Oral Sedation

The oral sedative(s) Ativan, Halcion, Valium, Phenergan, and/ or Vistaril to be administered is a medication that can greatly reduce anxiety which may be associated with going to the dentist. In a relaxed state, you will still be able to communicate with the dentist while treatment is being performed. It is not intended to put you to sleep or render you unconscious. Even though it is safe, effective and wears off rapidly, you should be aware of some important precautions and considerations.The onset of some medications is very rapid. You must have someone drive you to and from your appointment. For safety reasons and because people react differently you should not drive or operate machinery the remainder of the day.

 The medication should not be used if:

  • You are allergic to this or any related medications.
  • You are pregnant or breast feeding.
  • You have liver or kidney disease.

 

Tell the doctor if you are taking any medications, especially Nefazodone (Serzone), Cimetidine (Tagamet, Novocimetine, or Peptol), Levodopa, antihistamines (such as Benadryl and Tavist, Verapamil (Calan), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Erythromycin and the Azole Antimycotics (Nizoral, Biaxin, or Sporanox), HIV drugs such as Indinavir and Nelfinovir and alcohol. Taking recreational drugs/ illicit drugs and some herbal supplements can also cause untoward reactions.

You must have supervision after the appointment and for the time period specified by the dentist, which may include over- night supervision.