Versed is a drug used to make a patient drowsy or sleepy and to relieve anxiety prior to certain medical procedures, such as surgery.
It is also given to promote loss of memory or amnesia, so the patient will forget any discomfort or unwelcome effects that may result from a surgery or procedure.
It is a benzodiazepine, a type of CNS depressant that slows down the nervous system. Midazolam is only given by a specially-trained doctor.
When having midazolam during surgery, close monitoring by the doctor or anesthesiologist is strictly required.
If you are about to start Versed, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.
For Versed, you and your doctor must consider the following:
Allergies. If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.
Pediatric. Safety and effectiveness are not yet established in babies 6 months and younger.
Geriatric. Old age may increase the risk for side effects of using this drug. The elderly is very sensitive to the effects of this drug and usually takes much longer to recover from it.
Pregnancy. Studies on the use of midazolam in pregnant women show a risk to the fetus. Nonetheless, the benefits and risks should be weighed, particularly in life-threatening situations.
Breastfeeding. Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the potential benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.
Drug Interactions. Certain medicines have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary.
Before using midazolam, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these may interact with the drug’s effectiveness.
Other medical problems. Certain medical problems may affect the effectiveness of midazolam.
If you have other medical conditions, especially the heart, kidney, or liver disease, apnea, hypoventilation, lung disease, congestive heart failure, and glaucoma, inform your doctor.
To use Versed properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Dosing generally depends on the kind of procedure you are having, your age, weight, and general physical condition. Your doctor or anesthesiologist will determine how much midazolam you will require.
In using Versed, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Versed may cause drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness for a couple of days after it has been administered.
The drug may cause poor coordination and problems with your ability to think. Hence, you may have to refrain from driving, operating machines, or doing anything else that can be dangerous if you are not alert enough.
Wait until the effects of the drug disappeared. Do not drink alcohol or take CNS depressant drugs within 24 hours after taking midazolam.
