Medication or sedation for MRI anxiety

Questions about medication or sedation need an individual plan with your clinician and MRI team.

Raise it before the appointment

If anxiety may prevent the examination, contact the center or referring clinician in advance. Ask who can discuss the options and what arrangements would be needed. Different kinds of medication and sedation involve different preparation and supervision.

Do not improvise a dose

This website does not recommend a medicine or dose. Do not borrow medication, take more than prescribed, or change your usual medication plan based on a preparation exercise. Ask the responsible clinician if anything is unclear.

Ask about the practical arrangements

Confirm instructions about food, drink, medication, arrival, accompaniment, transport, and aftercare. Follow the instructions for your specific plan. Do not assume contrast alone means the same preparation as sedation.

Preparation can support a conversation

You can still write down what worries you and how you want to ask for help. A self-support program does not replace the medical support that your clinicians consider appropriate.

Source

General information: RadiologyInfo: anesthesia and sedation. These sources do not endorse Ready for MRI. Your MRI team’s instructions take priority.