Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/15/2009

Question
I'm having to have my four wisdom teeth pulled.  While I'm nervous about the procedure what I'm really terrified of is being put under.  The doctor said he uses one of two things - one of them is Versed (?) - my questions/fears are...1.) Not waking up and 2.) Waking up and never remembering my life - I hear it messes with your memory and 3.) Waking up during the procedure and being in pain but not able to move or speak to make them aware.  Any advise - like what are the chances and is it heard of either of these things?  Thank you.

Answer
Versed is an analgesic and an amnestic. It will not put you to sleep (to the point you can't be aroused) but you will likely not remember the procedure. Versed does not affect long or intermediate term memory, just short term (time around the procedure). You will be able to move and let them know if you are in pain.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
uTMB-Galveston