Facts about IV Sedation

IV (intravenous) sedation is medication that is injected directly into your vein. You will not be asleep although you will feel more relaxed. These drugs can lessen anxiety or pain and later you may not remember parts (or anything) of the procedure.

Possible Side Effects
Although these drugs are generally safe, there are possible reactions that can occur. The major reactions that can happen include, but are not necessarily limited to allergic reactions; damage to or failure of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and/or brain; phlebitis (infection of the vein); death.

Precautions
You should not have this sedation if you have had anything to eat or drink within the last (3) hours, or anything more than clear liquids to drink for the (6) hours before that.

Tell us if you have:
1. asthma;
2. chronic bronchitis;
3. emphysema;
4. other breathing problems;
5. heart problems;
6. prescription medicines that can cause sleepiness;
7. any allergies to drugs;
8. taken any street drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours.

After the Procedure
The effects of these medicines can last for several hours. Therefore, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours after the procedure. YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE DRIVE YOU HOME FROM THE CLINIC AND THAT SOMEONE MUST BE HERE BEFORE YOU ARE SEDATED AND MUST STAY UNTIL YOU ARE DISCHARGED FROM RECOVERY.

IV Medications Utilized at Old Pueblo Family Planning:
• Fentanyl (Main Side Effects: respiratory depression, euphoria, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting)
• Versed (Main Side Effects: dizziness, drowsiness, HA, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting)
• Atropine (Main Side Effects: increased heart rate, dry mouth)