“Can you talk during conscious sedation?”

Generally speaking, yes. But you likely wouldn't want to unless uncomfortable.

When you are literally referring to "conscious" sedation, the answer would be YES. If you are rousable and conscious, then you potentially could talk. Usually, during deeper sedation states, you would not be very talkative.

Sedation is a continuum. We somewhat artificially make the distinction between conscious sedation and heavy sedation, but it’s not like an on or off switch. Ideally, conscious sedation suggests that the patient is breathing on their own, able to respond to questions. They allow nurses to give conscious sedation, but if there is an anesthesia team involved, you can receive deep or at least deeper sedation.

You can talk during conscious or mild sedation, but it’s good to remember that you are having a procedure, and you don’t want to distract the team with too much conversation. Only talk if you really need to say something important at that moment.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Jeffrey Astbury, MD, FASA, FACC, FASE, MSBE, MSEE

Yes it is possible to talk during conscious sedation