Propofol and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Aar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2016

For Anesthesia "Upper endoscopy with propofol. I'm prone to panic attacks and nervous around drugs. But I can see now why some people call propofol a miracle drug. I had a mild burning sensation in my arm as it was injected, like a slight bee sting, lasted 10 seconds. I don't remember falling asleep, but it must have been 20 seconds or less. I had no memory of the procedure, nor any discomfort. I woke up in a new room what felt like an instant later. Mild aftereffects: drowsy, loopy/euphoric (everything seemed funny), my limbs were heavy and I was a bit unsteady. But I was mentally alert, able to start eating, dressing, and using my phone to type emails within minutes of waking. Easy, easy procedure, so if you're an anxious type like me, don't worry."

• Arg...
• October 26, 2016

For Anesthesia "First colonoscopy at age 56. Doctor had explained during consult I would be given propofol to induce anesthesia. I found it hilarious that just before I was induced by the anesthesiologist, they were playing Michael Jackson's 'You Wanna Be Starting Something' over the PA in the ceiling (Michael Jackson died from propofol). Anyway, the anesthesiologist pumped in the propofol, and in under 10 secs I was gone. I felt the drug acting on my brain just before I went under and said, 'here it comes', and then I was totally out. Woke up in recovery, instantly fully awake but felt just slightly fuzzy. Was unsteady on my feet for about 5 mins. That's it. No bad side effects. The prep was not bad at all. Colonoscopy is no big deal at all."

• Anonymous
• November 2, 2011

For Anesthesia "My husband had a procedure a week before mine and received propofol and felt wonderful, awake, alert, and ready to drive home - not so fast. As for me - not the same result. After the procedure, I slept for 2 days and for the next 2-3 days, my balance was off. If I tried to pick something off the floor, I would fall forward, and when I stood up, I'd fall backward. I couldn't shower for 4 days (drop the soap and I would lose my balance and fall forward. In my case, a major central nervous side effect.)"

• Sti...
• May 30, 2018

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy 9 days ago. Had one 20 years ago with Versed/Fentanyl with no problem. This time the doctor said they only use propofol. I fell asleep quickly and had no memory of the procedure, but I had to be suctioned for excess drooling and coughing while I was under. My throat felt like I had eaten a razor blade. I was woozy, wobbly, and felt like I couldn't think right for 4 days. I had and still have deep laryngitis and a low-grade temperature. I feel awful. Will not use propofol again."

• Anonymous
• May 28, 2015

For Anesthesia "I would give this more than a ten if I could! I am the most anxious patient ever. Was crying, kicking, and screaming before my endoscopy because I was so, so scared. I was dreading it forever, and I made such a huge scene. BUT AS SOON as they gave me Versed with propofol shortly after, ALL I remember is waking up! I woke up slightly drowsy, slightly dizzy, which lasted very shortly, but 99.9% mentally alert and aware of what was going on. They let me take a quick 30-minute nap, and then I was able to walk out of the hospital to the parking deck (with a bit of assistance). Honestly, I have NO idea why I was so anxious. What an easy experience. No pain, no itchiness, no sneezing, nothing. Just a good 15-minute sleep."

• tpm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had my first general anesthetic yesterday, propofol, for a circumcision. I'm over 40, and the procedure recently became necessary. I was nervous as I never had general anesthesia and also have asthma, various allergies, and had a slight chest infection. Have to say it was really effective. I had the needle put in, slight warm sensation, tasted it in my mouth, passing moment of dizzy, what's happening feeling, and next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. Woke up feeling fine, just like a night's sleep. Anyone going in for this has nothing to worry about."

• Mik...
• April 17, 2017

For Anesthesia "I've had the Versed/Fentanyl cocktail for my first two colonoscopies, but this time around my new GI doc thought it would be best to use Propofol. I was extremely nervous on the day of my procedure. Kept thinking something bad would happen. I can say now this was 10x better than the Versed/Fentanyl. I remember my anesthesiologist saying, 'I'm going to give you some medicine, OK?' and within 5-10 seconds I could feel myself nodding out. This stuff works quick. Other than waking up toward the end of the colonoscopy, there were no unplanned events or serious side effects. I did feel very lightheaded/dizzy in the recovery room for the first 15-20 minutes, but after that, it's like nothing happened. Would recommend!"

