Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 10/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: If I have a colonscopy, my doctor said I would have versed
which I have heard is an amnestic.  Does this mean I will be awake during the procedure but just not remember afterwards. I would rather  be asleep. Can you comment?
Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Lea
Midazolam is the most common agent used to sedate patients for colonscopy. You will therefore not be awake but will be in a dreamlike state during the procedure. This does not mean that you will be totally unaware about what is happening. For colonscopy this is important as the ability for you to be able to let them know if they cause you pain is fairly vital. This means they kow if any area of your bowel is very sensitive but more importantly warns them if they are applying too much pressure on any particular area.
I hope this helps.
Dr Ian Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr. Jackson, sure appreciate your help :) Is a dreamlike state the same as being very groggy  and the Midazolam being an amnestic means I wouldn't remember anything about the procedure later? Would that be why several people I know who have had a colonscopy told me they were asleep (because the amnestic prevented them from remembering)? Can you tell me the names of several other
amnestics that are used a lot?

Answer
Yes being 'very groggy' would be another description you could use and yes midazolam does have this effect of tending to be an amnesic. However it does vary with dosing and what is happening to you - so you may remember odd bits. Most of the agents used are benzodiazepines like midazolam, its predessessor diazepam is still used. Only other agent used a bit in the states is propofol which is totally different and needs to be used as an infusion.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson