Expert: Jennifer Evans, MSN, CRNA - 1/19/2012

Question
I know that for most people both these drugs are great and have no ill effects, but they seem to have almost the opposite of the intended effect on me.  I have versed once for a colonoscopy.  I was sedated immediately, but I woke up several times during the procedure crying and the doctor reacted by giving me more of the drug.  When it was finally over, I woke up angry at the world, and specifically wanted to strangle the doctor.  I was angry for weeks after this procedure, and at the doctor for years, and I am not an angry person, in fact I am generally very forgiving.  
Yesterday I had a crown prep, and because I have asthma that acts up under stress, the dentist had me take valium the night before and an hour before the appointment.  I took it as prescribed, and went to sleep.  But my husband bumped into me, woke me up, and I was up for several hours angry at him, which is odd.  I took the second one before the procedure, made it through, but felt the anger coming on again before everything was done.  I am still angry at the world.  My question is, are these 2 drugs related, and are there other drugs in the same class that might also affect me this way?

Answer
Hi Virginia,
 Yes, Valium & Versed are related.  They are in the family of drugs called Benzodiazepine, which also includes Ativan and Xanax.

The generic drug name for benzodiazepines ends in -pam, for example Valium is diazepam, Ativan is lorazepam and so on.. Also Alprazolam and Triazolam.

Benzos are anti-anxiety meds, but it sounds like you may have adverse effects.

Hope this helps!

-Jennifer, CRNA