Has anyone's gp prescribed them a mild sedative to take before a medical intervention

[Hermanhessescat]

Tomorrow I'm having a ct scan with contrast to get to the bottom of some ongoing physical symptoms. The rational part of me is saying that it's minimally invasive and will last an hour at the most, once it's done I'll have a better idea about what's going on either way. The less rational bit is working overtime !
Gp has prescribed me some diazepam to take the edge off my nerves - 4mgs in total. Despite asking what dose to take he just said don't overdo it ! I appreciate that meds like these can have a very individual effect but just wondered if anyone has any experience of them in this situation. I'm concerned they'll just make me feel tired and dopey rather than help with the nerves ! Anyone ?

Yes - same dose for a smear test . I have had weird reactions before but I was absolutely grand . I took both about 40 minutes before and dozed right through the appointment pretty much . I honestly wouldn’t have cared if the person beside me had spontaneously combusted, I was completely chilled out .

I did need a lift home after though, so would bear that in mind !

Sounds like the right frame of mind I need to be in ! Luckily I’ll have a lift Can you remember the dose you took ?

4mg so two tablets, plus two cocodamol as well .

Glad you have a lift! It was actually quite lovely, I’m normally dreadfully anxious so I really enjoyed the break haha !

I have them for MRIs. I only take 2mg so don't fall asleep but I am slightly calmer and can zone out.

I've taken two 5mg spaced apart for an MRI contrast scan. (Don't be alarmed as it feels like you're wetting yourself very briefly as the dye goes in)
They worked for me, plus I kept my eyes closed the whole time and wore music headphones (provided by the hospital)
I was in the scanner for just under an hour and would definitely recommend diazepam!

Thanks everyone. A work colleague had the same scan (ct cardiac angiogram) done a few weeks ago and freaked me out tbh Think I’ll keep my eyes closed too and headphones would be great.

I had diazepam before an MRI because I'm so claustrophobic. I was so relaxed I fell asleep.

Yes they gave me 2mg for an MRI after I had a massive panic attack in my first one. I didn't know, but turns out I am claustrophobic.

2mg did nothing. I'll need to up the dose significantly if I need another.

I'll be having the same thing as you, OP and I'm crapping myself about it. I've been told by other's that when their friends and relatives had it done, they didn't have sedation and we're fine, so it's probably not that bad.

I'm not sure if I'd be allowed sedatives, because of my asthma, but why have PPs had to ask their GP in advance for their's, is it not offered just before the procedure?

So many typos!

Twenty2 I’ve got asthma too Instructions say to use my inhaler beforehand. Sedation shouldn’t really affect your asthma. If it’s a ct cardiac angiogram you’re having they give you some beta blockers to slow your heart right down - it’s those that can temporarily affect your asthma I think. I know my heart rate will be right up there due to anxiety so I’m trying to calm myself down by whatever way possible

I was prescribed beta blockers for anxiety once, @Hermanhessescat, with the proviso that I tried one before I needed it, and with my inhaler to hand. Turns out, I can't take them, as my asthma flared up almost instantly. It's why I'm being prescribed calcium channel blockers instead of beta blockers - I'm under investigation for angina and my blood pressure is sky-high.

When is yours being done?

Sorry, I remember you said tomorrow! Wishing you well and I hope you're not too nervous. Whatever you do, don't google the procedure, it scared the life out of me!

Actually, my sister had stents fitted under a local, with no sedation and she wasn't in the least bit bothered by it. It can't be that bad!

Tomorrow I’m more worried about what they say afterwards to be honest.
I’ve got high bp but now well controlled also been having odd tight feelings in chest mainly with stress, consultant says I’m low risk as I’ve run for years, never smoked and normal cholesterol but do have family history of cardiac disease (although both parents lived until their 80s and 90s) I’m convinced it’s angina but who knows ?
At least we’re having tests done that’s the main thing ... I’m a nurse in ICU and I’ve looked after plenty who had no warning

That’s the thing with genetics ! You can’t beat them really Both my parents had high bp too, dad had stents in his late 70s and lived another 5 years, died of something unrelated. Best wishes to you too, they do them all the time so pretty routine on the whole.

My sister is 3 years younger than me and had a heart attack at 47. She does only have one kidney, though, which causes high blood pressure. I got fully checked out at a&e two weeks ago and fortunately I definitely have not had a heart attack, which is most reassuring. The nurse specialist I saw on Monday, after taking my BP, said it might well be angina, but high BP can also cause chest pains.