TOPICS: IV anesthetics, stimulate GABA A receptors, thiopental, high lipid solubility, propofol, high lipid solubility, prolonged sedation, midazolam, anterograde amnesia, etomidate, patients with hemodynamic instability, decreases ICP, no effect on CVS, ketamine, NMDA receptor antagonist, disorientation upon emergence from sedation, hallucinations, vivid dreams, increases cerebral blood flow, dissociative amnesia, cataplexy, catatonia, analgesia, anesthesia induction, short surgical procedures, low blood pressure, respiratory depression