Generic name: midazolam (oral) (mye DAZ oh lam)
Brand name: Versed
Drug class: Benzodiazepines
The Versed brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Versed is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to sedate a person who is having a minor surgery, dental work, or other medical procedure.
Versed may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Versed can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication. This medicine is given in a hospital, dentist office, or other clinic setting where your vital signs can be watched closely.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Versed if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- untreated or uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma; or
- an allergy to cherries.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- glaucoma;
- breathing problems; or
- congestive heart failure.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take Versed?
Versed is usually given as a single dose just before your surgery or procedure.
Versed can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication. This medicine should be used only in a hospital, dentist office, or other clinic setting where any serious side effects can be quickly treated.
After you take Versed, you will be watched closely to make sure the medicine is working and does not cause harmful side effects.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are in surgery.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because you will receive Versed in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid after taking Versed?
Do not drink alcohol shortly after taking Versed. Versed can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Versed and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products for a short time after taking this medicine.
Versed can cause extreme drowsiness that may last for 24 to 48 hours after the injection. Older adults may feel sleepy for even longer.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until the effects of midazolam have worn off completely. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Versed side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Versed can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. Your caregivers will watch you for symptoms such as weak or shallow breathing.
Tell your caregivers right away if you have:
- cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;
- slow heart rate;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- tremors; or
- confusion, agitation, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior.
The sedative effects of midazolam may last longer in older adults. You may need help getting out of bed for at least the first 8 hours. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
Common side effects may include:
- amnesia or forgetfulness after your procedure;
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting; or
- blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Versed?
Shortly after you are treated with Versed, using other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Other drugs may affect Versed, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.