A prospective single-blind study was conducted to compare flunitrazepam vs trazodone in the premedication of patients undergoing day-case surgery for termination of pregnancy, with particular regard to the degree of preoperative sedation, intraoperative analgesia and postoperative recovery. 86 patients were randomly allocated to receive orally 45 minutes before the surgical procedure either flunitrazepam 2 mg (group F) or trazodone 50 mg (group T). In both groups anaesthesia was achieved by i.v. fentanyl 2.5 micrograms/kg and ketamina 250 micrograms/kg. Patients in group F showed a deeper degree of preoperative sedation. There were no significant differences in intraoperative analgesia and in the immediate arousal time. In the postoperative period, the incidences of emetic symptoms and dizziness were similar in both groups; the incidence of drowsiness was significantly higher in group F at 120 minutes but not at 180 minutes of observation. Psychomotor performance was assessed preoperatively two days before the surgical procedure and 60, 120 and 180 minutes after surgery, using the Toulouse-Pieron test and the reaction time to a luminous stimulus with the aid of a computerized analogic tachystoscope (Neurometer). Trazodone allowed a more rapid recovery of psychomotor performance and it can represent a valid alternative to the use of benzodiazepines in the premedication of day-case surgical patients.