Deep Sedation

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

AMBULATORY CARE:

Deep sedation

is medicine given during procedures or treatments to keep you asleep and comfortable. It will also prevent you from remembering the procedure or treatment. Deep sedation can be given as an IV injection, a shot, a pill, or through an inhaled solution. You cannot be easily woken up during deep sedation, and you may need help to breathe.

Why deep sedation is given:

Deep sedation may be used to help your body heal after an injury or illness. It may be used to relax a person who is on a ventilator. It may also be used during painful procedures such as bandage changes, repair of a laceration, or drainage of an abscess. Deep sedation may be given to prevent you from moving during a test such as a lumbar puncture or bone biopsy. Deep sedation can be used for cardiac catheterization, craniotomy, or fracture repair.

How to prepare for deep sedation:

Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for deep sedation. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before deep sedation. You may be able to drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before deep sedation.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after deep sedation. You may feel sleepy and need help doing things at home. Another person may need to get emergency help if you cannot be woken.
Tell your provider if you have any allergies, heart problems, or breathing problems.
Tell your provider about all your current medicines. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine before you get deep sedation, and when to stop. You will be told which medicines to take or not take on the day of your deep sedation.

What will happen during deep sedation:

Your healthcare provider will give you enough medicine to keep you asleep and comfortable. You will be on a heart monitor and a pulse oximeter. A heart monitor is a safety device that stays on continuously to record your heart's electrical activity. A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood.
You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. If you cannot breathe well on your own during deep sedation, you may need an endotracheal tube. An endotracheal tube is a thin, plastic tube that is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the lungs. It is attached to a ventilator. A ventilator is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own.

What to expect after deep sedation:

Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are awake. You may be able to go home when you are alert and can stand up. This may take 1 to 2 hours after you have received deep sedation.
You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be.
You may feel tired, weak, or unsteady on your feet after you get sedation. You may also have trouble concentrating or short-term memory loss. These symptoms should go away within 24 hours.

Risks of deep sedation:

You may get a headache or nausea from the medicine. You may have problems with your short-term memory. Your skin may itch or your eyes may water. You may not get enough sedation, or it may wear off quickly. You may feel restless during the procedure or as you wake up.
Too much medicine can cause you to be unconscious. Your healthcare provider may have trouble waking you, and you may need medicine to help you wake up. Your breathing may not be regular, or it may stop. You may need a ventilator to help you breathe. Your risk for problems with sedation is higher if you have heart or lung disease, a head injury, or drink alcohol.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

You have sudden trouble breathing.
You cannot be woken.

Seek care immediately if:

You have a severe headache or dizziness.
Your heart is beating faster than usual.

Call your doctor if:

You have a fever.
You still have nausea or are vomiting more than 8 hours after the procedure.
Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Self-care:

Have someone stay with you for 24 hours. This person can drive you to errands and help you do things around the house. This person can also watch for problems.
Rest and do quiet activities for 24 hours. Do not exercise, ride a bike, or play sports. Stand up slowly to prevent dizziness and falls. Take short walks around the house with another person. Slowly return to your usual activities the next day.
Do not drive or use dangerous machines or tools for 24 hours. You may injure yourself or others. Examples include a lawnmower, saw, or drill. Do not return to work for 24 hours if you use dangerous machines or tools for work.
Do not make important decisions for 24 hours. For example, do not sign important papers or invest money.
Drink liquids as directed. Liquids help flush the sedation medicine out of your body. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Eat small meals more often to prevent nausea and vomiting. Start with clear liquids such as juice or broth. If you do not vomit after clear liquids, you can eat your usual foods.
Do not drink alcohol or take medicines that make you drowsy. This includes medicines that help you sleep and anxiety medicines. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to take pain medicine.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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