Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/23/2009

Question
I had a colonoscopy and was given an IV with 25 mg of Benadryl followed by 150 mcg of Fenadryl and 8 mg of Versed.  Is this a normally prescribed combination, and if so, are the affects to not remember anything for 7 hours.  I was never told that I was receiving these drugs, and I was medicated in the pre-procedure room prior to seeing the doctor.  I woke up 7 hours later at home (my husband brought me home) and I don't remember anything.  I have had 2 colonoscopies in the past and woke up immediately after the procedures, and I have had several surgeries throughout my lifetime, and have never had a problem or reaction to any anesthesia or prescription medication.

Answer
The combination is NOT abnormal. You actually woke up in the recovery room and probably even walked to your car but you have amnesia for the time period. It is not unusual for Versed to cause amnesia up to 24 hrs later but usually it's 6-12 hours. This is normal. It is also why they tell you not to make any important decisions for the rest of the day. You got a fairly large dose of Versed but certainly within allowed limits.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston