A colonoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the colon and rectum. According to the American Gastroenterology Association, a colonoscopy is an important procedure used to detect colorectal cancer, colon ulcers, and inflammation. A colonoscopy can be an uncomfortable procedure, and doctors often administer anesthetics to cause loss of feeling or awareness.
Versed
According to Drugs.com, Versed (midazolam) is a benzodiazepine used to cause deep relaxation and sleepiness during a colonoscopy. Versed enables the patient to sleep throughout the colonoscopy. Versed also produces amnesia, so patients do not remember the details of the procedure. Versed causes slow breathing and low blood pressure and should be carefully used in patients with severe breathing problems and heart conditions. Most common side effects of Versed are drowsiness, confusion, impaired judgment and impaired reflexes. Patients are not permitted to drive or operate machines during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Patients should also avoid making important decisions until Versed wears off the body.
Propofol
Drugs.com states that, Propofol (diprivan) is used to cause loss of consciousness in patients having a colonoscopy. Propofol prevents patients from feeling pain during the colonoscopy. Common side effects of Propofol are drowsiness, slowed breathing, irregular heart rate, palpitations and low blood pressure. Propofol is only used in settings where resuscitation equipment and anesthesiologists are available, because it can easily cause death.
Demerol
According to Drugs.com, Demerol (meperidine) is a narcotic pain reliever. Demerol is used to relieve pain and cause deep relaxation in patients undergoing a colonoscopy. Common side effects of Demerol include drowsiness, shallow breathing, confusion and constipation. Patients should arrange to have someone drive them home after a colonoscopy because Demerol causes drowsiness, impaired judgment and reflexes. Patients should also avoid alcohol and drugs that cause slowed breathing during the first 24 hours after a colonoscopy.
