| 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 | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
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| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 5 | Colonoscopy | Grogginess, sleepiness, loss of memory (short term). | I read about Versed literally for years before I had a colonoscopy, and many of the comments people made scared me to the point that I postponed a colonoscopy for years. PLEASE take my word for it - it's not bad at all. I would absolutely take it again. One thing I was worried about was making a fool of myself or becoming violent (some others have reported this). Instead I informed the doctor that I was planning on sleeping through the procedure, and that's exactly what I did. You won't do or say anything you'd regret after taking it (but you might ask the same question 4 times). I started with 2mg IM versed with 75mg IM demerol, and I believe they added another 1-2mg versed via IV while I was in the endoscopy room. I didn't go crazy, I didn't have any panic or fear - even though my heart rate was 110 before the procedure. The last thing I remember was being asked to roll over on my side before waking up in the recovery room. If you're reading these boards and the fear of Versed is keeping you from going through with a scope, please take my word for it... just close your eyes and go to sleep. It's easier than getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist. | M | 25 | 1 days | 6/1/2009 | 1 | Set Broken Arm | 6 year old son was given Versed to "quiet him down" - he was already calm! He became agitated and hostile with everyone. He seemed to not recognize anyone and we could not talk rationally with him. This was also totally out of character for him. He was OK until the Versed! | Versed made a brave six year old boy completely out of control. I will make sure everyone I know avoids this drug. I will list it in his file as an allergy and mine as well. | M | 6 | 1 times | 5/28/2009 | 3 | colonoscopies | Part of my answer was cut off from 5/17/09. To continue I was very sore down there for a long time. My usual side effects are I remember waking up in recovery but after going home and falling asleep I usually lose the whole day, (lose my memory) even if I get up and do something. This time my wife told me I came into the den later that day totally *NAKED* while she had a girlfriend over. She tried to get me to go back to the bedroom but I was trying to start a conversation with them. I remembered nothing. | I think the larger amount of this drug that is given the more likely there will be longer memory loss and bizarre behavior. Has anyone else been told they did something bizarre that they dont remember after taking versed?? | M | 32 | 5 times | 5/21/2009 | 5 | pre-surgery | No side effects whatsoever. | I loved it. I had never had so much as stitches before my Open Reduction Internal Fixation a week ago. When I entered the OR I was so consumed with anxiety, I was crying and inconsolable. They administered the Versed (which the anesthesiologist completely explained beforehand) and I immediately began grinning from ear to ear and laughing. It did everything it was supposed to do. It relaxed me, made me feel fantastic and I remember NOTHING from the time I felt giddy and wonderful and exclaimed "This is better than Maker's Mark!" to when I was being wheeled to my hospital room. I don't even remember the 1.5 hours in the recovery room at all. It was wonderful. | F | 38 | 1 times | 5/18/2009 | 3 | colonoscopies | The doctor had asked me to sign a consent form to have a "couple" of nursing students to observe and participate in the procedure. There were 6 of them. I started to say something to the doctor about there being so many when the room started spinning, I was out but not for very long. I woke up and felt somebody probing my anus. I lifted up and turned around an one of the student nurses was giving me a prostate check. The female doctor said we are just getting started Mr. ----- please lay back down and she apparently gave me more versed because I was out again. I remember waking up in recovery and a nurse getting right up close to me, face to face, and asking if I remebered what happened in there. I said no and asked if I had done something. She said I was very combative. I was angry about the fact there were more student nurses than I was told and I believe I was given a prostate exam by all of them before the procedure. I was much more sore down there than usual for a long | While I wouldnt want to remember my colonoscopy. I think the larger the dose the more likely it is to have memory problems and bizzare behavior. | M | 32 | 5 times | 5/17/2009 | 1 | Colonoscopy | My brother-in-law had wanted to be asleep but the versed they gave him had no effect on him. Fortunately, he had no serious discomfort. | They were just as evasive about that as they were with the posters here who hate versed - despite us being opposites sides as far as what he wanted. Maybe showing up for surgery with a copy of a bell curve for a normal distribution might mean something to them! | M | 52 | 1 days | 5/17/2009 | 1 | EPS | agitation, flashbacks, panic, uneasiness, sense of dread | While most people tolerate Versed well, there is strong evidence that a subset of patients have adverse reactions. I had an absolutely awful experience with it in combination with Fentanyl, so have tried to educate myself about it. Often the medical community has blamed patients for these reactions, stating that the reaction was the result of a panicked patient, or a patient with borderline mental illness. However, there is now enough evidence to strongly suggest these reactions, which are clearly very similar in nature despite the different procedures and different patients, are a result of the drug. Luckily, it does not occur often. Some contend that doctors like Versed as much as patients because it makes their work easier. The problem is that Versed can actually cause agitation during a procedure, which makes things more difficult, and it is an unreliable amnesiac so some people remember events, or portions of events, in a nightmarish fashion that can haunt them for days or weeks. It should be stressed that most people do well with this drug, but if you have had a "strange" reaction, do be reassured that it has happened to others and consider talking with your doctor if you need sedation for future procedures. | F | 44 | 1 days | 5/16/2009 | 1 | Colonoscopy - took about 45 minutes | I was given Versed and Demerol for a routine colonoscopy (results were good from the procedure) but instead of waking up unaware of what went on, I was awake and in misery during the entire event. Horrible, excruciating pain during the procedure, I was awake and alert, watching the BP monitor and screaming and moaning with pain. I felt fine immediately afterwards when the torture stopped, no grogginess, got out of bed as soon as the nurse left the room and got dressed, sat and read THE NEW YORKER magazine until she returned to escort me out. I couldn't read anything serious after two glasses of wine but I felt like I'd had NO DRUGS at all, my mind was clear. Versed was useless on me, despite the doctors insisting that I had the dosage for a 200 lb man and I am a 145 lb woman (5'9" tall). I do not use any kinds of drugs, prescription or otherwise, so its not like I had any tolerance towards the Versed. | I went home but felt no need for rest or a nap but felt restless and paced around the house. The flashbacks started a few hours later, intense memories of what went on during the colonoscopy. I try not to think about it so much but I have this intense rage, of how they would not give me additional meds when I asked for them and how everyone had assured me, "The prep is bad, afterwards you won't remember a thing!" I told both my regular Dr and the Dr who performed the procedure about this and they have insisted that all was normal and that in 10 years, they will recommend that I get a CT virtual colonoscopy which is good as I will NEVER have another regular colonoscopy unless I get total sedation. My Dr offered to send me to a counselor as she is concerned that I am developing PTSD over this. I am in otherwise excellent health, do spinning and weight lifting and lap swimming, take no medications, never taken an antidepressent, an all around healthy woman. Reading these other posts concerns me, I want these bad feelings to go away so I can be normal again. I never thought I would say that until I was given Versed. Most people do well on it but for those of us who have bad experiences, I hope we can all get over it and avoid it in the future. | F | 51 | 5/16/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy and endoscopy | none that day | extreme 2nd day tiredness. Slept for 16 hours but no other problems | M | 52 | 1 days | 5/14/2009 | 1 | ERCP | I recall gagging some during the procedure. It was unpleasant. For weeks afterward, I had strange panic attacks. These were preceded by a strange feeling of trying to recall something (like a person's name) but the memory never focused. | I have since found out I know a coworker and a close relative who also had bad experiences with Versed. One suggested that I post here. | M | 54 | 1 days | 5/12/2009 | 1 | endoscopy | Amnesia of the procedure, but profound anxiety and depression afterward, lastly several months ( Because it was not explained ? Or an actual physical reaction to the drug ?) | To the "bunionectomy" patient who posted below, you are misinformed. While Versed can be given prior to Propofol for supposed "relaxation" as you said, MANY times it is the ONLY drug given for "sedation" during a procedure, and it doesn't always work. And most of us are never told the truth about the drug, which is that it is given to patients specifically because it causes AMNESIA & PATIENT COMPLIANCE (doctor's benefit, not patient's). Sounds like it was not explained to you either. Good look with your procedure, but PLEASE ask questions in advance, and make an informed decision; then all will go well for you. | F | 1 days | 5/12/2009 | 4 | bunionectomy | I haven't had the procedure yet. I will this friday. For those of you mad because it didn't sedate you, IT ISN'T USED FOR SEDATION! It is used to calm you when you are having IV sedation. Versed is in the valium family,so if you have taken valium, xanax with no problems,then you can handle versed. I can't wait to have this drug as I will only be IV sedated for this procedure and do not want to know what is happening! I will post after my procedure on Friday! | F | 41 | 5/10/2009 | 1 | for MRI sedation | 2 weeks on still have problems with breathing and soreness at the IV site | F | 43 | 1 days | 5/10/2009 | 5 | lymph node harvesting | Memory loss, repeating myself | Gotta say, I thought it was the best thing. It wasn't explained to me before the surgery, the nurse simply asked me where I would like to go when I was asleep. I told her somewhere warm! She then told me to remember to come back when everything was over :) My next memory is sitting up in the hospital bed talking with my husband. The down side to this drug, at least for me, is that for the first week, I would repeat myself. I would start telling my hubby something...and it would sound vaguley familiar and I wouldn't know why, and he would tell me that I'd already told him about it. That lasted for about a week, I'm into my second post op week and although it still happens from time to time, it's not nearly as bad......but in all honesty, I'd rather not have ANY recollection about the surgery. I don't know that the Drs and nurses were being rude, making comments about me or anything else for that matter while I was under the influence of Versed. All I know is that it did it's job. | F | 35 | 5/9/2009 | 5 | Endoscopy | Wooziness,slight headache, tiredness | I was scared to have Versed after reading some of the reviews on here, but then learned that it had been used on me in the past for foot surgery and two wisdom tooth extractions. That made me feel more comfortable about using it again. It worked just as the nurses said it would, I remembered right up to the point when they administered the medicine, and then hardly anything until waking up in recovery. I did have what felt like a dream sequence (albeit it very briefly) where I was gagging on the tube as they put it down, but even after "waking up" I had to think really hard to determine whether that had been real or a dream...and almost didn't remember it at all. I still don't feel like that was anything other than a dream, so I don't want anyone to think that it was a bad experience -- otherwise I would not have given a 5 rating. And let me just qualify that rating by saying that I am a gagger and will do anything to not gag/puke. So, just going into to an endo where I knew gagging was inevitable was nerve-wracking enough for me. It's been 5 hours since my procedure, and while I am tired, I feel just fine. Oh, and the results of the endo were "normal." So, at least now I know I'm in good health. If you're worried about using Versed, call some of your past docs and find out if they've used Versed on you in any other procedures. That's what I did, so I knew that odds were good that I wouldn't have a reaction. | F | 39 | 1 times | 5/8/2009 | 1 | colonoscopy | severe agitation, couldn't move or speak and I was in pain, severe memory loss that persists today, 2 months later | something is seriously wrong with this drug. DON'T GET VERSED. they told me it was to relax you, they lied. It's to make you forget. My gastro admitted that they don't tell patients the truth about this drug; they want everyone to be amnesic and go home stunned...they you are on your own.....this is a terrible drug.... | M | 50 | 1 days | 5/8/2009 | 2 | colonoscopy | No side effects, Versed simply did not work for me. I was awake and aware during the whole procedure. I was also given Fentanyl for pain, which made me sick (vomiting) after I returned to my room. I had been given Versed (I assume, altho I was never told it was) for carpal tunnel surgery and can recall everything that occurred during that surgery (I even carried on a conversation with the anestheologist). | M | 52 | 5/4/2009 | 2 | Colonoscopy | None yet, but feeling depressed about the pain and anxiety I felt during the procedure when I thought I would be "out" | I had been told by everyone not to worry about the colonoscopy, that "they give great drugs" and "the prep is the worst part" - I told the nurse that I am very sensitive to pain, and asked what they'd be giving - I was told it was Versed and Fentanyl. The doctor was running late - he came into the room after I'd been waiting quite a while. He said "I'm going to give you some medicine" and injected something into my IV. I felt no relaxation whatsoever, and he inserted the scope immediately after injecting the drugs. I felt everything, and it was painful. I felt no effects whatsoever from either the Versed or Fentanyl - I wonder if they even gave me any. After a few minutes I asked for my eyeglasses, since I figured since I was going to be awake I might as well watch on the monitor. I kept asking for more pain medication and was told they could not give me more. Finally it was over, and the nurse in the recovery area seemed suprised that I was so alert. I made it clear before the procedure that I was sensitive to pain, but I was not made comfortable, even though I asked throughout the procedure for some relief from the pain. | F | 50 | 1 times | 5/1/2009 | 1 | Oral Surgery | I wish the doc had discussed anesthesia options with me more carefully before this fiasco happened. I would have just opted for local, which we ended up using anyway. The first time I went in for the procedure (wisdom tooth overdue for extraction) we had to stop because the versed made me unstable - I recall only flashes of this, but I am told that I could not sit still and obviously did not know where I was or who anyone was. | I have had many procedures before. This is the first time it screwed up. Versed: Just Say No! | M | 25 | 1 times | 4/28/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy | temp amnesia | I feel this is a wonderful medication. No problems here. With any medication there is a risk for adverse reactions. | F | 29 | 1 times | 4/27/2009 | 5 | colonoscopy | None. | I was extremely anxious and nervous prior to the procedure. I was told I would be "out" and wouldn't feel anything, so I couldn't wait to get the versed in me! I remember everything leading up to it - I remember watching them put it into my IV, and I even remember the smell through my oxygen...... when they were about halfway through, I remember everything getting slow and dark. Next thing I know, the nurse was telling me everything was over. I remember talking to the nurse and talking to the doctor, I remember the car ride home - basically I remember everything before AND after the procedure in vivid detail! I was dizzy and groggy when I woke up (felt almost like being drunk), but that went away after a few minutes and once I sat forward and drank some juice. I am incredibly grateful this drug worked for me and the procedure is over. Just goes to show you that everyone reacts differently to different medications! | F | 28 | 1 times | 4/27/2009 | 1 | Colonoscopy | I had posted on 1/13/09 also, this is an update. My side effects were livid furious anger, paranoia (what happened to make me so angry?) and insomnia. Despite 9 units of Versed (and 100 of Fentenayl) I was fully awake and my memory was again functional within 25 minutes of the initial dose. In other words my brain fought off this drug quite well. The problem was that it knew something happened to it and has been trying to recreate those "just under the surface" memories now for three months. In fact my brain has uncovered much of what happened during the procedure. I am sitting here again at midnight in one of a continuous number of sleepless nights caused by my now hyperactive brain. My wife finally talked me into going in to see someone and I have been diagnosed with PTSD. I now am taking anti-depressants to prepare my brain to better accept therapy. How could this happen to someone with NO prior mental health issues in 50 years of life??? From a very simple medical procedu | My wife is a nurse and this drug works great for most people. I'm sure there are procedures where it may be necessary and worth the risk but I have done a ton of research (during my many sleepless nights) and believe that colonoscopy is not one of them. Sedation is the standard of care in the U.S. but is not in many other countrys. This procedure may have moments of discomfort (cramping) but typically does not have pain. You can choose to have it done with just pain medication. Think carefully before accepting sedation for it. My brain chemistry was altered by this drug and it has been a life-changing experience I wouldn't wish on anyone. The constant depression, anxiety and insomnia are debilitating. I only hope I can get my life back. | M | 50 | 1 times | 4/26/2009 | 5 | thoracic surgery | NONE! I felt and still feel this is the greatest medication (although when I asked a subsequent doctor for it for another procedure, he said it's not recommended for lung procedures) and Demerol was used. Side effects from Versed-0; side effects from Demerol-sudden loss of strength and sweating, almost passed out. This happened twice, and I'll never take Demerol again. But yes yes yes to Versed! | F | 54 | 4/25/2009 | 5 | endoscopy | dizziness, sleepiness | A few minutes after administration, I began to get dizzy, and the doctor said to close my eyes. Next thing I remember I felt the tube against the back of my throat, and the doctor and nurse saying, "swallow", which I did to which they cheered. Next I remember the nurse saying, "you're all done". Next, I'm putting my shirt back on. Next, I'm sitting in a wheelchair and the doctor is explaining the results. I remember everything after that, and felt back to normal after a good nap. | M | 36 | 1 times | 4/23/2009 | 3 | Colonscopy | Memory gaps for about 2 hours after IV inserted; fatigue set in several hours later. | I'd done some research beforehand, and a number of family members had similar procedures, so I went in knowing what to expect. Shortly after the IV was inserted, I asked the doctors when I should take off my glasses - they said they'd let me know. Moments later (or so it seemed), I was in the recovery room fully dressed. I don't remember my designated-driver father visiting me in the recovery room, or the post-procedure ginger ale and crackers that I apparently offered to share with him. A "moment later," I went out to meet my father and he asked me to wait at the door while he went to get the car. In the next "moment," I was walking up my back steps. The rest of the day was fine, except I was tired in the early afternoon. Although I did not have the negative experiences of a number of other respondents on this board, I'm inclined to forego the medication next time, because I'm rather inquisitive by nature and would've preferred to witness