Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 11/23/2009

Question
Hello,
I had wrist surgery last week (Tuesday) a day later I experienced extreme agitation. Very anxious. Could this be related to the anesthesia (Versed). I have panic attack/anxiety and that is why I take the paxil. I have been doing really well until this surgery. Can you give me any insite to when these anxiousness will go away. I have extreme anxiety in my sleep and wake up like a wet mop. I am hoping that I will feel better in a few more days. Please give me some insite on this.

Answer
Versed seems to be prolonged in its actions with some unexpected side effects (for a sedative/hypnotic drug) in a very few individuals.  I don't know that anyone has a handle on why this occurs.  I suspect you'll feel better in a matter of days as your body finishes metabolizing the small amounts of Versed left in your system.  In the future, indicate to doctors that you're intolerant of versed so they'll avoid it in your case.