PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA:

--Disease Characteristics-- Status epilepticus with at least 5 minutes of sustained seizure activity with a depressed level of consciousness, or 2 or more discrete seizures without recovery or consciousness between seizures Verified by bystander or observed by paramedic from San Francisco Department of Health --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- No chronic benzodiazepines for seizure disorder --Patient Characteristics-- Cardiovascular: Systolic blood pressure at least 100 mm Hg No second- or third- degree atrioventricular block No sustained ectopic tachyrhythmia Pulse rate between 60 and 150 No severe myocardial insufficiency No hypovolemic, cardiogenic, or obstructive shock Pulmonary: No history of asthma No history of chronic obstructive airway disease No history of limited pulmonary reserve Other: No allergy or prior sensitivity to benzodiazepines No distributive shock (e.g., septic, neurogenic, or anaphylactic)

History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety