Don't it just turn on the chlorine tap on a neuron to open so that the voltage is now much lower and it will inhibit the signaling ???.
It is the natural mechanism of a neuron so I don't see what side effects there could be - it is like pulling a jumper wire from one pin to another pin on a board to get a voltage right.
Benzodiazepines are considerate anxiolytics whereas propofol would be considered moderate sedation. Neither of these require airway control (intubation) because people tend to keep breathing on their own and we really would much prefer that.
With general anesthesia, you cannot protect your airway whatsoever and will need some form of airway control via either endotracheal intubation or LMA.
The patient is aware, can breathe on their own, and can respond to basic commands, but is relaxed, with a much higher pain threshold, and has no memory of the event.
That sync with your experience, doc?