Before and after IV sedation

Before your appointment

• Follow the eating and drinking instructions you were given exactly. They are for your safety.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
• Tell Dr. Smith about every medicine and supplement you take, and ask which to take on the morning of your visit.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily.

For the rest of the day

• Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours.
• Do not drink alcohol, make important decisions, or sign legal documents for 24 hours.
• Rest at home, with your adult companion nearby.
• Start with clear liquids, then soft food as you feel able.
• Get up slowly. You may feel lightheaded.

What to expect

• You may feel drowsy, and you may not remember parts of the appointment. This is normal.
• The IV site may be sore or bruised for a few days.

Medicines

• Take any medicines exactly as Dr. Smith prescribed or recommended, and finish every antibiotic you were given.
• If you take a blood thinner or other regular medicines, follow the plan you discussed before treatment.

Smoking and alcohol

• Avoid smoking and vaping while you heal. They slow healing and raise the risk of problems.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, and while you are taking prescription pain medicine.

When to call the office

• Bleeding that does not slow after 30 minutes of firm pressure
• Pain or swelling that gets worse after the third day instead of better
• A fever
• Pus, or a bad taste or smell that does not go away
• Numbness that has not worn off by the next day
• A reaction to a medicine, such as a rash, itching, or an upset stomach that does not settle
• Nausea or vomiting that does not stop
• Redness, swelling, or a painful lump at the IV site that gets worse