| Key to ratings for versed: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
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| 5 | removal of neuroma on ball of foot | Although I felt fine during and after the procedure, I now know that I don't remember everything during the surgery or immediately after in recovery. I do remember some things during the surgery and during recovery, including conversations with the surgeon and nurses. | I have great results from this drug - have had it at least 3 times in the past for surgeries such as carpal tunnel, removal of cyst, etc. Procedure lasted approximately 45 minutes. | F | 56 | 1 days | 2/3/2010 | 1 | colonoscopy | Midazolam (aka Versed) is given for one reason, and one reason only -- to induce anterograde amnesia, which basically means that the drug temporarily disrupts the brain's ability to encode new memories. What doctors won't tell you is that the mechanism by which the drug exerts this effect could potentially cause lasting memory problems and other cognitive deficits. Memory is the backbone of personality, so if you value either, don't let anyone come near you with this drug. | As a side note, one way to spot the many fake positive Versed reviews here is that they typically contain comments that slander people who post negative reviews of Versed, most often by suggesting that only people with pre-existing mental problems or "psychological issues" experience bad reactions to Versed. In other words, nothing is wrong with the drug -- only with people who criticize it. But make no mistake, this is a truly awful drug that many medical practitioners refuse to ever be given themselves. Quite simply, Versed is an assault upon patient dignity. Medical ethicists must have been on vacation the day that Hoffman-La Roche first came up with the idea for this drug. | M | 39 | 1 times | 2/3/2010 | 1 | MAC | I have a choppy memory of the procedure. They never mentioned amnesia from the drug - and I would have rather they left the drug out. When the versed left my system and I was in recovery, I felt rattled, like when you narrowly miss a serious car accident. I was not pleased! | I can't just say it's not for me. I would advise anyone not to use it. | M | 42 | 1 times | 2/1/2010 | 3 | Liver Biopsy | Trouble remembering, anger, headache, deep dreams. | When I was released to go home, I noticed that I had a bad headache and trouble remembering the procedure. I was told that I would feel like someone had punched me in the stomach when the verced wore off but that didn't happen until 2 days later. When I got home I noticed that I had severe anger issues. I was very snappy with my wife, and at one time was banging a frying pan against the kitchen sink. I decided to remain apart from my wife not knowing what the anger would cause me to do. Its been 10 days since my biopsy and I still feel like things are still not the same although the anger has quieted down. I have used anti-depressants in the past and had read that care should be used when administering this drug to people who have had depression or anxiety. I have also read that an anesthesiologist should be administering this drug instead of a nurse because they have a better understanding of how much to give you. It appears that most problems occur when too much is given you. | M | 55 | | 1/30/2010 | 5 | Colonoscopy | I am writing this the day following my procedure. I had no adverse side-effects with this drug. I was administered it in combination with Fentanyl. | This was my 3rd Colonoscopy. My first was done with no pain meds/anesthetics(wasn't even offered)and had a miserable experience, so I was understandably terribly anxious prior to my 2nd. My second and then, two years later(since pre-cancerous polyps were found and removed at my second), my third were done utilizing the fentanyl/versed combo. I no longer have any fear whatever of the Colonoscopy procedure. The nursing staff at the hospital were incredibly kind and comforting and explained thorougly all benefits, possible side-effects and risks. Then the doctor came in and basically repeated the same things asking me if I felt ready to proceed. The nurse came over, told me she was putting the meds in my IV and that I would begin to feel the effects within a few seconds. A minute or so later, still lying on my left side, I told them I couldn't feel the effect of the drugs yet. Then from behind me I heard my wife's voice saying, "you are already done with your Colonoscopy sweetheart". Other than having absolutely no memory of the procedure, which is fine with me after my first miserable experience seven years earlier with no meds whatsoever, I have no negative side-effects to report. I should say that both times with the v/f combo I had a hard time staying focused on the way home and slept most of the day. So sorry for those of you had bad experiences. I did notice on reading your experiences that some of you seemed to have other pschological issues. | M | 60 | | 1/29/2010 | 2 | sedative for colonoscopy | post surgically, dizziness, very low blood pressure, fatigue, weakness, short term memory and cognitive impairment (druggy feeling) for over three days | this med was given in combination with demerol for a period of 30 min.- I will avoid this combination at all costs in the future... | F | 61 | | 1/28/2010 | 5 | Colonoscopy | No adverse effects. | Worked great. I was given a demerol/versed combination for the procedure. The last thing I remember was asking the nurse how long it would take for the medication to take effect. The next thing I knew I was waking up in the room with my wife by my side. I am greatful for the amnesia the drug produced. I would recommend this drug to anyone. | M | 50 | 1 days | 1/22/2010 | 5 | colonoscopy, endoscopy and surgerie | The first time I was given was for Gallbladder surgery, while it was going in my iv I felt in lala land. I was out befor I made it to the operating room. I have had good luck with this drug. | Thought it was great, I am not sure if anything else was added to it or not. | F | 54 | 1 days | 1/22/2010 | 2 | cataract removal | Bad memory since 2006, possible stroke. | Versed worked great in surgery but had lasting effects on my ability to remember new stuff. I had just got transferred to a new area at work and could not remember/learn new things anymore. I got fired. I also was experincing weird things like my body would forget to breath. Dizziness at work, I was feeling dissasociated in my head. After 3 episodes of that at work I had them take me to the E.R. they labeled it syncope. I find myself puzzled that events like changing car ins. is forgotton 2 months later. Some days are better than others. I feel I have brain damage and would never use this again! Had fentanyl, propofol(and kytril on my right eye, which shot my blood pressure down from 135/82 to 109/75 along with 96% saturated oxygen at the same time. Total of 2 mg Versed given for Left eye, 2 slash marks are written for the Right eye, which I don't know what that means. The slashes are far apart. | F | 45 | 1 days | 1/22/2010 | 1 | Pre-med for hernia | I was very confused and distressed, but they either didn't get it or didn't care. Was very weird, not like a beer which is low-key and very vanilla. This had the feeling of a chemical, and a very bizarre one at that. | If this is supposed to make you feel better before surgery, I'd hate to see what they use to agitate you. With friends like that . . . | M | 56 | 1 days | 1/14/2010 | 5 | endoscopy/ colonoscopy | None other than being tired for the rest of the day. | I had versed with fentanyl and I must say it did its job. One minute I was telling the nurse I couldn't feel the medicine and the next minute I'm waking up in the recovery room. I remember absolutely nothing about both procedures. I even questioned if they even touched me. The only trippy thing about this drug is that I kept asking the same questions over and over not having any memory of doing so. I also talked to/called people and have no memory of doing that either. I was really tired for the rest of the day so I slept. I had a really great experience with this drug and definitely wouldn't hesitate to have it again if need be. | F | 19 | 1 times | 1/11/2010 | 3 | colonoscopy | Amnesia of a painful experience | I just found this site recently but was given this drug two years ago. I did't want to be awake and thought I was "out," but my doctor later told me the procedure was aborted because I was screaming in pain (possibly due to my fibromyalgia).He recommended I have the procedure done under deeper sedation than he could administer. While I am grateful that I had an honest, caring doctor who told me the truth, it is disconcerting to think that there are doctors out there who probably would have continued the procedure anyway, smug in the fact that the patient would't remember it. How many patients think they had a great experience when in fact they were in tremendous pain? Full disclosure should be given. | F | 56 | 1 days | 1/10/2010 | 5 | Colonoscopy | As soon as I was given the dose I felt a little groggy. A little memory loss. | The rest of the procedure was a blur. That's what it's suppose to do. Had a little pain part way and was given a little more. | M | 54 | 1 days | 1/9/2010 | 1 | Tricked | Long term anxiety and anger issues | I will attack anybody who tries to sneak this into my IV ever again. I noticed the unnatural obedience after I was injected but didn't know that this drug is used for patients "who have trouble cooperating." Try it again and see what happens. Just because I said NO doesn't mean you should force me into obedience. I am on to you people. | M | 28 | 1 days | 1/6/2010 | 4 | inguinal hernia | none | Effects as promised. I was given 6/100 versed/fentanyl just before localized anesthetic (3mg versed followed by 2 and then 1). I remember only the hair-shaving before, and later being moved to the post-op room. I was told that I talked during the operation, but I do not remember that. There were no noticeable adverse effects. My memory and motor skills seem fine. The only reason I do not give versed/fentanyl a "5" rating is because I do not like not being able to remember the operation... but I suppose for many patients that effect would be a big plus. | M | 58 | 1 times | 1/5/2010 | 1 | colonoscomy | memory loss, reliving the pain | Versed did nothing but try to mask the pain! It was a horrible experience! I woke up 3 times during the procedure screaming and holding my abdomen. I felt like the probe was coming out of my abdomen. I remember the nurse telling me to relax, and calm down. I believe they just uped the dose of versed to put me under and mask the pain. The pain was unbareable. When I did wake up I don't remember anything except the pain, and just getting dressed. My wife is a bone marrow transplant nurse and said they usually give about 2 to 3 mgs of versed to patients, me being 140 lbs was given 8 mgs, which really alarmed her. I am sure I was given it to shut me up. I was stuck in the hand for an iv that did not take, but 3 nurses said that they could work with it. After the procedure, I had tape on my right arm and 3 stick marks, and tape on my left arm. I have repeated myself over and over with conversations with my wife, that I don't recall ever talking about. I have nightmares of the procedure, and can relive it over and over again just thinking about it. I am in excellent health, run 10ks on a regular basis, work out everyday, never take drugs, and am a health, protein, and vitamin finatic. I would not recommend this drug to anyone. I checked out this site for side effects, due to my knee bothering me and not being able to run, one day after the procedure, and then today, the second day, my joint in my wrist for the thumb being swollen, and hurting really bad to move it. Since | M | 50 | | 1/3/2010 | 1 | Pre-op and anesthesia induction | Anxious, intimidated, fearful, panicky, distress, insecurity, despair, terror, bewilderment, agitation, afflicted, violated, overpowered, anger, ambushed, flashbacks, nightmares. | Expecting a mild pre-op sedative, I was given 2mg Versed with no explanation of the resulting amnesia and complete lack of awareness. I awoke in the procedure room with a sense of complete panic, thinking something was terribly wrong that I could not remember anything after receiving this drug. Within 2 days I was suffering flashbacks and nightmares and did not eat or sleep more than an hour or two a night for 6 nights before I finally slept 7 hours. For two months I have suffered from periodic anxiety and panic attacks. I was so relieved to find information on the Internet that others had suffered the same effects I had and that I was not alone. This side effect seems to be fairly common though not the experience most people have. At the very least, this drug should be discussed with the patient and the possible side effects reviewed before the drug is given. It seems most patients who have a negative reaction to the drug were given the drug without any information as to what the drug would do and how it would affect the patient. Specific permission for this drug should be obtained from the patient before it is arbitrarily given to the patient. I will never be given this drug again. | F | 57 | 1 times | 12/30/2009 | 5 | Arthroscopic surgery - shoulders | First time loopiness and calm; second time total amnesia of event | Same procedure, same surgeon and same facility; unsure if the anesthesiologist was the same but I think he was. First subacromial decompression two years ago I remember getting the Versed IV to calm me, then having the nerve conduction tests on the arm muscles and laughing about it with the anesthesiologist, and being rolled into the OR where I joked with the techs before saying goodbye as the general anesthesia did its thing; then I woke up in recovery. Last week (other arm) the Versed was started, the nerve conduction testing was begun in preop, and that's all I remember until I woke up in Recovery. No joking with the anesthesiologist or techs or anything. Oh well. Surgeon said it all had to do with how much Versed is given and when. I guess this time I got more, and/or sooner. I understand the frustration and fear of those who can't use it but insisting that it be taken off the market isn't the answer; it may be the only thing that works for some people. I absolutely can't take codeine or codeine derivatives, but I know it works for a lot of people so I just know to make sure my providers know not to give me that any more. | F | 48 | 2 times | 12/29/2009 | 4 | colonoscopy | Had a colonoscopy yesterday, was awake most of the time from what I can remember. I do remember terrible pain during procedure, but didn't seem to care because of the drugs. It is kind of like child birth. You know there is pain but the memory goes away. I would use versed again for this procedure. Light headed today, not sure if it is from the versed or something else. | F | 43 | 1 days | 12/29/2009 | 5 | bilateral chest tubes | I had bilateral chest tubes put in because of a traumatic lung collapse of both lungs. The nurse told me that the procedure was "excruciatingly painful" and that she was going to "load me up with enough Versed and Fentanyl to take as much pain and memory of the procedure away from me without killing me." God bless that nurse. I remember the doctor prepping me, and then it was like I dozed off. The next thing I remember the nurse was saying they were all done. I had to have one reinserted a few days later because my right lung deflated, and since I had just eaten breakfast I had the Fentanyl with no Versed. It hurt extremely bad even with the painkiller. They kept having to give me more and more Fentanyl because I was in so much pain. I was really upset that they couldn't give me Versed because I would have liked to black out during that procedure. | F | 31 | 1 days | 12/28/2009 | 2 | Multiple tooth extractions | No side effects, but it did not work for me as an amnestic. Time was a little distorted (dental surgery felt shorter than it was), but I retain most if not all memories of the surgery. | It had little amnestic properties for me and I remained coherent. The dentist was floored. On the first day of surgery I received 32 mg. of Versed and remained completely cognizant of what was happening to me. The dentist was not prepared for this at all which was alarming to me because she was working on my teeth and I am frightened of dental work. She could not give me more Versed for fear of shutting down my CNS, but not having a "back up plan" put me in a very anxious state in the dental chair. Time was a bit distorted (6 hours felt like 4, maybe? 3?) but I remember all of the conversation and I remember becoming anxious when I felt pain, and I retain memories of difficult extractions. Yuck. Day 2 went a little better because the dentist prescribed Valium for me to take the morning of the second surgery. This helped improve the effectiveness of the Versed, although it still wasn't good. Ironically, when the Versed didn't work, I remembered that this was actually my second failed experience with Versed. The first happened during a spinal tap for meningitis. I remembered that as well. Unfortunately, I remembered my failed experience with Versed too late. | F | 39 | 2 times | 12/22/2009 | 1 | Sedation/Surgery - I was 11 y old | ****SEVERE HALLUCINATIONS****Complete disorientation and withdraw from reality. I was completely awake and dreaming. I saw a picture on the wall of a horse come to life. The horse started to gallop and i was suddenly flying over the Kentucky Derby in a blimp watching a stampede of horses race. Then I saw stone statues of The Virgin Mother Mary flying in the air coming to me from the hospital doorway. There were waterfalls in the doorway. I saw a tiny midget version of the fat Elvis Presley singing the blues into a microphone next to my hospital bed. It was by far THE WEIRDEST AND COOLEST EXPERIENCE I'VE EVER HAD. Again I was 11 years old when this happened to me. They gave me this crazy drug thinking that it would sedate me, i guess, while they removed a cast that was on my broken hand. | I'm sure this drug doesn't effect everyone the same way by any means whatsoever. Doctors administering this drug should be EXTREMELY CAREFUL. This drug could very well scare the shit out of someone who doesn't think hallucinating is fun like i do. | M | 23 | 1 times | 12/10/2009 | 1 | Colonoscopy & other medical proced | severe insomnia, severe rash that started first between thighs and then all over my body over the years. Because the doctor said that it couldn't be the versed because it did not stay in the body long enough, I have been given the drug many times over seven years and Iam paying the price! | During my research this year,I have found many people with horror stories of reactions to this awful drug that were never reported. Perhaps it is safe when used properly and the patient's prescription records are looked at carefully; however, most of us know how little the doctor really pays attention to that very important matter! | F | 66 | | 12/10/2009 | 1 | lap. hernia repair | The problem was how shaky I felt for days after. The hernia was no big deal. | I dislike how long the drug stayed in my system. Will not use again. | M | 53 | 1 times | 12/9/2009 | 5 | first colonoscopy | No side effects. Awesome experience. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Even the prep wasn't bad. MiraLAX, dulcolax, simethicone and plenty of clear liquids (i.e sprite, 7-up, etc.) | Versed was given to me in combination with Fentanyl. I answered about three of the docs questions and then don't remember anything until waking up on my own in recovery shortly thereafter. A polyp was removed. My husband says he got me dressed after the procedure, but I have no recollection of this. He said I jumped out of bed and wanted to do it myself. He said I repeated myself alot. I kept asking him the same things over and over not realizing that I was doing it? | F | 43 | 1 days | 12/8/2009 | 5 | Colonoscopy | No side effects whatsoever. | I have been given this drug combined with fentanyl via IV route for three colonoscopies over the past 12 years, and I'm grateful for it. I was awake but relaxed during an uncomfortable procedure. I'm sorry for the people who've had bad experiences. For me, it has been very helpful and a useful medication when administered correctly. | F | 68 | 3 times | 12/8/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy | Groggy, tired | I was given Versed and Benedryl as I have had a bad reaction to Fentynal in the past. Maybe the bad effects some people experience are due to the Fentynal because they are the same effects I had with Fentynal when being treated for back pain. I became aggitated, anxious, angry and actually pulled my IV out, got dressed and went home. The Versed/Benedryl combo worked amazingly well for me and I will ask for it again. Versed worked great for me but I will NEVER take Fentynal again. | F | 42 | | 12/8/2009 | 5 | lumbar injections & breast surgery | just a little drowsy afterwards, went home and napped for a couple hours. at the last back shots, didnt remember the procedure at all, but i am glad, it is painful! | I have had versed & fentanyl combination in 8 sets of back injections and before I had breast surgery. I have had no bad reactions and it really made painful experiences much better. I feel for people who had bad reactions, but I enjoyed the medication. I dont remember anything from the breast surgery (thank God), it was administered before going back to the OR. I have remembered all the times when administered for my back injections, except today, I do not remember the procedure at all and again that is fine. It is really painful when they stick needles in my back. | F | 44 | | 12/4/2009 | 5 | wisdom tooth removal | a little nausea; weakness and fagiure before it wore off, grogginess for several hours after. | Have taken this drug twice for the same procedure. In each case, I recall nothing from the time it kicked in until they woke me. I am thrilled not to have experienced any pain, and knowing that it would have that effect took away my terror of having the second set of teeth pulled. | F | 47 | 1 days | 12/3/2009 | 1 | Scar Tissue removal | Versed was given just before a minor hand surgery to remove scars from an old injury. Things got weird, then scary. I remember yelling "keep those kids out!" for no reason and generally being disoriented. It was not pleasant. | I'll give it one thing: I don't recall much of the surgery! What I do recall is a bizarre kind of nightmare state where little if anything was concrete. | M | 39 | 1 times | 12/3/2009 | 5 | colonscopy | none | great drug.....had to fight to get it cuz the hospital i was in now gives propofol for colonoscopies... i really don't want to go out for a colonscopy....i had this drug all the time years ago when i was in icu for a month and had no bad effects | F | 56 | 30 days | 12/1/2009 | 4 | cataract surgery | none, except i did ask my son who was driving me home if he had seen the "dead zebra" on the side of the road... | I remember everything pretty much about the procedure, and it was a breeze. I saw the little "thing" that he broke the cataract up with, it just looked like a dark circle hovering over my eye. No pain what so ever. As a matter of fact, as i was trying to really relax and enjoy the "la la" feeling, they were telling me to wake up and open my eyes. Rats! | F | 41 | | 11/30/2009 | 1 | Colonoscopy | I am still having memory problems after my procedure in June 2009. Have a 45 yeear old friend who is still having memory problems after a year. I am so angry that I was given this poisen without an explanation of its side effects I feel like suing the hopital. They use this mind killer to save money on an anesthesologist while still charging your insurance a huge sum of money and when you question the memory loss they play dumb. | F | 69 | 1 days | 11/18/2009 | 1 | Pre-op medication | Disorientation, anxiety, PANIC. Totally bad reaction, totally unnecessary. | They asked me if I was nervous or tense and I said no. This procedure was actually minor compared to a couple I had in the past. Five minutes later the guy just up and puts the stuff in the IV while using the "something to relax you" line. WHY ??? After what seemed like five minutes of ever increasing anxiety, I found myself in recovery and very shaken. Bad drug and BAD PEOPLE who push it. | M | 52 | 1 days | 11/16/2009 | 5 | Colonoscopy | Slight headache for a few hours afterward | Headache was not as bad as I have experienced after full anesthesia. I don't remember anything from the time she adjusted my oxygen mask until I was in recovery. Same combination (with Fentanyl) will be used for RF ablation (cardiac procedure) in a few weeks and I have no concerns. | F | 52 | 1 days | 11/5/2009 | 1 | cataract surgery | Horrible experience. Was not told of any effects or reactions. At first, I felt like my head was spinning in outer space, could not see for a brief time and then had what I would describe as a laughing jag...I remember saying ludicrous things like why animals do not laugh, etc....also a feeling of irritation which stayed with me all day. I felt like my person was violated and would never agree to this again. I felt like it made me crazy. | versed administered prior to and during surgery. | F | 72 | 1 days | 11/5/2009 | 1 | cataract surgery | Horrible experience. Was not told of any effects or reactions. At first, I felt like my head was spinning in outer space, could not see for a brief time and then had what I would describe as a laughing jag...I remember saying ludicrous things like why animals do not laugh, etc....also a feeling of irritation which stayed with me all day. I felt like my person was violated and would never agree to this again. I felt like it made me crazy. | versed administered prior to and during surgery. | F | 72 | 1 days | 11/5/2009 | 5 | Colonoscopy | None | 100mg of fentanyl and 4mg of Versed were administered -- I'm about 230 lb/104 kg so administered dosage was about 0.0385 mg/kg. Normal starting point for an adult is about 0.0300 mg/kg. From what I've read, most people gets about 4mg of Versed, with a few at 5mg and a few at 3mg. I remember a few painful bits in beginning of the procedure -- no big deal, and then next thing I remember was the nurse telling me "We're done." and everyone was cleaning up. I remember everything again starting at that point. No amnesia for rest of the day or anything like that. I'm sure that about 10% of the patients do have severe issues and that most others probably has some amnesia for some hours afterwards, but none for me to report. For me, the worst part was the prep the day before. That also left me dehydrated so I was feeling strong nausea by time of the procedure. Second worst part was the anxiety as this was the first time. In the future, don't think I'll have the anxiety, though I'll probably not enjoy much the prep. But if I do this again and experience strong nausea, I'd probably push hard to have an anti-emetic injected via IV such as Phenergan (which the place had lots of according to medicine cabinet labels) while waiting. I only wish they had administered a little more of the Versed first so that I wouldn't have remembered any of it, but considering the nasty side effects of Versed, I'm OK with having just a bit too little than vice versa. | M | 35 | 1 days | 11/1/2009 | 1 | Colonoscopy | Not only did I have a horrible experience with this drug, but so did my father and a co-worker - all in a span of six weeks. No need to be redundant here - our experiences echo the other negative colonoscopy reviews here. | Don't let the phony 5 postings (and this recent 4 - probably written by the same person just to appear somewhat believable) sucker you into taking a drug that could very well cause a bad experience and lingering PTSD. Google "unsedated colonoscopy". You may be surprised. It is the standard in many places. | M | 51 | 1 days | 10/28/2009 | 4 | colonoscopy | none so far. just had colonoscopy this afternoon | I had found this website before my colonoscopy and the comments here scared me so much, I almost cancelled the whole procedure. I was a nervous wreck 3 weeks before my procedure. I had my colonoscopy this afternoon and it was WONDERFUL. I remember the nurse telling me to take some deep breaths and try not to fight the medicine (versed/fentenyl) I was so anxious I didn't know how to even relax, but I did my best and I woke up back in the recovery room. Have absolutely no memories of the procedure at all. Remember everything after that point,getting dressed and having my ride home. Please don't let these negative comments scare you like they did me. I did absolutely fine and since they found no polups, don't have to go again for 3 to 5 years and I won't loose one nights sleep next time. Nothing to fear. | F | 57 | 1 days | 10/26/2009 | 1 | Impacted Wisdom tooth | Doc was concerned because I was already having trouble with the tooth (I'm 27 and my wisdom teeth should have come out a long time ago). After the versed was given I had a feeling of falling, with an ever increasing panic. The next thing I knew they were working in my mouth and it was definitely painful. Not absurd, but at the edge of my tolerance. The kicker is that I had no idea what was going on, where I was, who these people were, *why* my teeth were being worked on, and I had no power to communicate. I have no recall as to whether I had sleep paralysis, as others here seem to have. My awareness was limited to my mouth and the people working there - in a vague and distorted way. I would say I was in a dreamy state somewhere between sleep and full alertness. | I would not go as far as calling it PTSD, but I was definitely addled by this experience and will aim to avoid a repeat. It took the better part of a month for me to shake off the bad vibes this caused. | M | 27 | 1 times | 10/22/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy | none | Almost never take medications, so was wary of the versed/fentanyl combo; did not remember anything, but woke up refreshed, happy and functional. Following days were fine, too | F | 50 | 1 days | 10/21/2009 | 1 | colonoscopy | I am not sure it was due to the Versed, but there is a real possibility that it caused me to have significant memory problems and far less recall of my dreams for a few years after having had a higher dose with my second colonoscopy. My memory and dream recall have finally improved a lot four years later, and this is why I know it is not normal age-related memory problems. | I just had my third colonoscopy, combined with my first endoscopy. I am feeling slightly tired, happy, and only very mildly dizzy, about five hours after the procedures. I have a wonderful G.I. doctor now who did not make me take the Versed. I had Fentanyl only, a high dose of it. (Fentanyl is what provides the pain relief.) I asked about having Valium for anxiety in addition to the Fentanyl and the doctor said Valium was in the same class as Versed, but not an amnesiac. We decided to skip the Valium but have it available. I did not come close to ever feeling like I needed the Valium. The procedures went fine. It helped to have the nurse rub my abdomen during the difficult parts of the colonoscopy and hold my hand during the endoscopy. (I suggest people ask in advance for this physical and emotional support in case their staff is not tuned in to how this touching/rubbing helps.) I felt like I swallowed/gagged about six times during the endoscopy, but the doctor called them burps and said try not to burp, and then after about three he said now you can burp. It was no more difficult than some dental work I've had done. I kept thanking them for letting me have the procedures with Fentanyl only. They kept saying I was doing great. The doctor said he has done the procedure with nothing before. I had decided I didn't want Versed, but reading this website yesterday is what really made me determined, so thank you everyone for writing. Best wishes to everyone! | F | 54 | 2 times | 10/20/2009 | 5 | Gastroscopy | Was given Versed and Fentanyl for Gastroscopy. Have these procedures q monthly for bleeding varices r/t liver disease. No side effects from drug- usually very pleasant. I wake up in Recovery Rm none the wiser about what has just taken place. | F | 35 | 1 days | 10/15/2009 | 3 | Endoscopy | Some memory disfunction for up to three days. | This drug does nothing to prevent the pain of endoscopy, but merely inhibits your memory. Thanks for nothing. | M | 57 | | 10/9/2009 | 5 | operative procedure | none | helped me deal with the procedure without having to have a general anesthetic | M | 50 | 1 days | 10/8/2009 | 1 | oral surgery | It's been 5 years and i still suffer from anxiety attacks from this poison. | this drug should be banned by the FDA it's dangerous!!!! | F | 22 | 1 days | 10/6/2009 | 1 | Oral surgery | It just flat DID NOT WORK. I kept telling them that if this was semi sedation..I wanted something else. It has been maintained I won't remember it tomorrow. But the tears that streamed down my face while they did the work.. I won't forget. | I have taken it to calm me down before a D and C because of a miscarriage. They gave it to me and even into the second dose, it didn't help. I thought maybe it was just ME but it appears it doesn't work for a LOT Of people. | F | 41 | 1 days | 10/5/2009 | 5 | dystonia | brief sedation, dystonia subsides within minutes, or even seconds | PLEASE NEVER EVER TAKE THIS DRUG OFF THE MARKET. WITHOUT IT, I WOULD SUFFER IN PAIN FOR HOURS AND WOULD NO LONGER BE ABLE TO WORK. VERSED IS A GIFT FROM GOD. I am given it by injection in the ER. Other benzodiapenes make me hallucinate. Not versed. It just stops the convulsions/muscle spasms typical of dystonia. | F | 43 | 15 times | 10/4/2009 | 1 | Gynecological Procedure | Dizziness, nausea, sweating, very low blood pressure. | I was given this medication not to be put to sleep but to be awake and drugged during surgery. I felt horrendous pain when the doctor was doing the procedure. When I came out of it, I was dizzy, sweating profusely and nauseas. My blood pressure was 60/20. I tried to throw up, but nothing came out. At that point I started to pray, I had the feeling that I was going to die. I was in recovery for 4 hours, while everyone else was leaving after 20 minutes. I will never ever take this drug again. At 2:00 a.m. I woke up and my arms and legs were numb, I thought I was having a stroke. Patients, BEWARE!!! | F | 51 | 1 days | 9/23/2009 | 1 | endoscopy | To the male who was given Versed for stent placement, if I could "remember everything" about the procedure when I was given Versed, and I "felt no pain," I would rate it A+ also. That does not happen to most of us. The fact that your experience was "unlike what the doctor told (you)" actually proves you are in the minority of patients who have an outstanding experience with the drug. Yes, most patients are okay with it, but some of us have had a really, really bad experience with it, which has left us with a permanent negative (and suspicious) view of medical professionals. | Take at your own risk | F | 1 days | 9/22/2009 | 5 | stent placement | I was given this drug prior to having my heart operation done. I remember everything, unlike what the doctor told me. No problem though, I felt no pain. In fact, I was making plans with one of the nurses to go on a cruise to Aruba, during the operation. I loved it. | A+ to whoever invented this drug. | M | 44 | 1 days | 9/20/2009 | 1 | colonoscopy | I had asked the Gastro. Dr. to not give me the amnesia causing drug - just the pain killer (fentanyl) He referred me to the Center where the procedure would be done. I also discussed my wishes with the Nurse who would be administering the meds. the day before I went in when she called to fill out paperwork and "answer any questions". The day of I reiterated my wishes. I signed no consent for anything other than the colonoscopy. The response from every one of these "professionals" when I requested to be awake and aware was "no you don't". Then they would continue on - I felt like the 2 yr. old victim of lousy parents my wishes and request were dismissed out of hand. Now I am having nightmares, anxiety, anger, insomnia and flashbacks. Before this I never had any problem sleeping, never anxiety problems either. I'm also not able to let it go and get on with life. I have no doubt that I would have had no problem with just the fentanyl as I have given | NEVER AGAIN | F | 57 | | 9/20/2009 | 2 | Trigger thumb release | Uncontrollable, shrieking laughter. They had to bring my 83 year old mother in to see if she could calm me down- didn't help. Last thing I remember is insulting someone in OR (who was NOT amused)and laughing hysterically about it until a mask was placed over my face to presumably put me out (?) and shut me up! | Like any medication, there are potential adverse effects that may occur in certain individuals much the same way that allergies to particular things (e.g., dogs, cats, eggs, wheat, nuts, steroids, penicillin, perfume, peppers, etc., etc., etc.)creates problems. There is no magic formula that renders any medication ideal for all. Unfortunately, even if/when patients are advised of potential side effects, they may not discover until after administration that it is not a good choice for them. When presented with statistics such as "it works in 99% of patients", the 1% in whom it does NOT work have a reverse opinion since they are in the minority where there is only a 1% chance that it WILL work! | F | 57 | 1 days | 9/14/2009 | 5 | removal of small eyelid cancer | I don't remember what happened during most of the surgery, but I remember being half-conscious during it. That is fine with me. I had no pain, and within half an hour after the surgery I was quite lucid and felt fine. I have had no "hangover" effects or anything of the sort. | F | 50 | 1 days | 9/12/2009 | 1 | knee surgery | Versed totally ERASED a co-worker's daughter's memory. Surgery was in Apr 09 at the Mayo Clinic. She still does not have her memory back (Sep 09) and might not ever. | The FDA should be removing this drug from its arsenal immediately!! | F | 28 | | 9/10/2009 | 5 | colonscopy | administered with fentanyl. no problems. after 2-3 minutes, i was "out" (no memory) and woke up 30 minutes later in recovery. no pain. | i have read some "scary stories" about versed, but it did not seem to have any negative impact on me. i'm 6'0, 185 pounds, low BP, good health. | M | 50 | 1 days | 9/9/2009 | 1 | PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION | THEY ASKED ME PRE-OP IF I NWAS NERVOUS. I SAID NO. THEY GAVE ME 2 MGS OF VERSED AND ANOTHER 2 MGS SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THEN MY BLOOD PRESSUR FELL TO BELOW 60 SYSTOLIC AND I WENT INTO SHOKE. I SAW DEAD PEOPLE ALL AROUND AND THE DOCTORS FREAKING OUT TRYING TO GET PRESSER AGENTS INTO ME VIA 5 IV'S IN ORDER TO GET MY BP BACK UP. I REMEMBER IT ALL. I WAS TERRIFIED. THESE ARE ALL KNOWN SIDE-EFFECTS OF THIS VERY DANGEROUS DRUG. I REPORTED THIS TO THE FDA BUT THEY SIMPLY YAWNED. HAD TO SPEND 2 NIGHTA IN CCU NEVER AGAIN!!.JOSEPH | IT SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET OR AT THE VERY LEAST REQUIRE A SPECIAL SIGNED INFORMED CONCENT.I AM STILL HAVING NIGHTMARES ABOUT IT AND MY PROCEDURE WAS O | M | 68 | 30 days | 9/6/2009 | 5 | dislocated shoulder | I was given an anti-nausea drug as well as dilaudid, then the versed prior to placing the shoulder back in place. I don't remember it happening, although nurse said I was speaking to them during the shoulder reduction - no side effects other than the short term amnesia, if there was pain during the procedure I don't remember it! And that works for me. | M | 63 | 1 times | 9/4/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy & endoscopy | None other than a cognitive abilities were a little off the rest of the evening. Felt great the next day. Also had demerol. | Felt no pain and have no pain. Remember very begining of endoscopy procedure where mouth piece was put in and very end of colonoscopy where doctor was mentioning findings to the nurse. | M | 57 | 1 days | 8/29/2009 | 1 | Stent Placement | I was shaking so bad that they had to cancel. I will try again using different medications. I also became anxious and had limb trembling. | I have flashes of the experience. It is something I will not go through again if I can avoid it! | F | 63 | | 8/26/2009 | 5 | Laser Surgery | I recently had laser surgery to my prostate. My side effects, I have been Hiccuping for at least the past 72hrs intermident more hicupping than not the condition still exsists and is becoming alarming. | It served its purpose in the operating room, but the hiccups are taking over my life. | M | 60 | 1 days | 8/23/2009 | 5 | bunionectomy & metatarsal reduction | Used to calm and relax me just prior to surgery...I had such a positive experience, I had to ask what the drug was. I was able to hear conversations between the doctor and nurses and i even "chimed" in on the conversation. There were also times when I was totally out. Very quick recovery. Good job to the anesthesiologist! | F | 55 | | 8/22/2009 | 1 | Hand Surgery | See my earlier entry below. | As a genuinely concerned person who has had a bad experience with Versed - and came to this site to warn others - I take great exception to the obvious and cynical fake 5 that was immediately posted after my entry. This needs to stop! | M | 36 | 1 days | 8/22/2009 | 1 | Prostate Biopsy | Became nauseated and groggy. Did NOT reduce pain. Where's the Fentanyl, or whatever ??? | This was my second prostate biopsy The first one involved no sedative. The second was with versed. All Versed did was make me groggy and nauseous. I'll go without in the future. | M | 56 | 1 days | 8/21/2009 | 5 | Hand Surgery | It helped to calm me down I felt no pain what so ever. | I liked it and would take it again | M | 28 | | 8/17/2009 | 1 | Hand Surgery | My first hand surgery was in the '80's under a local and it went fine. My recent surgery with Versed was a disaster. I was "out" for a short time and then I was awake and aware, but felt super drunk, so much so that I could not move much or say anything. The local was not as effective as the first time. I felt discomfort (not really hard core pain) and it was frustrating having to deal with that and not be able to get their attention. | I think they were kind of cavalier about this because they think people will not remember. I cannot recommend this drug, not only because of its effects but how it is (mis)used. | M | 36 | 1 days | 8/14/2009 | 5 | Colonoscopy, Wisdom teeth extracted | With Colonoscopy = did remember everything in vivid detail. With teeth, did not recall a thing. | I had IV Versed & fentanyl with my wisdom tooth extractions - 3 teeth, under 45 minutes, all bony impacts, and one was exploratory gum surgery to try and find my hiding top right molar. I do not recall any of it, as I was told would happen (unfortunately, I did remember all of my colonoscopy). The only unpleasant part was when it began to wear off and I woke up, said "Ow, ow, please I can really feel this right now" (didn't sound much like that) and they immediately gave me another dose of Versed and upped my nitrous oxide. They then finished and I'm at home, on painkillers, and very glad that I do not recall anything like an exploratory gum surgery - I DO NOT want to remember that feeling or even numbed sensation! | F | 21 | 1 days | 8/10/2009 | 1 | relaxation before surgery | heart pain, shortness of breath | length of time taking versed 20 seconds | F | 70 | | 8/10/2009 | 5 | Surgery to remove bladder tumors | The only reason I came to this site was to see if others enjoyed Versed as much as I have. In the past 12 months I've has to undergo 2 surgeries to remove cancerous tumors from my bladder. The procedures have been made not only bearable, but almost enjoyable as a result of the Versed. Don't get me wrong -I was highly anxious being led into the O.R. full of lights, monitors, instruments, medical staff, and asked to lay down on the operating table...but about 2 minutes after being administered Versed, I was holding my arms out and saying "come'ere" to the staff for a hug. I played around with some drugs as a youth, but never felt so relaxed, happy, even "loving" as I did from Versed. I had the same experience for both surgeries, I LOVED the drug. In both cases I was given a spinal tap to numb me from the waist down, so I was never unconscious. I remember small snippets of the surgeries, I was happy throughout and came out of it in a good mood, joking with my friends a | M | 53 | 1 days | 7/30/2009 | 5 | Cervical epidural injections | None whatsoever. | I get 2-3 cortisone injections a year in my neck to alleviate pain caused by two bulging dics and bone spurs. I always get versed and nothing but versed. I understand there can be side affects with this drug as with any drug. I have never experienced any adverse reactions. As a matter of fact, when I had a few moles removed recently I specifically asked for versed and got it. When I recovered from surgery I found my wife at my side and I was surprised at how well I felt. I don't want anyone to think I am pushing this drug but it works for me as it was designed to do. I think it is the best drug to come along since penicillin. | M | 48 | 2 years | 7/19/2009 | 1 | For angiogram | I was wide awake and talking to dr so he had them give me another "hit" still wide awake so he had them do a third "hit". I told him I think I am having the opposite effect and he asked me would I believe him if he said that it wouldn't hurt. I did and it didn't. Now before any procedure I tell them it has opposite effect a couple of drs. didn't believe me and then quickly after using it used something else; Now I insist that it not be used and didn't give a damn if I needed to be relaxed prior to a surgery. They are listening to me probably because I said I would leave if they even considered using it. | Not for everyone and drs. need to do a "test" prior to prsuming it is the same for all. | F | 67 | 1 days | 7/19/2009 | 1 | tonsillectomy | My eight year old son was given Versed in preparation for his tonsillectomy and, after an initial period of confusion and slurred speech, became extremely agitated and violent. At first he started punching himself and then was lashing out at both me and his father and attempting to get off the gurney. We had to restrain him and we had to call in a nurse to help us keep him down as well. He was extremely angry, and began yelling at both of us as well. He eventually broke down crying, which is how, unfortunately, we had to leave him as they rolled him away on the gurney. It was, overall, a very traumatic experience for the whole family. | The ENT performing the surgery then came in and told us that he was having an adverse reaction to the drug and instructed me to inform his primary pediatrician of this reaction and to ensure that this was never given to him again. He told me that this was very uncommon, but that it did happen. | M | 8 | 1 days | 7/17/2009 | 1 | DNC | Like the colonoscopy person from 7/13, it was like a chemical straight jacket. I was AWARE, but I could not do anything about it. | They are sneaky and dishonest about it. I had no idea what was about to hit me and I had to PRY just to get the name of the drug. As stated elsewhere, they should dump the Versed and use real pain killers. | F | 34 | 1 days | 7/16/2009 | 5 | Colonoscopy | I had no side effects. | My physician explained everything about the drug used including it's amnesia effect. I remember the procedure and could feel the pressure. I feel I was very well informed. | F | 55 | 1 days | 7/14/2009 | 1 | Colonoscopy | I was awake but totally paralyzed. I felt every move, every turn, I tried fruitlessly to scream out for help and demand some pain meds. It was the worst experience of my entire life. Like being in an Iron Maiden...Whoever approved this drug for use on people should be shot!! | A great way to torture someone and have them unable to do or say anything about it. They say that this takes away bad memories of any pain...why not give the patient pain meds and skip the Versed. DO NOT LET ANYONE GIVE YOU THIS CRAP....You'll regret it for the rest of your life!! | M | 52 | 1 days | 7/13/2009 | 5 | Colonoscopy | I don't know for a fact that the anesthetic used on me was Versed. I only assume so because a friend had a similar procedure done at the same hospital and said it was used on him. | The plus side: After receiving the IV, I was out in seconds. I remember absolutely nothing of the procedure, and woke up in the recovery room fairly alert. Actually - I was delighted and amazed at how easy the entire procedure was. The only complaint I might have is that IF they used Versed on me, I would like to have been informed of its possible side effects. And honestly, it's a little disconcerting to think that I may have been awake and able to talk during the procedure and not be able to remember a thing about it. Think about it: 2 nurses and a doctor in a closed room with a drugged patient who won't remember the procedure. It's the 578th procedure they've done and it's beyond routine. Even the most professional staff might be tempted to have a little fun and ask a few very personal questions for a laugh. Sure, it smacks of paranoia, but it's something to consider. | M | 54 | 1 times | 7/11/2009 | 1 | Pediatric VCUG | Our 4 year old daughter- Received through IV to sedate her when having a catheter inserted. became anxious, combative, agitated & angry. Dr. thought it wasn't enough so gave her an additonal dose of Ativan. Still had same effect. Four people had to hold her down to put in catheter. 6-8 hours after still hallucinating, unable to sleep, difficult to calm down, anxious, agitated, angry and scared. 12 hours later- still moody, confused, but able to answer questions. Even 36 hours later - dizzy, manic episodes (crying uncontrollably), hostile, bossing people around, confused, anxious. It was horrible to watch and very concerning! | First 12 hours, Drs. kept saying it was normal & she was fine. Upond being discharged fromt the hospital, we realized that she was far from normal. All Drs we consulted with in Pediatrics and ER said there was no way that the sedatives were still in her system 36 hours later. Yet she was still exhibiting scary mood altering behaviors. They put her through a spinal tap & CT scan to rule out other issues and all came back negative (she successfully received propofol for those procedures). Drs. then realized she had a paradoxical (or adverse) reaction to the Versed and should have NEVER have been given the additional dose of Ativan. Supposedly there is something to reverse the adverse reaction, but by the time the pediatric dr. reserached it, it was too late to give. We were at a well known children's hospital & they said they have never seen such a reaction. By 48 hours the symptoms seem to have disappeared, but am hoping we don't see any long term effects. Given, this horrible reaction, no one in our family will ever be allowed to receive Versed or Ativan again. | F | 4 | 1 times | 7/10/2009 | 5 | Spinal Cortisone Injections | Worked like a charm, but after I woke up and was released I refused to allow my wife to drive me home and took my own car. I evidently stopped at a store and bought some items and then continued home. My wife said I seemed completly lucid and in full control of my faculties, but today (1 day after my injections) I don't remember any of the events. I don't remember buying the items or the drive home. I've advised my wife to refuse to believe anything I say after my next set of injections. | It's a great drug and I'm very pleased with the quick effect and not having to be put completely out for my procedure. | M | 48 | 1 days | 7/8/2009 | 1 | colonoscopy | PTSD symptoms, lasting for months post-procedure, never experienced before in my life | To the woman who has "worked for 4 gastro doctors, " and had several procedures with Versed with "absolutely no problems at all," it is YOU who obviously doesn't "have a clue" how a bad Versed experience can affect someone ! I don't discredit your experience, please do not discredit mine. For me personally, it was hell, both due the drug itself & the sneaky way it was administered to me. Something is wrong with a drug that (most) doctors deliberately do not explain to patients. I pray for the day when "informed consent" is a reality, and not a meaningless cruel joke. If your attitude represents how medical "professionals" view those of us who have had nightmare experiences with Versed, I may never have a surgery or procedure again. | F | | 7/7/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy/egd | I have had 6 colonoscopies and have had versed every time, and absolutely no problems at all... | The 50 yr old man who commented on the "6-1-09" guy who was 20 or 25...there are many reasons for a young man to have such a procedure...matter of fact, children sometimes have to be scoped, as well...that's why there are Pediatric Gastroenterologists!! I worked for 4 gastro doctors for over 10 yrs...and you sir, don't have a clue of what you are talking about!! While I agree, that there are, some very "creative" writers, giving their "opnions & stories"...perhaps they should consider having a career writing fiction stories...some people do tend to embellish on the truth and some people, don't know of which they speak, such as yourself... | F | 56 | 1 days | 7/6/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy & once for hand surgery | none | I had no adverse reactions whatsoever, Versed worked very well for me. That is not to say it will work for everyone or that it will work well. We are all different. It is not fair to criticize the drug or say it is terrible when it is not that way for all. I had good effects but some may not. | F | 62 | 1 days | 7/3/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy | Loss of memory | This was awesome although I was sad that the "cocktail" of Demerol and Versed did not allow me to view the procedure (nearly 6 years ago when I was 40 and experienced diverticulitis). My doctor advised me in advance that I may not remember conversations I had during and for hours after the procedure - he was correct. Luckily my wife reminded me of conversations I held immediately after the procedure and recovery. I know it sure helped me forget any pain I may have experienced. | M | 46 | 1 times | 7/3/2009 | 5 | many proceedures over five years | no side effects whatsoever | for me, it's the greatest drug for relieving anxiety associated with surgery, mri's, etc...if this ever were sold on the street...wow....high potential for abuse | M | 65 | 6 times | 7/3/2009 | 4 | colonoscopy and oral surgery | Had 5 colonoscopies, no side effects from Versed except once I woke up too soon, while they were still probing. No problems during or after oral surgery. | Groggy for a few hours after the procedures, but no loss of memory, nausea, chills, etc. I felt fine about 12 to 24 hours after the procedures. | F | 64 | 6 times | 7/1/2009 | 1 | Endoscopy and colonoscpy | Feelings not all is well. Unexplained bruises. Insomnia and an what can best be termed a scary partial recall of a less than smooth procedure. | I just had the procedure yesterday so I do not know how long the Insomnia will last but I'm terrified of sleeping. Just as I drift off I begin seeing and feeling events during the procedure. The memories seem to primarily concern the endoscopy. I am very upset this possibility was not discussed with me. | M | 49 | 1 days | 6/27/2009 | 4 | colonoscopy | I was given versed and fentanol.It took me longer than most to wake fully after the procedure. I just wanted to sleep even though I realized where I was. I heard the nurse tell my husband that I was awake at times during the procedure. I do remember seeing the screen at the beginning and I think I said,"My colon isn't as pretty as Katie Couric's"! I have a vague memory of turning toward the doctor to say something like, "Hey, what's going on?" or "I feel something," and then he instructed the nurse to give more meds.I experienced no other problems and don't recall any discomfort. | My experience was certainly acceptable, but I would have like to have received a better explanation of how the drug actually works. The doc did ask just before he started if I had any questions, but since it was my first c-scope, I didn't know to ask about the details of versed.I will next time.Procedure is important. My husband didn't get one until he saw blood. A large irritated polyp was discovered and removed.Then I scheduled mine. Just talk things over with doc carefully before. | F | 55 | | 6/26/2009 | 5 | Dislocated shoulder | Temporary memory loss - similar effects as a truth serum. | It was like a conscious sedation. The doctor gave me double the dose of morphine that they would normally use to subside the pain, but it wasn't working at all. After the versed was injected into me, a few short moments afterward my body (shoulder included) began relaxing and I drifted off into a seemingly sleep (but was still awake to the world). I didn't remember anything after wards until I awoke back up. I was told that I seemed to be awake and carried on a conversation and spoke very truthfully about anything asked (I was a little worried!) Bottom line was my conscious pain went away and they were able to set my shoulder = me happy :) | M | 18 | 1 times | 6/24/2009 | 2 | D&C/MRI | Woke up in middle of D&C, in great pain, and "paralyzed." Tried to move or speak, doc looked over the screen, said something, and I was out again. It was, in a word, terrifying. In a separate incident, was supposed to be "paralyzed" for the MRI procedure due to neuro problems (tremor, twitching) which would affect test results. Woke up several times (moving) and had memorable conversations with a male voice outside the MRI machine. | I consider the MRI results unreliable because the Versed did not do the job. | F | 45 | 2 days | 6/22/2009 | 2 | colonoscopy | it did not seem to do anything at the time,later at home drowsy, hungover | it certainly did not help the pain, buthad none of the strange effects listed here either. felt normal | F | 1 days | 6/18/2009 | 1 | eye surgury | 14 year old - trouble breathing and started shaking,could not wake her up, gave her something to reverse medicine and still could not wake