After receiving conscious sedation you will be recovered by nursing staff until you are alert and oriented, your vital signs are stable, you are able to urinate, and you can tolerate fluid and food. Generally, this takes one or two hours. However, every person is different and some people require more time to recover. Recovery time can also depend on how much medication was received during conscious sedation and the age of the person.
When you are discharged, you will need to have a driver because you should not drive for 24 hours after receiving sedation medications. You will be instructed to not drink alcohol, operate heavy equipment, or sign any contracts for the next 24 hours. You will also need to have someone stay with you if any problems, like difficulty breathing, occur.
Any after-effects of the medication must be minimal or gone before you will be discharged from the facility to go home. You will not be allowed to drive yourself, so arrangements should be made for a responsible adult to provide you with transportation. If you think you may need some assistance, you might consider having someone stay with you on the day of surgery.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.