

Anxiolyse, or anxiolysis, is the pharmacological or non-pharmacological reduction of anxiety before a medical or dental procedure. It aims to relieve fear and nervousness while preserving conscious responsiveness and airway protection. The term is used in anesthesia, dentistry, radiology and other settings where patient cooperation is important.

Pharmacological approaches commonly involve benzodiazepines such as midazolam or diazepam; alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as dexmedetomidine; and sedating antihistamines such as hydroxyzine. In some contexts, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) at low concentrations may contribute to anxiolysis. Nonpharmacological methods include psychological preparation, behavioral techniques and environmental adjustments. Dosing and the chosen method depend on patient age, comorbidities and the required level of anxiolysis, with the aim of minimal to moderate sedation rather than deep sedation.

Applications include preoperative preparation, dental procedures, imaging studies like MRI or CT where motion or distress can hinder accuracy, and pediatric or particularly anxious patients. Anxiolysis is often used as a first step before proceeding to deeper levels of sedation if necessary.

Safety and monitoring: even at anxiolytic doses there is a risk of oversedation, respiratory depression, hypotension or interactions with other CNS depressants. Patients should be assessed for airway risk and other comorbidities, and procedures should include appropriate monitoring and personnel trained in airway management. Dosing must be individualized, and certain conditions or drug interactions may contraindicate specific anxiolytic approaches.