Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 8/19/2009

Question
Dear DR, I was given versed two years ago without my consent or knowledge. I only know this because I spent several months obtaining my records. Prior to this I was a high functioning individual. Now I have PTSD, depression, anxiety. I am an LPN who cannot practice due to a fear of medical personnel. My question concerns the dosage of versed. I wondered if you can tell me what is the safe dosage of versed. I tried all the med books all I can find is it says usually more than 5mg. is not needed. What is the cut off. How many mg. should be given. I was given 5mg in two min. 2 hours later I was given 10mg. and 50mg of profonol in 4min.Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thank you Linda

Answer
There seems to be a significant group of people who feel their exposure to Versed has left them with a degree of permanent negative effects.  Physicians monitor or collect post operative data on patients for a day or two after Versed administration, but generally not longer.   Longer  effects are definitely there---but like the book [sarcastically] says, "if you don't take a temperature, then you can't diagnose a fever".  Non-anesthesiologists are even less likely to question you about sedation medication side effects and responses....they're more concerned with the outcome of the colonoscopy or the cataract lens replacement, etc.

The doses you describe are safe based on extensive experience and published data. I say 5 mg is the usual cutoff but must always be individualized. I stop at 2 mg. 10 mg seems like a lot, but you, LPN (not just another lay person), did not provide a pertinent history: age, weight, type of surgery or procedure for which the medication was given, other medical/systems history/medications, or why you were having a procedure done without a signed consent.

Here's the best thing you can do now:  Consider Versed a medication that you're "allergic" to and if such medications are needed in the future, suggest Valium as a substitute.  PTSD, depression and anxiety  will require longer term care--make sure whoever evaluates these problems is really qualified to do so (check their board-certified status, educational backround, etc.).