Propofol and Sneezing: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Cas...
• November 15, 2017

For Anesthesia "I had endoscopy with oxygen and propofol. Immediately upon waking, I started sneezing and had a runny nose. My ribs are sore from sneezing. I've read many threads about the same problem. Why isn't anything being done about it? My doctor said to see my GP. Passing the buck. Nurses playing dumb too. I'm on day 3 and no relief with Benadryl, nasal sprays, etc. Can anyone tell me how long this horrible reaction will last?"

• 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!"

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had a short GYN procedure this morning, which required propofol/midazolam sedation. I have had a runny nose since then (15 hours ago) with sneezing and occasional coughing. I had midazolam in the past on multiple occasions, and I never had these symptoms, so it is unlikely to be the cause. Also, I am very fit, I am not on any meds, so I suspect that propofol is the likely culprit. Although it is a great drug from a procedural standpoint, one should research all potential side effects thoroughly before getting it."

• Anonymous
• January 26, 2012

For Anesthesia "Just had propofol administered today after a colonoscopy. There was a slight burning sensation once given, but I fell asleep and didn't feel a thing during the procedure, which was good. I woke up laughing and had what seemed like a slight cold (sneezing and watery eyes for a little bit). The laughing didn't stop for about an hour. It was not an unpleasant experience, but some people who have this reaction may feel a bit embarrassed!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

For Anesthesia "I had an endoscopy a week ago and was given propofol, which I could taste, through an IV. I still feel like I'm sleepwalking, though I have functioned moderately well at work, with some confusion on the day after the procedure. I quickly get exhausted with slight physical exertion. My hair has suddenly become very dry and brittle. I've been forgetful and emotional. My close vision has become blurry. I've been having bad dreams. Yesterday, I experienced lots of sneezing, eye-watering, and coughing, along with swelling of my hands and feet. I called the endoscopic center, and they told me to consult my primary care doctor. Unfortunately, she was out of town until next week. Her receptionist advised me to go to urgent care. I followed their advice and felt fortunate to leave a couple of hours later without having my driver's license taken away! I'm so grateful to have discovered these reviews because now I understand that I'm not losing my mind, and eventually, these symptoms may wear off."

• 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."

• 52 ...
• July 25, 2018

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy two days ago, and I remember being asked to roll over on my left side. The anesthesiologist started to administer the propofol, it burned and felt itchy going in, then my head felt tingly. I knew it was lights out in a matter of seconds. Afterwards, I woke up with no drowsiness and very alert. I also had the sneezing and feeling of congestion, but I feel like it is from the oxygen (I've experienced the congestion every time I'm administered oxygen). So I'm convinced that I had no side effects from the drug."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2021

For Anesthesia "Had my first colonoscopy at age 50. They gave me propofol, and immediately upon waking, I started sneezing, had a drippy nose, and eyes tearing up. It’s been over 24 hours, and it’s still going on. Benadryl is not working at all. I also did a nasal rinse thinking maybe some dust was blown up there, however, that didn’t help either. This is terrible. I like that propofol put me to sleep quickly, and I woke up without being too groggy, and I was able to get up and leave the doctor's office in 15 minutes, but this side effect is not worth it. I will request something else next time."

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2025

For Anesthesia "As soon as I woke up in recovery after a surgical procedure where propofol was used and oxygen was delivered through a nasal cannula, I started sneezing uncontrollably and my nose dripped constantly. The nurse said it was an anesthesia reaction. I had never had this happen before. I looked it up (in between blowing my nose), and it apparently occurs after propofol and oxygen delivered through a nasal cannula. So I ask, why is oxygen delivered through a nasal cannula and not a mask if this is a known reaction? This has been miserable all day, sneezing and blowing my nose. The propofol worked flawlessly throughout surgery."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2009

For Anesthesia "I took this just today for a dental procedure. I woke up laughing and happy. Was not groggy. I did wake up sneezing like crazy, and I am blowing my nose a lot. I hope this goes away soon."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2018

For Anesthesia "Just had an endoscopy today, and I went to sleep in seconds and woke up feeling just a little groggy. But a few hours later, I was congested and sneezing like crazy!"

• hai...
• November 27, 2017

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy, and right after awakening, I have been sneezing and have a very runny nose! Hope it doesn't last long!"