Adult sedation

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

This leaflet is for adults who have undergone sedation in the Emergency Department. It includes information on what to expect after having sedation and what you need to do when you get home.

What is sedation?

Sedation is a medical procedure where you have been given medication to help you tolerate a short procedure that is painful. Examples could include reducing a shoulder dislocation or putting a plaster on a broken ankle.

You may experience some memory loss for the period that you were under sedation. You may also still have some mild nausea, dizziness or drowsiness, but you will have been assessed as safe for discharge and these symptoms should settle. You should not suffer any long-term effects.

After sedation, it is very important that you follow the advice given on the next page.

What should I do when I get home?

You must have a friend or relative to take you home, and a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours.

The effects of sedation may persist for a little while, so please follow this advice.

For the next 24 hours 

Do not:

• Travel alone.
• Drink alcohol.
• Make any important decisions, such as signing contracts, making commitments or making major purchases.
• Undertake any activity that requires you to be alert and coordinated. This includes driving, operating heavy machinery, operating power tools, cooking, climbing and riding a motorised vehicle or bike.
• Return to work.

Please be aware that it is an offence to drive when unfit to do so. In addition, doing this is likely to mean that your insurance policy is not valid.

Do:

• Rest for the rest of the day and avoid strenuous activity.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a light diet.
• Let somebody else take care of anybody you normally look after, such as children or elderly relatives.

Can I take painkillers and other medications?

The medical staff will advise you about painkillers before you leave the hospital. Please tell them what painkilling tablets you have at home.

You should take your other medications as usual.

What if I have any concerns or worries when I get home?

In the event of any problems or concerns within 72 hours, please contact or return to your nearest Emergency Department for further advice.

After 72 hours, please seek advice from your GP or NHS 111.

Can I find out more?

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please speak to one of our nurses. If you need help when you return home, please contact your GP.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet, please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Joanne Taylor Date reviewed: March 2020 Next review due: August 2026 Version: 2 DGH ref: DGH/PIL/01362