her up and then she went to extreme agitation, uncontrollable, screaming and crying like she was being hurt, after 2 to 3 hours of this behavior non-stop, they gave her another sedative and she slept for hours but you could tell she was resting and not like she was pained how she was acting. She woke up and she was herself again - thank goodness. | will not use again | F | 14 | 1 days | 6/16/2009 | 1 | colonoscopy | *Unwanted amnesia*, anxiety, depression, anger, sleeplessness, fear | To the 34-year old " Wisdom Teeth Extraction" woman: I actually cry when I read posts like yours. Why was my experience so different from yours ? I do not think it was because I didn't have a "competent physician," I KNOW it was the drug itself. How dare you try to discredit my experience ! And I was definitely not "completely alert immediately after waking up." I "woke up" 2 hours after my 12-minute procedure, in MID-SENTENCE, having an argument with a nurse. My Versed experience was the most phychologically disturbing experience of my life. A year later, I am still not over it...Are you for real ?? | F | 60 | 1 days | 6/16/2009 | 1 | colonoscopy | To the 34-year-old female below who posted a comment on 6/12/2009 about her wisdom tooth extraction: Exactly how do you figure that "for the vast majority, [Versed] is a wonderful medicine that has been used for years"? Have you, for example, been appointed spokesperson for the "vast majority"? Or is it that you're just somehow innately familiar with the individual experiences of hundreds of thousands of people? Also, if midazolam (brand name: Versed) is so "wonderful," then why, as of 6/15/2009 and 552 Askapatient.com ratings, does the drug have an average rating of only 2.8? Going by the ratings key at the top of this page, such a rating would indicate that over 500 people were NOT especially satisfied with midazolam (brand name: Versed). | As further regards your suggestion that midazolam (brand name: Versed) is, "for the vast majority, [...] a wonderful medicine that has been used for years" -- well, here's a link to a New York Times article which reports that over forty people have DIED as the direct result of having received this horrible drug: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE0DB113DF937A35754C0A967958260&sec=health&spon=&pagewanted=all Anyway, even though I do not purport to be clairvoyant, I somehow doubt that those forty folks would view the drug as all that "wonderful." (Then again, they're deceased, so they cannot post ratings here.) Finally, as regards your statement that you're "[n]ot trying to diminish the negative experiences some people have had," I gotta disagree -- it sure sounds like you are. Your posting resembles a drug commercial and seems bogus. The pharmaceutical company sales reps who post these bogus ratings are being unethical in the extreme, I think. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves! | M | 43 | 1 times | 6/15/2009 | 5 | Wisdom Teeth Extraction | None | Not trying to diminish the negative experiences some people have had, but for the vast majority, this is a wonderful medicine that has been used for years. I had it this morning for removal of 4 wisdom teeth and it felt like the procedure was over in 2 seconds. I had no memory of the procedure. I was completely alert immediately after waking up and could have even functioned at work if I was motivated to do so. I had it with fentanyl; they also included an anti-nausea agent in the IV and I had no side effects whatsoever. It is imperative to have a competent physician to ensure a good experience. | F | 34 | 1 days | 6/12/2009 | 1 | Cataract Surgery | I woke up slowly and had a strong hangover. In the following days, I had periods of amnesia, walking into a room and forgetting why I was there. Several times I went blank during conversations. | They did not explain the effects of Versed they only told me what they were about to give me. I was calm before, but the Versed actually made me feel tense and nervous. It did not worked for me as it was supposed to. I recall brief periods where I was aware of discomfort in my eye but I could not talk or respond in any way. | F | 70 | 1 days | 6/11/2009 | 5 | Colonoscopy | Short term memory loss both during and for a short time after the procedure. | I have had numerous colonoscopies due to Crohn's disease and my doctor has been administering a combination of Versed and Demerol to get me through the procedure for years. I have had no negative side effects, and from my point of view, the prep is far worse than the test. What I have learned is to always have the person with me pay attention to what the doctor says after the procedure because I only remember things in bits and pieces. Usually I go out to lunch after the procedure, then go home and sleep for a few hours and feel perfectly fine. Having gone down the road of having the test without medication, I'll take my Versed "cocktail" any day of the week. I would much rather not remember the discomfort that I know goes along with the procedure. | F | 59 | 15 times | 6/10/2009 | 2 | colonoscopy | Amnesia effect faded and I became alert during the great traverse of the transverse colon | I initially remember discussing what the doc pointed out was a diverticulum (which would likely be in the descending colon) If he was doing the close inspection during the removal phase which is normal, this would be near the "end" :-) This drug messes with the order of any memories you might have as well as the fact that you might have any. The bad part is that I "woke up" right in the beginning of the endoscope moving across the middle and then making the turn into the ascending colon on my right side. It was great and vivid discomfort, but not a describable pain. The real bad thing is that if I were awake from the jump I could have managed better, but I remember making animal noises and clenching the covering on the gurney with both hands. They must have hit me with more and I faded completely until the recovery room. I wish I had either NO memory or did the whole thing "commando." I also notice that in typing this (1 day after the procedure) I made many more than normal typos for me....hmmm | M | 62 | 1 days | 6/6/2009 | 2 | colonoscopy | After my colonoscopy I was in recovery . A nurse came in to help me get dressed. After removing my gown (nothing on underneath) she was called away. I was groggy, and apparently left the curtained area, and was found walking around near a crowded waiting area. I was told this later by my husband. | He said I was walking around trying to find the nurse. I gladly have no memory of that. But to be that out of it...its scary | F | 36 | 1 times | 6/4/2009 | 1 | splinter removal | more anxiety than I ever felt before, mad as hell, fighting, swearing, telling all my secrets. My girlfriend says they wouldn't let her in, but she could hear me fighting and yelling and things crashing all the way down the hall. They never told me this would happen or said anything about amneisa or truth serum. I am a man who doesn't need some drug like this. It was only going to relax my muscles. This is a serious freakout drug. | I had a splinter fly up from my chainsaw. They told me this drug would relax my muscles so they could dig out the 4 inch long splinter from my arm thats all. For a couple of seconds the room spun and the next thing I remember was yelling and fighting them. The room spun and they were laughing at me and calling me a big baby and saying crude things about me and my body and I was strapped down. The room spun again and they were putting the bandage on my arm. The nurse was asking me personal questions about my love life and I was blabbing about my new girlfriend and our sex life. I couldn't stop talking. I was humiliated and mad as hell. I practically ran out of the hospital. Later on when my head cleared I found bruises all over my body like I had been in a bar room brawl. My girlfriend came on here and found out what the drug really is. This drug should be illegal and I am looking for a lawyer. | M | 35 | 1 times | 6/3/2009 | 1 | Dental Work | I posted a couple years ago after a bad reaction at the dentist's office. I won't have Versed again. I'm back here to comment on my recent colonoscopy. | I just had an unsedated colonoscopy and everything went fine! | M | 56 | 1 days | 6/3/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |