By intravenously administering a sedative comprising methyl 3-[(4S)-8-bromo-1-methyl-6-(2-pyridinyl)-4H-imidazo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepin-4-yl]propanoate or a salt thereof to a patient by a dosing regimen including a two-step process disclosed in the present invention, general anesthesia can be safely and promptly induced and maintained.
