Versed Side Effects

Generic Name: midazolam,midazolam hydrochloride

Please note - some side effects for Versed may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects, which have included cardiorespiratory depression, apnea, and respiratory arrest, are extensions of the drugs pharmacologic activity.

Personnel and equipment necessary for the treatment of respiratory depression and arrest should be immediately available whenever midazolam is administered.

One retrospective study has reported that the frequency of respiratory arrest (in non-ventilated patients) is 0.099%. This study reported that respiratory arrest was associated with high doses of midazolam, concurrent administration of opiates, and advanced age.

Another study has reported that midazolam causes a decrease in tidal volume, an increase in breathing frequency and no change in minute ventilation in healthy volunteers. That study, however, did report a significant increase in CO2 retention following midazolam administration.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects including alterations in blood pressure, arrhythmias, and ventricular irritability have been reported. Hypotension and decreases in systemic vascular resistance have been reported most frequently; however many investigators have reported minimal cardiovascular effects following administration of midazolam.

Local

Local side effects at the site of injection (local flare reactions, pain, burning, phlebitis, local irritation and swelling) have been reported in up to 12% of patients. Vascular impairment after inadvertent intra-arterial injection is a theoretic concern.

Although local effects have been reported frequently, many clinicians believe that midazolam is the least likely of the commonly available injectable benzodiazepines to result in local reactions.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, and hiccups have each been reported in about 3% of treated patients.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included acute dystonia. One study (n=113) has reported that orally administered midazolam produced significant anterograde amnesia when administered as early as ten minutes before a surgical procedure.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included a variety of adverse behavioral effects such as disinhibition (especially sexual disinhibition), hostility, rage reactions, restlessness, aggressiveness, and paroxysmal excitement.

Other

Other side effects including cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms (myalgias, tachycardia, and anxiety) have been reported in patients who have received multiple or continuous doses of midazolam. In such patients, abrupt discontinuation is not recommended.

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects including pruritus, angioedema, and bronchoconstriction have been reported rarely.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included decreases in the secretion of cortisol and insulin.

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