a method of inducing anesthesia or conscious sedation while avoiding serious hypotensive episodes comprising the administration of a parenterally active benzodiazpine in conjunction with an opiate analgesic followed by the parenteral administation of from about 1 to about 3 mg of a long - acting pure narcotic antagonist . the antogonist may be administered during the time interval commencing immediately prior to the procedure and continuing until about 3 - 5 hours after administration of the opiate - benzodiazepine combination .