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Recovery

Recovery After Procedural Sedation (Adult)

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You have been given medicine by vein to make you sleep during your procedure. This may have included both a pain medicine and sleeping medicine. You may have side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, or unsteadiness for up to 24 hours. You may also feel lightheaded.


Home care

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 healthcare provider 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 care

Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.


When to seek medical advice

Have someone call your healthcare provider or seek medical care right away if any of these occur:

  • Drowsiness gets worse

  • Weakness or dizziness gets worse

  • Repeated vomiting

  • Your speech is slurred, and others cannot understand you.

  • Severe or ongoing pain from the procedure that's not eased by the pain medicine (if prescribed)

  • Fever

  • New rash


Call 911

Have someone call 911 if you develop any of these symptoms:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Chest pain

  • Loss of consciousness or you can't be awakened

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Sravani Chintapalli

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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