Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Versed as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Versed use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, and light-headedness. Individuals taking Versed can also present compromised memory and forgetfulness. Individuals taking Versed can develop anterograde amnesia, which is a compromised ability to form new memories after the intake of medication for the duration of medication action.
- Discontinuing or significant reduction of Versed dose intake abruptly, after prolonged use, can result in exacerbation of anxiety, relapse and rebound of the panic episodes, precipitation of seizure episodes, muscle spasms, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms of insomnia and behavior changes. So, versed usually is not prescribed for duration beyond 2 weeks. Discontinuing the medication after prolonged use should be gradual, using tapering doses, and only as recommended by your physician.
Other constitutional side-effects
- Individuals taking Versed can also present with sexual dysfunctions, such as, compromised interest in sex, difficulty attaining and maintaining erection, and/or difficulty having an orgasm.
Musculoskeletal side-effects
- Versed use can result in slurred speech, motor incoordination, with consequent increased fall risk and accidents. Confusion and dizziness with Versed use, can add to the motor incoordination, thus enhancing the fall risk significantly.
