Although gamma-hydroxybutyric acid had higher sedative effects at high doses as compared to triazolam and pentobarbital, it had less of an amnestic effect. Arousal of subjects who received gamma-hydroxybutyric acid sometimes even required a painful stimulus; this was not seen in patients who received triazolam or pentobarbital group. During the heavy sedation with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, the subjects maintained normal respiration and blood pressure.