Propofol and Headaches: What Users Say

• Fgh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2020

For Anesthesia "Had first colonoscopy yesterday. Was perfectly fine before the procedure. Woke up with the worst sore throat of my life. Severe congestion, headache, hoarseness, low-grade fever, and body aches. Came home, went straight to bed, and slept until the next morning. 18 hours!! Feel a little better this morning, but still have hoarseness and am coughing and just feel a little off. Body hurts, but that could just be laying down all day. Will never use this medication again."

• STL...
• September 10, 2019

For Anesthesia "5th colonoscopy yesterday. First time I've had these adverse reactions. Propofol IV given...maybe too rapidly? O2 per nasal cannula. Burning when injected, no big deal. Apparently, I coughed throughout the procedure and had to be suctioned. Awoke quickly, with a major headache, continual coughing, sore throat, and hoarseness. Head congestion as if I had a sinus infection. The right side of my nose was running, uncontrolled, like a hose. Gross. Excessive salivation during the procedure - pillow and hair soaking wet. Also new and gross ;-) Day 2, throat is less sore but headache and congestion remain. I've had IV sedation/general anesthesia many times, but this is the first time for headache, congestion, and runny nose. When I called back to the outpatient center, they told me to follow up with primary care - they felt it was unrelated! Those symptoms are included in the official Propofol Product Insert (from drug mfg). Wish I had read that prior to my 'scope."

• Sli...
• December 11, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy yesterday and have had at least 6 surgeries and procedures in the last few years, with me specifically mentioning my desire for propofol. Had no symptoms of a cold beforehand. Woke up with a running nose, severe sore throat, headache, cough, chills, and the absolute feeling of having a cold. Lasted for the rest of the night, feeling better this morning, but still with a sore throat and headache. So confused about this till I start reading this thread. Why this happened on this procedure and not the others is a mystery and concerning."

• Vin...
• August 20, 2020

For Anesthesia "2010 had a colonoscopy. Not sure what anesthesia was used, but I had no issues other than being sleepy afterwards. 2018 had outpatient surgery for a torn meniscus. First experience with propofol, and it was excellent. No side effects, up and around that afternoon, eating normally. August 2020, had another colonoscopy with propofol as the anesthesia. Woke up in recovery cold and shivering. Once I got home, awful headache, sore mouth, blister on the tip of my tongue, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and pain in my jaws, slight swelling, and tenderness in the glands. Presuming the cold symptoms are from the oxygen cannula from what I have read here. The headache likely from dehydration. But the jaw issues and the too huge blister make no sense. I’m 66 and have had lots of surgeries and procedures, including dental, and I have never had any problem with jaw clenching. Something doesn’t seem quite right. Not sure I want this again."

• 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."

• fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2018

For Anesthesia "It has been 3 weeks since my colonoscopy, and I am getting worse. Came home with a slight headache, but the headache and neck pain are getting so bad that I'm experiencing nausea. Never had incontinence before, but that's getting worse. Even when I don't feel any urge to urinate, I pee on the floor. I don't want to go back to the same doctor because I've just gotten excuses before. But I don't know where to go, other than the emergency room."

• Dos...
• November 13, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy today, this is my 3rd one in 6 years. They gave propofol the first two times and had no problem, but this time after I woke up, I had a cough, congestion, a very sore throat, and a headache. Not sure what happened this time, not sure this is such a wonderful drug."

• Jaw...
• August 18, 2015

For Anesthesia "Propofol was used in my 1st colonoscopy yesterday. Had a slight headache, and the anesthesiologist said he had something to fix it. I joked, 'I bet you do,' as he injected Propofol into the far end of the IV. A minute later, I felt a warming sensation where the IV entered my arm and in an instant was completely out until I woke up an hour later in the recovery room. I had been dreading the colonoscopy because who wants to experience a 5-foot tube being shoved up their rear? But, I was out before the gastroenterologist even entered the room and remember nothing of the colonoscopy. With several prior surgeries, I hated the very long return to consciousness and control of my breathing. With this, I was fully alert within 5 minutes of waking."

• 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."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2017

For Anesthesia "I am 66 years old and have had a number of colonoscopies. The anesthesiologist has never used Propofol on me before. This was the first time that I have ever been totally knocked out for the procedure. My colonoscopy was last Monday, 9/11/17. I have had one day since then that I felt normal. My first reaction was arriving home totally out of this world and after making it to the bed, sleeping for the next 12 hours with my clothes on. When I woke up, I had a severe headache across my face. Needless to say, I did not go back to work until Wednesday. Wednesday, I felt normal until the end of the day when the headache emerged now in the crown of my head. Thursday and Friday, the headaches have continued. However, I am pretty much normal now."

• 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."

• Sch...
• August 29, 2014

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol today for my first colonoscopy ever (I am 65). I experienced tingling that rose up my arm and a distinct metallic taste in the mouth immediately after injection. I had just enough time to comment verbally on the sensation, then the next thing I knew I was waking up. I do not remember anything about the procedure and experienced no pain afterwards. The medical staff did comment that I coughed during my procedure. I felt a little groggy for 5-10 minutes after waking, but was steady on my feet shortly after. The only side effects I've experienced are transient coughing and a headache a couple of hours after the procedure. The latter may have been due to low blood sugar from the colonoscopy prep."

• qua...
• August 14, 2016

For Anesthesia "Yesterday, second colonoscopy with propofol. First time, no problems whatsoever. This time is a different story. After waking, uncontrollable shivering and sneezing. I feel like I have the flu. I could not sleep after getting home because of sneezing and constant nasal drip. Today, a little better, but throat is sore and the sneezing, drip continues. Eyes watering. Headache. Not sure if I want this medicine again."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2015

For Anesthesia "Had this med for colonoscopy. Easy to awake from. But I don't think they shared everything that happened during the procedure. Pillow was soaked with drool and had excruciating throat and ear pain. Was told they had to suction out my throat because I was coughing, and that is why my throat hurt. By discharge time, my sinuses, especially the left side, were incredibly congested and full of mucus. I think allergic reaction and not coughing but gagging. I had a headache the whole next day. Wouldn't use again."

• nan...
• June 29, 2017

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy yesterday and told them I am very sensitive to drugs and I only want twilight. Well, within 2 seconds, I was out cold with no memory of what went on. I don't like that. I came home and a headache came on, and I woke the next morning with a stiff neck and headache. In my opinion, a colonoscopy is not worth the risks this drug offers. Next time, no anesthesia."

• San...
• March 27, 2018

For Anesthesia "My colonoscopy was yesterday morning, and it's my first time having propofol. I don't remember counting backward, only being asked to lay on my side, and then was out. Within minutes of waking, I developed a burning in my upper right nostril and immediately started sneezing, which started the waterfall from my nose, which is worse than the water from my bowels for the prep. It's been over 24 hours now with no change. Also having post-nasal drip and a hard cough, causing headaches. To top it off, I've had to change my pants six times today because, well, I've had four kids, and my bladder and coughing don't mix well. I am finding a small amount of relief by either a cotton ball or tissue shoved up my right nostril. Although I have read many posts since starting this issue yesterday, my doctor's office has never before heard of anything like this. Maybe propofol related, possibly oxygen related, but either way, I'm very upset with my medical team. Went in with water running out one end, came out with mucus running out the other!"

• DKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2018

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol for the first time during a colonoscopy. I had researched ahead of time, so I already knew from reading other reviews to ask the anesthesiologist about burning when it was administered and whether they gave lidocaine with it (they did). There was still a slight burn, but it was only mildly uncomfortable. I gently drifted off to sleep and then woke up in recovery. I did have the sense I had slept and had a dream but could not recall the dream. Some reviewers stated they had nightmares, but I didn't have that. I did get a headache later in the day, but I really don't know if it was due to the propofol. It was quickly resolved with a couple of ibuprofen. Otherwise, I had no adverse effects. I never became dizzy or unsteady. The only odd thing was once I was home, I felt like I wanted to sleep but felt wired at the same time and was therefore unable to sleep. Not a big deal, really. I know meds affect people differently, but for me, I had no problems."

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2022

For Anesthesia "My first colonoscopy was a breeze - no issues. Second colonoscopy was a nightmare with propofol. Woke to horrible chest pain/congestion, coughing, sore throat/ears, fever, bad headache, and nausea. Never, ever again."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2016

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy on 11/07/15. On the side that the propofol was administered, which was my left side, I am having spasms in my left neck, as well as a headache on that side, also earache. I thought it may be an ear infection, but I have never had an ear infection before. Going to the doctor Monday to see what is really going on, it has been two months since I had the procedure done."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2018

For Anesthesia "I had this for chemo port placement/MAC. I’d asked for just local and fentanyl, but the anesthesiologist insisted on only propofol. Swore it never caused nausea. I told him it had before, but I wasn’t taken seriously. Burned like crazy because the resident didn’t loosen the BP cuff, so it didn’t flow well. Woke up with nausea and headache, which meant a longer stay. I had it 2 weeks before for induction with fentanyl, so the dose was smaller and given very carefully, so it wasn’t bad. This time, no pleasant drifting off. I felt awful the next day. Wish they’d listen! I know what works for me. He used Zofran, but no decadron, and I could definitely tell the difference in nausea level. Yuck!"

• 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..."

• Rec...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 6, 2022

Propofol for Anesthesia "Looked forward to having it administered, felt completely refreshed on waking, as if I had slept a solid 8 hours in 15 minutes. Lately, having difficulty breathing, waking, and low oxygen saturation after surgery, sometimes overlooked by nurses. Have severe headache and disorientation afterward, lasting several days, requiring absence from work. Don't know if a cheap generic is being substituted that is not pure and cut with something else or a different supplier due to the pandemic."

• ang...
• March 8, 2018

For Anesthesia "Had an endoscopy today and it went great, thanks to this medication! Felt a little warm as she was injecting the propofol. The first thing I noticed as I was receiving this med was my ears feeling full and the sound was muffled, and then I basically blacked out. Apparently, during the procedure, I had woken up (which I don't remember), and they had to give me a little extra. I felt fine afterwards, no nausea or headache. Just tired throughout the day."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2016

For Anesthesia "I had my first colon cancer screening, and propofol was excellent. I was nervous, but in seconds, went to sleep and the procedure was fast and recovery fast. Just a touch of a headache."