Recovery After Procedural Sedation (Adult)

You have been given medicine to make you relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. This may have included different types of medicines, such as pain medicine and medicine that makes you sleepy. You may have side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, or unsteadiness for up to 24 hours. You may also feel lightheaded.

Some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, and some metabolic conditions, may change what your care needs are. If you have a medical condition, talk with your doctor about whether your care after the procedure might change.

Follow these guidelines when you get home:

• For the next 8 or more hours, ask a trusted adult to watch over you. This person should make sure your condition is not getting worse, watch for problems, and keep you safe.
• Don't drink any alcohol for the next 24 hours.
• Don't drive, operate dangerous machinery, or make important business or personal decisions during the next 24 hours.
• Take extra care when walking and moving, You may be at a higher risk of falling.
• Follow any instructions you were given for eating and drinking.
• Be sure to follow all after-care directions.

Note: Your doctor may tell you not to take any medicine by mouth for pain or sleep in the next 4 hours. These medicines may react with the medicines you were given in the hospital. This could cause a much stronger response than usual.

Follow up with your doctor as advised.

Have someone contact your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

• Your drowsiness gets worse.
• Your weakness or dizziness gets worse.
• You have repeated vomiting.
• Your speech is slurred, and others can't understand you.
• You have severe or ongoing pain from the procedure that's not eased by the pain medicine (if prescribed).
• You have a fever.
• You have a new rash.

Have someone call 911 if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You have trouble swallowing.
• You have chest pain.
• You lose consciousness or you can't be awakened.