Versed Warnings and Precautions

Prior to taking Versed, it is important to understand the risks of the medication. Some of the Versed warnings and precautions include the risk of the drug causing difficulty breathing, the safety of taking the drug when pregnant or breastfeeding, and the potential of abusing the drug. Among the people who should not take Versed are those who are allergic to any components of the drug and those who have acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

 

Versed: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Versed® (midazolam) if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Versed Warnings and Precautions

Some of the warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Versed include the following:
 
  • Make sure your healthcare provider is equipped for and capable of handling breathing problems and other emergencies that Versed may cause, especially if your procedure will not be performed in a hospital.
     
  • As with all benzodiazepines, Versed is a controlled substance, which means that it has the potential to be abused. There are special rules and regulations for prescribing and dispensing Versed.
     
  • People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more sensitive to the negative affects of Versed on breathing. If you have COPD, be sure to inform your healthcare provider and anesthesiologist.
     
  • Versed can cause difficulty breathing, which may be life threatening. This risk is increased when Versed is combined with alcohol, narcotics, or other medications or substances that cause drowsiness and sedation (see Versed Drug Interactions for more information).
     
  • The effects of Versed may last quite a while after your surgery or procedure, even if you feel fine. In general, you should not drive yourself home or make any important decisions after your surgery or procedure.
     
  • Versed is considered a pregnancy Category D medication. This means that it is probably not safe for use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug during pregnancy (see Versed and Pregnancy).
     
  • Versed passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Versed and Breastfeeding).
     
(Versed Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;