Recovery

Recovery After Procedural Sedation (Adult)

Choose a preferred language

You have been given medicine by vein to make you sleep during your procedure. This may have included both a pain medicine and sleeping medicine. You may have side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, or unsteadiness for up to 24 hours. You may also feel lightheaded.


Some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, and some metabolic conditions, may change what your care needs are. If you have a medical condition, talk with your doctor about whether your care after the procedure might change.


Home care

Follow these guidelines when you get home:

  • For the next 8 or more hours, ask a trusted adult to watch over you. This person should make sure your condition is not getting worse, watch for problems, and keep you safe.

  • Don't drink any alcohol for the next 24 hours.

  • Don't drive, operate dangerous machinery, or make important business or personal decisions during the next 24 hours.

  • Take extra care when walking and moving, You may be at a higher risk of falling.

  • Follow any instructions you were given for eating and drinking.

  • Be sure to follow all after-care directions.

Note: Your doctor may tell you not to take any medicine by mouth for pain or sleep in the next 4 hours. These medicines may react with the medicines you were given in the hospital. This could cause a much stronger response than usual.


Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor as advised.


When to contact your doctor

Have someone contact your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • Your drowsiness gets worse.

  • Your weakness or dizziness gets worse.

  • You have repeated vomiting.

  • Your speech is slurred, and others can't understand you.

  • You have severe or ongoing pain from the procedure that's not eased by the pain medicine (if prescribed).

  • You have a fever.

  • You have a new rash.


Call 911

Have someone call 911 if:

  • You have trouble breathing.

  • You have trouble swallowing.

  • You have chest pain.

  • You lose consciousness or you can't be awakened.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location

Related Services

General Surgery Center

Related Articles
Read article
Surgery
Wound Check After Surgery: Infection

Infection after surgery often affects just the top layers of skin. Sometimes the infection is deeper in the wound and may include a collection of fluid or pus. Treatment will depend on the type of infection.

Read article
Surgery
Staple Removal (No Complication)

Your wound is healing as expected. It has healed well enough that the staples were removed. At this time there is no sign of a wound infection.

Read article
Surgery
Wound Check After Surgery: Bleeding

It is normal to have some clear or bloody discharge on the wound covering or bandage for the first few days after surgery. Bleeding or discharge needing frequent dressing changes can be a sign of a problem. Read on for details.

Read article
Surgery
Discharge Instructions for Abdominal Surgery

It may take a few weeks or longer to heal from the surgery. Find out how to care for yourself after you're home.