The investigators will conduct a prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study to investigate the effect of early goal directed sedation on microcirculation in early septic shock patients.

Recent studies suggest that early goal directed sedation might improve the outcome of critically ill patients. The investigators will conduct a prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study to investigate the effect of early goal directed sedation on microcirculation in early septic shock patients with relative stable hemodynamics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Septic shock patients despite early goal directed therapy
• Required sedation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age< 18
• Pregnancy
• Bradycardia (HR<55bpm)
• Systolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg / mean arterial pressure < 50 mmHg on maximal support
• Death imminent
• Unlikely to survive 90 days
• Acute liver failure
• Dementia
• High-grade block in the absence of a functioning pacemaker.