Propofol and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Ika...
• August 13, 2016

For Anesthesia "Had colonoscopy yesterday with propofol. Heard about versed and asked about it. Surgery center said they had it, but propofol was preferred because of the better recovery result. Went out like a light. Woke up in recovery bay and felt pretty good after a few minutes. Got home, started feeling dopey again, couldn't concentrate. No appetite. Forced myself to eat, but didn't help. After 2 hours, laid down and was out for 5 hours. Got up, had juice and jello. After 2 hours, had to go back to bed. I'm better today, still a bit weak. My sister had the same procedure recently. She was knocked out and came through fine. She may have had the same drug with better results. I'm on Obamacare, and that's more bad than good. Maybe versed is not allowed, who knows."

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

For Anesthesia "55 yr old female. Had upper and lower GI yesterday. Propofol was used to put me under. Went right out, but when I woke up, I was off. Tried to find an explanation for my symptoms. They were drowsiness, sore muscles, blurred vision, swollen and itchy face, tightness in chest, hard to breathe, and hard to concentrate. More symptoms, but these are the worst. Gonna call the doctor tomorrow because I don't feel right. Will never let them use propofol on me ever again."

• 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."

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2016

For Anesthesia "I'm a 33-year-old female with Crohn's disease. I had my 4th colonoscopy done today, and they used propofol. The nurse informed me they started using it about a year ago, and people just love it. I have only had the Versed, and I hated the groggy feeling, as well as the memory loss, and even being sick to my stomach. When they took me back, the anesthesiologist talked to me for a few seconds and then slowly administered the propofol. As I was laying there, my hand started to hurt really bad. I honestly thought the IV had come out! So I pulled my hand out from under the covers and said something about it, and he quickly replied, 'Oh yes, it kinda burns when it goes in.' Next thing I know, I'm in recovery waking up happy AND I remember talking to the doctor! Love it!!"

• Too...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2017

For Anesthesia "Tuesday I had a colonoscopy, yes it works fast. When I woke, I was extremely groggy, needed help standing up, and was put in a wheelchair to be taken to the car because I could not walk at all. I was nauseous and was groggy all the way home, and when my daughter got me to the house, she had to literally hold me up and walk me to the bed, my knees were so weak. I slept the rest of the day (2:30 - 5:30 or so). Only woke up to use the restroom and get water. The nausea slowly began to subside, and today is Thursday. I'm still not feeling as well as I should, but I'm functioning. So the conclusion of the matter is I don't take meds of any kind or alcohol (no cough med) in any form because I have 0 tolerance. That's what I'll chalk it up to be."

• Cin...
• September 12, 2015

For Anesthesia "Was given propofol before a short surgery to remove an IUD. I wasn't too worried about the procedure at first. However, that changed when the anesthesiologist casually said they were going to use propofol to put me to sleep. I remembered that was one of the drugs Michael Jackson had taken before he died. The doctor had some choice words about the stupidity of having a cardiologist, not an anesthesiologist, administering any drug in a non-hospital setting, with no other staff around and without careful monitoring. They numbed my hand, inserted the IV, and I fell asleep in less than 5 minutes. It worked perfectly! I was a little drowsy and had a slight sore throat when they woke me. I relaxed at home and felt fine about 8 hours later."

• Bro...
• April 18, 2012

For Anesthesia "I have had colonoscopies and endoscopies done before using propofol with no problem. Last week I had what was to be a minor surgery on my wrist, also using propofol. Instead of fifteen minutes, it turned out to be 35 minutes. I had difficulty waking, had dreams while under (which I read on the web is not uncommon on propofol but new for me), and was groggy all day. I had warned the anesthesiologist that a small dose of lidocaine would not be enough for me, so maybe that's why...."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Anesthesia "Had an injection of propofol for my colonoscopy today. I am 28, in pretty good health and no allergies, but I was anxious about anesthesia since I had never been under before. Thankfully, this drug worked great. The last thing I remember is the nurse starting to administer it through the IV tube, and I was out within 3-5 seconds. Woke up about 20 minutes after the procedure with no side effects other than feeling somewhat groggy. Was able to drink and eat almost right away. Now (5 hours later) I feel totally fine, maybe a bit tired, but no drowsiness or any unpleasant side effects."

• GAC...
• September 1, 2016

For Anesthesia "Excellent drug for me. It was used for my colonoscopy as an outpatient... asleep immediately, woke up quickly with absolutely no side effects, no drowsiness, no sleepyhead. Miracle drug as far as I'm concerned."

• meg...
• August 25, 2009

For Anesthesia "I recently had carpal tunnel release surgery and was given propofol. During surgery, I felt one of the incisions. When I told them (extremely groggily), they must have given me more because I went out like a light. Awoke well, but was on and off with the pixies for 24 hours afterwards."

• col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2019

For Anesthesia "Propofol knocked me out fast. Colon had 2 polyps cut, and diverticulitis was found. This is a 3-day job, 1st day prep with PEG 3500, a marathon for 15 hours. 2nd day was my colonoscopy, and my driver abandoned me at the clinic, so I had a delayed start. Malaise for the rest of 2nd & most of the 3rd day. This drug does its job very well. I just didn't need the long stupor for 30 hours after it."

• 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."

• Rag...
• June 29, 2016

For Anesthesia "I am a 56-year-old male, with a first-time colon exam. Five years ago, I was also a previous 7-day coma patient from an anaphylactic reaction. I was very nervous about being put under and not waking up. The nurses, attending doctor, and anesthesiologist all were professional in helping me through. There was a slight burn in the hand, I noticed it traveling up the arm. Before it reached halfway, I was out. I awoke in recovery with a groggy feeling from a deep sleep. I went into the room at 10:30, came back out at 10:15. I was up and walking at around 10:40. The overall experience was pleasant."

• pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2021

For Anesthesia "I'm a 33-year-old woman and had to do an endoscopy and colonoscopy to diagnose Crohn's disease. This was my first time having the procedures done, and I was very nervous, mostly about the meds that would be used to knock me out. I've been under anesthesia before but never under propofol until now. I had a great experience with it and would highly recommend it to anyone who is anxious about meds and anesthesia. It knocked me out within seconds, and the next thing I know, I'm in the recovery room talking to the nurse. Apparently, the doctor spoke with me right after the procedure, but I don't remember that. I wasn't fully awake until the nurse came in, and then I was a bit groggy for maybe a half hour and then totally back to normal. I went to the grocery store on the way home! Overall, for me, it was the best experience I could have hoped for, and I wanted to share for anyone else who may also be anxious about the drug or procedure. I'm no longer afraid of either!"

• No ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2023

For Anesthesia "Had an endoscopy and was put under with propofol. It was itchy, and I did not enjoy how it made me feel. Vivid dreams while under. After, I woke up quickly but was uncharacteristically talkative and alert and unable to shut up. Got home and crashed hours later. Groggy long into the following day. Will ask for an alternative next time."

• Nic...
• March 18, 2018

For Anesthesia "Had a totally positive experience with propofol for combined endoscopy and colonoscopy (worth the news of healthy bowels/stomach), administered by a very bright nurse anesthetist. Post-procedure, awakened fairly groggy for about ten minutes. Propofol has a confirmed short half-life, so the altered personalities (anxious, frightened, paranoid, etc.), days later, chronicled here, likely have to do with personality rather than the drug. What is puzzling to me is that I am a thin, tall woman who needed 400 mg of propofol to fully sedate me, which is twice normal. I was monitored carefully for PSI and all that and was never in peril. It may have something to do with my fast metabolism, even though I am a lightweight re: alcohol and drink negligibly."

• 28F...
• January 26, 2018

For Anesthesia "Had this for the first time anesthesia for a small (15 min) operation. The injection did burn and was painful, but I was out 5 seconds later. My recovery time was pretty quick, I just felt like I had one or two too many drinks. Later, I had a tickly, runny nose and couldn't stop sneezing! I slept a lot after my procedure, so the drowsiness was manageable."

• Mka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy 2 days ago. I get one every 5 years, and this was my third. I was given propofol. I woke up in recovery with a flaming sore throat and coughing nonstop. I still felt the effects of the meds. I got right into bed and could not get warm. I had blankets and a heating pad to get warm. I was groggy all day and the next. It was NOT a good experience like the other two. I would not take propofol again. I still have a cough and cold-like symptoms."

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy 12/3/15. I am not sure what medicine they gave me. I was in a lot of pain, so they gave me 'a lot' of medicine, according to the nurse, so they could finish the colonoscopy. I was very groggy, and when I went to stand up, the back of my legs cramped up, and I almost fell over. My legs were fine when I went in, but a day later, they still are weak and feel as if they are going to go into spasm. Has anyone else had this problem?"

• jj4...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2021

For Anesthesia "Had a “double dip” endoscopy and colonoscopy yesterday. As many others are, anxiety sets in. Fortunate to have a solid team of nurses (triage, IV setup, OR) and four MDs in the OR (my doc, his two assistants, and the anesthesiologist). As soon as I felt that icy liquid hit the IV in my forearm, I took literally 3 deep breaths and was gone! (The anesthesiologist added lidocaine to the propofol to prevent the usual burning sensation, as well as a small dose of fentanyl for pain). Woke literally an hour later in recovery, slightly groggy, but within an hour was fine. As for the procedure itself, minimal pain more than 24 hours later. So don’t worry, it will be fine. Have faith in your medical team."

• Ann...
• October 11, 2018

For Anesthesia "I am 50 years old and was given Propofol before my first colonoscopy. I was out very quickly and remember nothing about the procedure. About 25 minutes after I was put out, I awoke feeling groggy. Within 30 minutes or so, I was on my way home. I felt very groggy afterward and had very little appetite. Also, my whole head was aching. When I got home, I ate a little soup and crackers, then went to sleep for 4 hours. Woke up still feeling groggy, ate dinner and felt a little better. Went to bed a little early and woke up the next day feeling perfect. Overall, I can't complain too much about this drug, despite the hungover feeling afterward. It didn't help that my friends who also had Propofol felt perfectly fine afterward - 'refreshed' was the word that they used most often. I guess my body processes things differently..."

• 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."

• col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2025

For Anesthesia "I'm 71 years old and had my first colonoscopy today. I was very apprehensive about the procedure as I do not tolerate any type of anesthesia well. I wake up with severe nausea and vomiting. My anesthesiologist told me about a type called propofol that would not give me the same issues. Just for extra precaution, he also gave me Zofran in my IV just prior to the procedure. I was leery about the results but was amazed that when I woke up, I had a little drowsiness but NO NAUSEA! Truly a wonder drug. No aftereffects either. I will definitely remember propofol for the next time I might need a procedure like this."

• Jer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2024

For Anesthesia "Had my first colonoscopy yesterday. The drug worked amazing, felt like a great nap. When I woke up, just a little groggy. After being home for a couple of hours, I started sneezing a lot. Then it felt like I had a full-blown head cold the whole rest of the evening and is continuing to the next day. Whether it's the oxygen or the propofol, I don't know. But reading all the comments lets me know that it's not just a coincidence."