I have a question about a prescription for valium related to my MRI tests this Monday.  I have been prescribed one 10mg tablet to help with the anxiety (I'm claustrophobic).  I mentioned to my neurologist that since I have OSA, I was concerned that the valium would relax me so much that if I dozed off, I wouldnt be alert enough to wake myself up.  He blew me off and said it "shouldn't" be a problem.

Anyone have any similar experience?  Should I be concerned?

Thanks,

Deb Orth
deb1976@msn.com

Hi Deb:
I think there's a bunch of things to consider here-- the severity of your OSA; all the medication variables, including dosage, route of administration, and individual response; whether you're taking other medications; and underlying medical conditions.  So, while this might not be the best place to get that question answered, if you have severe, desaturating OSA, with or without significant other issues, I'd be concerned about EVERYTHING.  Check with your sleep doctor about the possible side effects, he's probably in a much better position to know how you'll respond to a particular type and dose of medication.  If you're taking additional medications, or have multiple other medical problems (neurologist and MRI in the same sentence suggests you might have at least one other significant issue) you really do need a good physician team leader to coordinate your care.
However, once you get to the MRI suite here's some suggestions that may help:
The object here is get other people to worry about you rather than you worry about you, it's much more efficient that way.  Problems happen in hospitals because information isn't given to the people who need it.  When you get to the MRI, technicians will be watching you, probably not nurses and I doubt very much if the neurologist will be there.  Tell the technicians "I have (severe, whatever) obstructive sleep apnea, I stop breathing when I sleep and my oxygen level drops, so could you be sure to keep a close eye on me in case I nod off during the procedure?"  Include other pertinent details.  If they look at you like you have 3 heads, which they probably will, because radiology techs probably never even heard of OSA, then ask "Do you think you could have a nurse available to watch me during the test?"  They'll probably be happy to do that, now it's not their problem, nor really should it be.  They should have an MRI-compatible pulse oximeter in there to track your oxygen levels as well as a heart monitor.
Oh, yeah, the effect of this medication will probably continue for a bit after your procedure, so have someone with you, and if you go home and nap, make sure you got the CPAP on.
I know that doesn't answer your question directly, but I hope is somewhat helpful.  
sleepydave

Hi again:
Sorry, but I just can't resist:
When the neurologist sends you this bill, write back, "Oh, paying you 'shouldn't' be a problem."  Maybe it'll click.
No, on third thought, don't do that, let's take the high road here.
s.d.

10mg of valium isnt a very large dose, take it about 1 hour before the test
if you arent used to valium it may sedate you and make you feel drunk so I would be doubtful about driving on that day
many apnea sufferers take much higher doses of valium

I wouldn't worry about the valium at all...your neurologist ordered the MRI and the valium...he/she obviously knows about your OSA...if I had any question at all, I would make a phone call to the neurologist...and if in doubt, I'd cancel the test and find another neurologist...it's your health and your responsibility...

Again, I wouldn't drive while under the influence of a tranquilizer and, I wouldn't hesitate to ask for my pulse-ox to be monitored while undergoing the MRI...

Best of luck and let us know how everthing goes...


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Joe Camel

OSA Feb '04
S-7 EliteCPAP Feb '04
AutoSet Spirit July '04
VPAPIII August '05 (CHF & MCTD)
Heated Humification
Mirage Activa Nasal Mask(previous Mirage Ultra Nasal Mask, Breese Nasal Pillows, Breese Nasal Mask)

Deb1976@msn.com...I had an MRI done a couple of months ago and was also scared to have it done...I took valium but was still so nervous that I couldn't have slept if I tried. I'm not to sure how much of the medicine I took now. It did help me get through the test. I had it done a few years ago also and found the machine they had this past time much easier to go into. Not so small and confined. Take deep breaths and try not to think of where you are. I had a hard time for a few minutes but once I was in, it was not to bad. The machine I went into had a mirror set up so that if I moved my eyes up a little I could see the nurses in the other room. That helped too. I don't think you will fall asleep. Be warned though....it is noisy.


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*** Linda ***

I guess my message to Deb1976@msn.com was a little to late...I just realized it was today that you went.    I hope you made out alright.


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*** Linda ***