Monica Almeida / New York Times News Service

The trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor implicated in the death of pop star Michael Jackson, has centered on the use of propofol as a sleep aid. Propofol is an anesthesia drug used in surgery and other procedures where a patient needs to be sedated. It is not approved as a sleep aid.

Propofol works rapidly, usually inducing sedation within matter of seconds. It has largely replaced the use of sodium pentathol because it leaves patients feeling much better after they wake up. Propofol can affect breathing, and therefore should only be administered by a medical professional trained in its use and in a setting where oxygen and artificial ventilation are readily available.

There have been reports of non-medical use of propofol, particularly by medical professionals who have easy access to the drug. Short-term effects may include mild euphoria or giddiness, and hallucinations. Long-term use may also result in addiction.

— Markian Hawryluk, The Bulletin

Sources: Drugs.com, FDA.gov