the entire procedure. | M | 52 | 1 days | 4/23/2009 | 1 | colonoscopy | I was given dimerol and versed before a colonoscopy. When my memory returned, I was violent and abusive towards staff and my wife. I had vivid painful memories of struggling during the procedure. I was given this drug with no description other than "oh you'll love it". I remain traumatized by not only what happened to me, but the feelings of guilt about how I treated my wife when I was semi-coherent. If anybody else ever tries to give me this drug, I will leave. Just because a patient can't remember trauma (and I did remember some) doesn't mean he/she didn't experience it. Perfect date/patient rape drug. | M | 44 | 1 days | 4/23/2009 | 1 | Upper GI endoscopy | The amnesiac effect of the drug continued well after the procedure was done. I continued to have memory problems and cogntive difficulties (sometimes I wondered if I was getting Alzheimer's at age 31!) for many months after the procedure. I had a second procedure three years later and asked to not have this kind of drug but it was administered anyway. This time my side effects were worse. I cannot in good conscience recommend this drug as the risk of side effects is too great. | Be very, very careful about having this drug administered to you for a procedure. If you want to completely forget the whole thing, then it is great but remember the effect can linger in some individuals sensitive to it. It does not provide any pain relief, it is mostly an drug to cause amnesia. You will still feel the pain but you will not remember it, which is not the same thing as not experiencing the pain at all. Your body will remember even if your mind doesn't. You may be more susceptible to its effects if you already have a memory or cognitive problem like "brain fog" from any number of autoimmune conditions, hypothyroid, ADD, brain damage, diabetes, low vitamins, etc. | F | 33 | 2 times | 4/22/2009 | 2 | Liposuction on knees | I didn't want anything that made me groggy. I had to return to work that afternoon and I wanted to be coherent (I work from home.) I don't remember anything from 5 min after receiving the medication. Apparently, I answered the phone from many of my husband clients and have no recollection of those conversations. I am still very forgetful 3 days later also a bit tired through out the day. I am 40 years old, a mountain biker and in great health, I would also add, that the doctor misrepresented the medication. I would not have taken it had I known the effects it could have had. | F | 40 | 1 times | 4/21/2009 | 1 | colonscopy | Out cold during the procedure. After the procedure I was in extreme agony from either gas trapped in my colon or pierced colon, they were not sure which. I do not remember the procedure, nor do I remember getting dressed. I do remember being doubled over in pain, and then leaving the hospital wobbling down the corridors. In the car home, I remember being in pain, but nothing about the conversation. Upon arriving home, doubled over, I crawled up the stairs, into bed, and slept for about 3 hours. When I awoke, I was stressed out, crying, still in pain from the procedure, doubled over, and foggy headed. Ended up in a screaming match with my husband over his request to go to a concert he had tickets for that night. I was out of control with rage. | This is one week later, and I STILL cannot think clearly. I feel an uncontrollable exhaustion every day at around 2 p.m., and have to nap. I am a runner and long distance cyclist, very active athlete. I have been unable to stay awake during the day, swing wildly in my moods, cannot remember anything from last week. I am scared to death this has affected me permanently - I am having nightmares and crying jags. I will never have this drug again. It is way more than just an "amnesiac." It has long lasting effects. I just pray I can shake this. | F | 49 | 1 days | 4/20/2009 | 1 | implantation of a pacemaker | I woke up mid-procedure, and remained awake until the final stitch was made to close the wound. I felt each cut, pull, push, and stitch. | I had had versed once before during a colonoscopy in 2000. I awoke in the middle of that procedure as well. | M | 62 | 1 days | 4/19/2009 | 3 | Hip Injection | Was also told this was short-term amnesia. It did relax me a little bit but I still remember everything including the pain of the injection. | Did not have any side effects and may request this sedation again. Not sure. | F | 42 | 1 days | 4/16/2009 | 1 | ercp | none the drug did not work!!! i had been told it was concious sedation.. yes i was concious but no way was i sedated. i felt every thing gas being pumped in, cutting, everything. i was screaming despite having an endosope down my throat!! i had to be held down by 6 members of staff while the dr carried on. he warned me that if i tried to fight the proccedure i would do some severe damage to myself.... i had to have this proccedure repeated 2 further times - the sedation still had no effect but the 2nd dr was much nicer, and tried to make the proccedure better. | no memory loss - more the pity!! a student nurse was observing the proceedure and she was horrified by what she saw and in tears. | F | 34 | 3 times | 4/12/2009 |
| 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. |
