A method for delivering intravenous drugs to a patient comprising programming a drug delivery system, including a controller and an infusion pump, with a maintenance rate or a loading dose for a drug and causing the drug delivery system to (a) calculate a loading dose based on the maintenance rate or a maintenance rate based on the loading dose, (b) administer the loading dose of the drug to the patient to rapidly achieve a desired level of effect, and (c) administer the drug at a first maintenance rate to maintain the level of effect.
