IV conscious sedation is anesthesia administered through a vein. With this method, the doctor can control the level of sedation to both produce and maintain a relaxed state. Some patients report feeling as though they were "put to sleep"; however, they are able to respond to verbal commands and breathe without assistance. This form of sedation is great for relieving anxiety during surgery and providing amnesia of the procedure. Local anesthetic is still given to deaden the pain of the procedure.
What You Need to do Before and After Your IV Sedation Appointment
No food or water for 6 hours prior to the appointment (except for medications that are taken on a daily basis).
Take all of your regular physician prescribed medication unless otherwise directed.
No stimulants for 12 hours before and 12 hours after (diet pills, caffeine, nicotine, etc.).
No sedatives, including alcohol, for 24 hours before or 24 hours after your sedation appointment.
No tobacco use or smoking for 6 hours prior.
You must wear a short sleeve shirt to the appointment (a jacket can be worn over it but must be able to be removed).
If you have fingernail polish or acrylic nails, they may have to be removed.
If you have diabetes and use insulin, you must bring your glucometer to the appointment.
No allergies to benzodiazepam (Valium, etc.) or Narcotics (Morphine, etc.).
You must have a responsible person bring you and take you home from your appointment and stay with you until you are recovered.
No driving for 24 hours from the time you start the medication.
No heavy lifting, using stairs, or operating hazardous devices (e.g. chainsaw, motorized equipment) for 24 hours.
No important decisions for 24 hours.
No work for 24 hours.