Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 9/5/2008

Question
I had a colonoscopy 7 years ago. I was given versed, demerol and droperidol.
When my husband drove me home and left, I tried to rest, but could not due
to extreme dizziness, lethargy and extreme anxiety. I called the clinic where I
had the procedure and was told just to sleep it off. I told them that was not
possible. I called my husband and he came and took me to the emergency
where a nurse immediately recognized the symptoms and took me in. An
introvenus IV was started and within 10 minutes I was absolutely normal.
Since that horrible experience, i am terrified of having any invasive
procedures done.  I know I need to have another colonoscopy done, but don't
want to experience the akasthesia again. I want to feel as little lethargy as
possible and recover qujickly. I don't want that "out of body, floaty,panicky"
feeling again. What do you recommend for me? Thank you.

Answer
I'm not quite sure what the nurse recognized but I think your problem was related to the Droperidol. We ahve many other drugs now that we can use, the most popular being Propofol. This drug is quick acting, wears off quickly, has anti-nausea properties and is an amnestic. This in conjunction with the VErsed and Fentanyl should work for you.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston