What is
sedation?
Sedation is a general term that refers to the “calming of an ICU
patient with the use of medications.”
Why is sedation used?
Due to a critical illness or injury, an ICU patient may experience
unpleasant feelings, anxiety, agitation, fear or pain. In addition,
some of the procedures and supportive care, such as mechanical
ventilation, may make a patient feel uncomfortable. The ICU staff
will attempt to comfort patients by speaking to them and by
reassuring them. Often these efforts are not enough to comfort
patients and sedation is required.
How is sedation given?
There are many different medications used for sedation. The
selection of a specific medication for a patient depends upon many
factors that the doctor must consider. Once selected, the medication
may be given to a patient orally, intravenously (IV) or
intramuscularly (IM). Some medications are given only as needed and
others are given continuously.
Can sedation worsen a patient’s agitation?
This is a very common question. Many ICU patients receive sedation
because they are agitated. Rarely, patients may have worsening
agitation with certain medications used for sedation. This is called
a paradoxical reaction to the medication. Stopping the medication or
switching to a different medication usually helps.
How long is sedation used?
Sedation is used as long as the patient remains uncomfortable,
agitated, anxious, fearful, or in pain. The ICU staff will regularly
decrease the medication to see if the patient still needs it.
Are there any potential complications
associated with the use of sedation?
Each specific medication used for sedation has its own set of side
effects and complications. In general, the two most common
complications of the sedative medications are decreased breathing
and decreased blood pressure. The ICU staff will monitor a patient’s
breathing and blood pressure during sedation. Many sedative
medications cause temporary amnesia and the patient may not clearly
remember the events during the period of sedation. If sedation is
needed for a long period of time, the patient’s body may get use to
it. The sedation will need to be decreased slowly in these patients
to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Sedation 
