Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/16/2007

Question
Could you tell me what type of anesthesia is used during a colonoscopy that I had yesterday morning. I remember the doctor saying Demoral and something else, but I can't remember what the other one was. I've had Demoral in the past and was fine with it. About 12 hours after the procedure, I became very depressed and started shaking (I was very afraid of the procedure and thought I'd be relieved) and cried and cried. Today I feel fine except for a terrible headache.  Could this be from the anesthetic or did I just have myself in a panic!?

Answer
You probably had yourself in a panic. The other medicine was likely Versed (Midazolam) which is for anxiety (like Valium but shorter acting). You might have also gotten Propofol (which is an anesthetic). Neither of these should have caused you to shake or have a panic attack.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston