Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 7/9/2011

Question
I am 61 years old and I recently had a colonoscopy. I was told by the Doctor he did not use an anthologist, but instead rendered an anesthesia drug himself. That is fine with me however I would like to know if there is ever any reports of a lasting condition of forgetting after having the drug. It has now been 3 months and I now forget things a few seconds after I think them and have done them.
I cannot even take vitamins without doing it on a specific schedule or I forget if took them and double or triple medicate. If I go to do something and do it may times I can't remember 15 minutes later if  did it. I am having to write everything down as i go or it is many times gone. Long term memory is fine, but short term is a ship wreck. So are those others who have this same problem from the drug or have I suddenly gotten old over night and forgetful? I never had this before.

Answer
The drug he probably used is Versed (or Midalzolam). This drug does cause amnesia but only for about 12-24 hours. You should not still have any residual effects from it. If you are still having problems, I would recommend seeing your primary care physician for a full check up. The memory loss is not a result of anesthesia.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston