Propofol and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2014

For Anesthesia "I went in for a colonoscopy today and was put under with propofol. It took effect right away, after maybe four deep breaths. I was groggy for maybe 15 minutes after waking up in recovery. However, I have been suffering from major allergy-like symptoms all afternoon and evening - sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, then a runny nose. I feel fairly miserable, not from the procedure but from sneezing."

• lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2020

For Anesthesia "Always works like a charm. I wake up a little groggy but on my feet within 15 minutes. Anesthetist calls it milk of amnesia. I had a colonoscopy today and have severe rhinitis and sneezing all through the night, which I have never had with propofol before (3 coloscopies, 2 hand surgeries). A little research online indicates it's due to the oxygen they gave me via nasal cannula, which I was never given before. It is not caused by propofol...take a look yourself...studies by NIH and others show it's somewhat common from oxygen via nasal cannula and will pass."

• Eli...
• November 6, 2013

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy today and was feeling fine before and on the drive home - my nose started running and I was sneezing. I was given propofol. I was a little groggy right after waking up, but felt fine by the time I got home. It has been about 6 hrs and I am still experiencing flu-like symptoms - runny nose & sneezing - mostly on one side. 5 yrs ago I had a colonoscopy and did not experience any of these symptoms. I am glad to see others have experienced the same symptoms ..."

• Sca...
• September 2, 2019

For Anesthesia "PATIENT ALERT!!! YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE GENERAL ANESTHESIA/PROPOFOL with a colonoscopy, even if the doctor/nurse tries to bully you into consenting. I went in for my colonoscopy. A nurse anesthetist came in and told me I was getting general anesthesia. I objected and told her I did not want GA, I wanted twilight sleep/conscious sedation. She laughed at me and made snide comments about information on the internet and told me my fears and objections were immaterial. I was all alone, after being up all night with the prep, and exhausted, so I was not able to handle this as well as if I had been alert, well rested, and awake. I had the colonoscopy with GA. Instead of being up and alert for the rest of the day, as with twilight sleep/conscious sedation, I was totally groggy and sleepy for TWO DAYS. I had to take another day off of work."

• 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."

• Pro...
• April 30, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy a few days ago and propofol was used as the anesthesia. The doctor said he was injecting it into my IV, and I felt a little burning sensation in my hand, and then I was awake and in the recovery room. No drowsiness, no nausea - I drank some juice, got dressed, and went home, where I felt absolutely fine the rest of the day!"

• AdR...
• May 19, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy on May 18, and propofol was used. Like many other comments on here, you are out in seconds. No pain or discomfort. You wake up feeling a little groggy, but that's all. No need to be frightened of any procedure if you are being put under with this drug."

• 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."

• Wif...
• June 22, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy today, and propofol was used as the anesthesia. The doctor said he was injecting it into my IV, and I felt a little burning sensation in my arm, and then I was awake and in the recovery room. I had a little bit of drowsiness, no nausea - I got dressed and went home, where I felt sleepy for the rest of the day!"

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2017

For Anesthesia "Very frightened to do a colonoscopy! I had a bad experience years ago with the prep GoLYTELY. The anesthesia that they used didn't work well, and I woke up during the scope as they turned the corner in the colon. Also was out for most of the day. Today was a totally different experience! I took Miralax, Dulcolax, and pushed the fluids! Gatorade and water. It wasn't too bad at all, except some upset stomach later in the night. The anesthesia, Propofol, was a wonderful experience! I had no pain, was out in 20 seconds, and just dreamed. It was just like I fell asleep! Woke up a little groggy, and my head felt a little heavy for about 10 minutes. I went home and am eating and feeling fine."

• TDW...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2017

For Anesthesia "Just had my first colonoscopy and anesthesia today, Jan 24, 2017, and I must say it was not bad at all. So far, I have had no side effects from the propofol and was just a little groggy when I woke in recovery. The propofol worked quick, within 20-30 seconds, it was lights out. They did remove three polyps, which were sent to the lab, and I was told to have another colonoscopy in three years. Overall, the doctor said things looked fine, and he was not very worried about the polyps."

• Sil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2018

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy yesterday. Propofol was given. It knocked me out, then they woke me up in recovery. I was groggy, confused, and jittery with spasms. Now, the next day, I am jittery, have spasms, and feel like I have Parkinson's. I am not feeling well. Is this normal? When will it wear off?"

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2020

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol for the first time for a dental procedure yesterday. I did not experience the sneezing, congestion, and profuse mucous secretion that I have heard others have suffered with. I had another unfortunate spike this morning in blood pressure, my systolic (top #) exceeded 210...so off to urgent care. They were able to lower it. I was told that I had an atypical reaction to this drug propofol and to never have it administered again. The dentist pushed it too quickly and seemed to ignore my hypertension meds, which I mentioned 3 times. I was given an Rx for acetaminophen with codeine (made things worse) and was then told to use ibuprofen, which rendered my beta blocker and ACE inhibitors ineffective. Still feel groggy and forgetful. The propofol was like an unpleasant 'blackout' experience. It made my husband frightened when they hustled me out of the back door of the office. Never again."