• Sto...
• November 27, 2015

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol immediately before my colonoscopy. I thought it would just make me less aware, but to my amazement, it put me to sleep in less than 15 seconds. I woke up 45 minutes later in the recovery room and remember nothing about the procedure. I did not experience any dizziness or any unwanted things while waking up. This drug saved the day."

• Ct ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2016

For Anesthesia "Had an endoscopy and colonoscopy today. They used propofol, and I felt briefly drowsy, then woke up in recovery. Alert, but slightly unsteady while dressing. But it passed quickly, and I got out to the car fine. Would definitely have this drug used the next time."

• CSa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2016

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy with propofol. I went out quickly and didn't experience any problems during the exam. But afterward, in recovery, I felt drowsy and unbalanced when asked to get up to get dressed. It seems like you are forced to leave recovery too fast. Finally, I was able to walk to the car. Once we arrived home, I had severe nausea and felt like vomiting. I wasn't able to get out of the car. We called the doctor. He told me to stay reclined in the car and do not eat or drink anything. The good thing is I was in my garage, away from the cold rain. After 2 hours, I was able to go into the house. Called doctor back. He informed me I had a reaction to the 'new drug' aka propofol. Other effects: chills, sleepy, tired. NEVER again!!!"

• Wal...
• June 29, 2017

For Anesthesia "Absolutely amazing! I was out after two seconds and woke up to a nice, pleasant feeling that lingered for about 15 minutes. The dizziness lingered throughout the day, so listen when they say not to drive for up to 12 hours. I was able to drive with no problem after about 10 hours. Great anesthesia!"

• gra...
• November 9, 2015

For Anesthesia "Just had an EDG a few hours ago. I was terrified. Was literally panicking by the time they wheeled me to the OR. Seeing all the gadgets and cameras in the OR only worsened my anxiety. They put oxygen on me. Then the RN gave me a medication to relax me as well as the propofol. No more than 5 seconds passed, and I began to feel loopy. They asked me to roll on my side, and that's the last thing I remember before waking up in recovery. I was a little tired but was able to communicate as well as stand on my own two feet and walk. Although I was a little wobbly. I'm still drowsy, but have yet to fall back asleep. Anyone that has heightened anxiety before any procedure should consult and request propofol."

• Eri...
• November 25, 2015

For Anesthesia "I am a 63-year-old male in pretty good health. Propofol was great for my colonoscopy. It was given to me at 9:30 a.m. I was a bit dizzy and groggy when leaving the doctor's office at about 11 a.m. I slept most of the afternoon. My thinking remained fairly clouded all evening. The next day, at 11:40 a.m., my thinking is still a bit clouded. I had not expected to need to heed the warning not to drive or take on anything challenging for 24 hours, but, in my case, it is clear that it was an important warning; I am glad that I heeded it."

• Luc...
• September 28, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had propofol for cataract surgery combined with another drug. I was very dizzy and slept most of the day after the procedure. I am now four days out and still feel very fatigued - napping - which is unusual for me. I woke up during the procedure (which is expected), and the room was spinning. Are these things normal? I had the propofol for colonoscopy and did not experience any of these things."

• nit...
• November 2, 2017

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy and an EGD today. The doctor used propofol for the anesthesia. I thought it was great. Went to sleep very quickly. After the procedure, I woke up quickly and felt fine. I was a little unsteady at first, but that didn't last long. I was out of there quicker than in the last under a different anesthesia. Afterwards, went to Red Lobster and had a great meal."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had my second colonoscopy yesterday. The last thing before going under I remember hearing the doctor instructing the nurse to begin putting me to sleep. I don't have any memory of even closing my eyes, it was that sudden. I was totally knocked out without realizing this at all! The next thing I remember is the nurse putting a warm blanket over me and me thanking him. The next memory is in the recovery room, opening and closing my eyes several times before I could keep them open normally. I was a bit dizzy and spilled the sweetened drink the nurses gave me (oops), but other than that I was feeling normal after about 30 minutes and went home. Total blackout is what I know I've experienced. I guess this is a good thing for such an invasive procedure."

• AES...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2018

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol for general anesthesia for an upper GI endoscopy on 1/11/18. This was my first procedure ever, and I also suffer from generalized anxiety. Needless to say, I was so nervous about being put under and was concerned about possible side effects upon waking up. I do not even remember falling asleep. I woke up in the recovery room and was a bit confused because I had a dream that I was at home with my friends. I did not feel dizzy or nauseous upon waking, just slightly disoriented and unsteady on my feet. Within 15 minutes, I was back to normal! I did need to take a short nap later that day, but I suspect this was due to waking up early for the procedure. Good luck to everyone and don't worry!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had propofol for breast cancer surgery. I woke up with extreme dizziness-the room was going around so much I gripped the side rail so much-so long that I had bruises on the inside of my fingers. I had extreme nausea. Both lasted over 8 hours. My head also was extremely painful. Never again!"

• DEP...
• October 29, 2016

For Anesthesia "At separate times within a month, I had an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. I'd had Versed/fentanyl before for colonoscopy, and it worked fine (no lasting effects), but the nurse talked me into propofol for endoscopy, though I was a little leery, but I was very nauseous after. This time, I told them 'NO propofol;' however, she asked me if I'd ever had Benadryl (yes, for allergies). It seems they gave me propofol/Benadryl because I was groggy/unbalanced for hours after, even though they sent me home! I feel like I was overmedicated for this simple procedure! On the procedure sheet, the medication is listed as 'MAC anesthesia!' They want to change all anesthesia drugs over to propofol. I think I should complain to their Patient Advocate Dep."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2017

For Anesthesia "I had my endoscopy and colonoscopy yesterday for the first time. I was told I would be sedated during the procedure, but I didn't investigate into it too much. I don't have previous experiences with any major medical procedures, so I didn't really get into the details beforehand. Once in the procedure room, the nurse told me that I'm going to sleep and gave me the injection. My eyes closed 5 seconds later, and the next thing I remember is being awake in the recovery room. I was dizzy and a bit disoriented for 15-20 minutes, but I felt great. Later, when receiving the document from the doctor, I learned that their drug of choice was propofol. I would not be afraid to go through any medical procedure if this is how propofol makes you feel!"

• mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2018

For Anesthesia "30 yo male. Put under for colonoscopy and endoscopy. Total time on propofol was about 1 hour. It burned a little going in and knocked me out within seconds. It felt like I took a really good nap. I felt groggy and slightly off balance for about 2 hours after that (like if you had a few beers). My thought process felt a little foggy for the rest of the day, but I was able to do household chores. I ended up having chills and fever (100.8) about 4 hours after my procedure and for the rest of the evening and night. It's currently the next day, and I feel fine now and my temperature has returned to normal."

• Ecx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2018

For Anesthesia "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! Going in for my endoscopy, I was wicked nervous... I’ve never had any procedure before, and I don’t even drink, so this was like my biggest fear. I was petrified to wake up nauseous, so I let them know ahead of time, and they said absolutely no problem and put Zofran in my IV prior. After that, she said, 'Okay, I’m gonna put the propofol in, you may feel burning going in.' I didn’t feel a thing! She said, 'You’re doing great, almost all in,' then I started to feel honestly high, ha ha, and then I was out! Woke up, felt great, I’ve woken up from natural naps feeling much worse, and then about 5 mins after I got up, they put me in a chair. I was a little dizzy, but no big deal. And within 20 mins, I was good to go. I’ve seen and read so many ridiculous things. From people waking up, acting a fool, to people saying they felt sick to their stomach. I was a-okay! But my surgical center was also amazing! Good old Massachusetts! Good luck, everyone!"

• hig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2021

For Anesthesia "First time with propofol, 46-year-old male, pre-existing digestive condition. Had bottom molar #17 surgically extracted. I remember making small talk with the doctor, feeling a bit high, then nothing. Absolutely nothing until waking up after the procedure. Zero pain or discomfort, zero side effects whatsoever. Was a little wobbly at first, but was 80% back to normal within 30 minutes. Felt tired the rest of the day, but not too bad. Still able to function. No effect on digestion, zero nausea, which is what I was most concerned about to begin with. Would not hesitate taking this drug again. Worked 100% as designed."

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2013

For Anesthesia "I had ambulatory surgery. After this anesthetic, I experienced jitteriness and heart palpitations while at home recovering that day. Still felt wonky the next day."

• Jan...
• March 6, 2017

For Anesthesia "Propofol for colonoscopy. Went right to sleep, woke right up. No dizziness, alert. Don't remember a thing!"