The effects of i.v. diazepam and droperidol both alone and in combination administered as premedication were studied in 240 patients. Relief of anxiety, sedation, lack of recall, acceptance by both patient and physician and side-effects were evaluated. Overall, the combination of droperidol 2.5 mg with diazepam 5 mg produced better ratings of these variables than could be achieved with either droperidol 10 mg or diazepam 10 mg alone. Larger doses of droperidol with diazepam produce an increased frequency of anxiety; larger doses of diazepam with droperidol may cause over-sedation.