• Nic...
• November 17, 2015

For Anesthesia "I was given Propofol during my first routine colonoscopy after turning 50. Wow, what a drug. I went out like a light, and the next thing I remember was waking up in recovery and feeling like I was coming out of the best, most relaxing sleep of my life. I can see why Michael Jackson got hooked on it. What I really liked was the quick recovery time. About two hours after the procedure, I felt fine, no drowsiness, nausea, or anything."

• Ver...
• April 17, 2017

For Anesthesia "Just had my 8th colonoscopy. Previously, I always had Vicodin, etc., sedation and woke up feeling great - hydrated, hungry, ready to get on with my day. No problems at all. Anticipating feeling fine after the procedure would get me through the prep! Unbeknownst to me, my doctor now has a nurse anesthetist administering propofol during the procedure. Woke up nauseated (despite IV Zofran), feeling dehydrated and somewhat disoriented. Ate very little, no appetite. Slept 5 hours and woke feeling like my face was on fire. Also headache, grogginess, no appetite. I will take my chances with my high-risk GI issues. I will NOT have another colonoscopy with this anesthetic. These are not truly serious problems, but they are 100% unnecessary."

• Mug...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2019

For Anesthesia "First colonoscopy today. Propofol used. Awesome!!!!! I'm 56 years old and this was by far the best drug experience I've ever had. No nausea or grogginess when the procedure was over. Quick acting, felt a deep sleep coming on and my eyes getting heavy. That's the last I remembered until 20 minutes later I was dressing myself to leave feeling mighty fine."

• Sen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2016

For Anesthesia "I'm a cancer survivor and have had multiple surgeries requiring anesthesia. Typically, I wake feeling very groggy and nauseous, racing heart, headache, etc. This is the first time I have had propofol. I woke feeling completely alert, was able to stand up immediately, dress myself, and walk unaided to the restroom within minutes of waking. I thought this drug was finally the answer, but after several hours, I began coughing and sneezing and have not been able to sleep for two nights. I'm on day 3, and my chest feels heavy, and I continue to cough. Despite a recent bout with breast cancer, I'm physically fit and strong. I have excellent blood pressure, and my resting heart rate is around 50 bpm, which is excellent for my age, not sure why this reaction."

• Jac...
• January 26, 2017

For Anesthesia "Went for colonoscopy after 12 year delay. Newer anesthesia than the earlier one. Propofol. Just great. Out in a few seconds as I was saying I could feel it taking effect. Next, I was being awakened in recovery. Groggy for maybe 10 minutes. Thankful it was over. Sorry for those who had bad reactions because for most of us, it is the perfect twilight procedure drug."

• Sue...
• August 12, 2015

For Anesthesia "Given propofol intravenously during a colonoscopy and had a hard time recovering. They said I started drooling, and they used suction, and also that my throat went into spasm. I woke with a very sore throat and headache. Once home, I couldn't swallow easily, had a headache, and was very groggy. My whole body ached, and I took two Tylenol, which did not help. I found I was running a fever. This was about 5 hours after getting home. Started drinking lots of water and was applying wet cloths to my forehead. I was crying and couldn't sleep. This lasted 18 hours! Doc said never take propofol again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2013

For Anesthesia "I had a 'double', that is a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD) done at the same appointment. They used propofol for the anesthesia. It worked wonderfully! Out like a lightbulb before the procedure, then I came to after the procedure, and they wheeled me into recovery. No real grogginess or anything like that, although I was a little 'tipsy' and was like a jolly old drunk for a little while. My wife had to tell me to stop being so obnoxious!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2013

For Anesthesia "I had a 'double', that is a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD) done at the same appointment. They used propofol for the anesthesia. It worked wonderfully! Out like a lightbulb before the procedure, then I came to after the procedure, and they wheeled me into recovery. No real grogginess or anything like that, although I was a little 'tipsy' and was like a jolly old drunk for a little while. My wife had to tell me to stop being so obnoxious!"

• 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!!!"

• hbm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2020

For Anesthesia "I recently had propofol for a colonoscopy. I was super nervous going in because I haven't had the drug or procedure done before. The anesthesiologist gave me a heads-up that she was administering it into my IV. I waited about 10 seconds and asked if it was normal that I was still awake, and she said that it takes a little bit to 'kick in.' I remember then trying to determine if I felt like it was working yet, and then boom, awake in recovery. I don't remember even feeling drowsy or lightheaded before I was out. I woke up and literally felt 90% completely back to normal within 15 minutes. I came home and took a nap but honestly could have done without it. It was a breeze and I will no longer fear colonoscopies."

• Bon...
• September 9, 2016

For Anesthesia "I am a 47-year-old female. I had my third positive colonoscopy and endoscopy experience with propofol yesterday. It is an amazing drug! I had no burning as it was administered, and I slept through both procedures with no memory of pain or waking up. 20 minutes in recovery, and I was able to go home with my driver. I was groggy at home and slept about 5 hours, and then I woke up rested and feeling normal again."