Versed Side Effects

Generic name: midazolam

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Versed Side Effects associated with midazolam. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Versed.

Applies to midazolam: oral syrup.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution
• nasal spray

Precautions

If you will be receiving midazolam (the active ingredient contained in Versed) before surgery, your doctor will give you the medicine and closely follow your progress, to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

For patients going home within 24 hours after receiving midazolam:

• Midazolam may cause some people to feel drowsy, tired, or weak for 1 or 2 days after it has been given. It may also cause problems with coordination and one's ability to think. Therefore, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert until the effects of the medicine have disappeared or until the day after you receive midazolam, whichever period of time is longer.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness) for about 24 hours after you have received midazolam, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may add to the effects of the medicine. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; other sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures; and muscle relaxants.

Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while you are using this medicine. Also, do not take this medicine if you have allergies to cherries.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Versed

Some side effects of midazolam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Versed

Along with its needed effects, midazolam may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking midazolam:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking midazolam:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• difficulty with coordination
• loss of consciousness
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to midazolam: compounding powder, injectable solution, intramuscular solution, intravenous solution, nasal spray, oral syrup.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects with oral formulations include emesis and nausea. Decreased tidal volume/respiratory rate and apnea were most commonly reported with parenteral formulations.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Oral:

• Very common (10% or more): Respiratory adverse events (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory depression, hypoxia, laryngospasm, upper airway obstruction, rhonchi, congestion
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sneezing/rhinorrhea
• Frequency not reported: Apnea, hypercarbia, desaturation, stridor, hiccough

Parenteral:

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased tidal volume/respiratory rate (up to 23.3%), apnea (up to 15.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hiccoughs, coughing, desaturation
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Dyspnea, hiccup, laryngospasm, respiratory arrest
• Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression
• Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, hyperventilation, wheezing, shallow respirations, airway obstruction, tachypnea, dysphonia, yawning, continued phonation^[Ref]

Respiratory adverse events included hypoxia, laryngospasm, rhonchi, coughing, respiratory depression, airway obstruction, upper airway congestion, and shallow respirations; these side effects occurred more frequently at higher doses.

Decreased tidal volume/respiratory rate occurred in 23.3% of patients given IV formulations and in 10.8% of patients given IM formulations.

Apnea occurred in 15.4% of patients given IV formulations.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Oral:

• Very common (10% or more): Emesis/vomiting (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Frequency not reported: Gagging, salivation

Parenteral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Constipation, dry mouth
• Postmarketing reports: Acid taste, excessive salivation, retching, toothache^[Ref]

Nervous system

Oral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Sedation/prolonged sedation, somnolence, depressed levels of consciousness
• Frequency not reported: Drooling, dizziness, ataxia, vertigo, dysarthria, loss of balance

Parenteral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, oversedation, drowsiness, seizure-like activity
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Movement disorder, ataxia, dizziness, seizure, anterograde amnesia
• Frequency not reported: Involuntary movements, hyperactivity, decreased alertness, somnolence, prolonged/postoperative sedation, convulsions/drug withdrawal convulsions, feeling faint, tonic/clonic movements and muscle tremor
• Postmarketing reports: Vasovagal episode, retrograde amnesia, grogginess, athetoid movements, lethargy, slurred speech, paresthesia, loss of balance, lightheadedness, feeling of burning, emergence delirium or agitation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Oral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, bigeminy
• Frequency not reported: Increased heart rate, cardiac arrest, heart failure, decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure

Parenteral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, vasodilation
• Frequency not reported: Thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, variations in blood pressure and pulse rate
• Postmarketing reports: Bigeminy, premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, nodal rhythm, hematoma, cardiovascular collapse, cardiovascular reactions, severe cardiorespiratory adverse events^[Ref]

Local

Parenteral:

• Common (1% to 10%): IM injection site pain, IV site tenderness/pain during injection/redness/induration
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): IM injection site induration/redness/muscle stiffness, IV site phlebitis
• Frequency not reported: Injection site erythema, injection site pain
• Postmarketing reports: Hive-like elevation at injection site, warmth or coldness at injection site^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Oral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Agitation
• Frequency not reported: Dysphoria, disinhibition, excitation, aggression, mood swings, hallucinations, confusion, inappropriate/adverse behavior, behavioral/emotional disorders, euphonia, libido disorders, restlessness, irritability, delusions, anger eruptions, nightmares, psychosis, physical dependency, withdrawal symptoms, abuse, depression (existing, unobserved depression)

Parenteral:

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Aggression/aggressiveness, agitation, anger, hallucination, hostility, confusion/confusional state, euphoric mood/euphoria
• Frequency not reported: Rage, excitement/paroxysmal excitement, abuse, physical drug dependence and withdrawal syndrome
• Postmarketing reports: Argumentativeness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbance, insomnia, nightmares, dysphoria, irritability, tension, mood changes, dreaming during sleep^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Oral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus and urticaria

Parenteral:

• Frequency not reported: Angioedema
• Postmarketing reports: Hives, rash, pruritus, skin reactions^[Ref]

Ocular

Oral:

• Frequency not reported: Diplopia, strabismus, blurred vision

Parenteral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Nystagmus
• Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision, diplopia, pinpoint pupils, visual disturbance, difficulty focusing eyes, cyclic movement of the eyelids^[Ref]

Other

Oral:

• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, falls

Parenteral:

• Common (1% to 10%): Paradoxical reaction
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Fatigue, falls, assault/physical assault
• Postmarketing reports: Prolonged emergence from anesthesia, blocked ears, chills, weakness, swelling, dreaming during emergence^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Oral:

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity

Parenteral:

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic shock
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction, anaphylactoid reactions^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Oral:

• Frequency not reported: Muscle weakness, fractures

Parenteral:

• Frequency not reported: Fractures^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the correct way to use Nayzilam Nasal Spray?

Further information

Versed side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer