Propofol
Propofol
What is Propofol?
Propofol is a short-acting anesthetic that provides rapid and controllable anesthesia. It works by influencing certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for sedation and sleep production. Once administered intravenously, the effect is almost instantaneous and you slip into a deep anesthesia within seconds. What makes Propofol so practical is its short duration of action: after the end of the procedure, you wake up again quickly and regain your senses relatively quickly. Propofol is often preferred for outpatient operations or shorter procedures where a quick recovery is important.
What can happen?
Propofol side effects
As with any medication, there are possible side effects with Propofol. The most common include
- A drop in blood pressure
- Respiratory depression, i.e. a reduced breathing rate
- Burning or pain at the injection site when it is injected into the vein
In most cases, these side effects are mild and temporary. Nevertheless, it is important that you are constantly monitored during anesthesia, as in rare cases more serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmia or allergic reactions can occur. Monitoring your vital functions, i.e. your cardiovascular system and breathing, is particularly important.
What is behind it?
Propofol deaths
Although deaths associated with propofol are rare, they can occur if the drug is incorrectly dosed or used improperly. It is particularly risky when Propofol is used outside of a medical setting. A tragic example of this is the case of Michael Jackson, who abused propofol as a sleeping pill, which ultimately led to his death. However, in a clinical setting where it is monitored by experienced medical staff, propofol is safe and very controllable. This is why it should only be administered by professionals.
Propofol dosage: How much is right?
The dosage of Propofol varies greatly from person to person and depends on many factors, such as your weight, age and general state of health. It is always administered slowly intravenously and the dose is adjusted during the procedure to achieve the desired depth of anesthesia. For induction of anesthesia in adults, the usual dose is between 1.5 and 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. During the maintenance of anesthesia, propofol is infused continuously and the dosage is also adjusted individually. It is important that the administration is constantly monitored, as an overdose can lead to serious complications.
What can trigger it?
Propofol and the psyche
In addition to the physical side effects, propofol can also trigger psychological effects, especially after waking up from anesthesia. Some patients report intense dreams, hallucinations or even a feeling of confusion. These effects are usually short-lived and disappear quickly, but they can be particularly unsettling for sensitive individuals. Such psychological reactions occur more frequently when propofol is administered over longer periods of time, such as during sedation in intensive care units.
Propofol dreams: strange, but normal
A well-known phenomenon associated with the use of Propofol is the unusual dreams that many patients experience. These dreams can often seem particularly vivid or surreal and range from pleasant to sometimes disturbing scenes. The reason for this is due to the effect of propofol on the brain, particularly the areas responsible for dreaming. Although these dreams can sometimes be confusing, they are harmless and usually disappear shortly after waking.
Buying Propofol: What you should definitely know
Propofol is a powerful drug that is subject to strict regulations. It may only be used and administered by medical professionals. Buying Propofol without a doctor's prescription is not only illegal, but also extremely dangerous. If it is used improperly or without proper supervision, it can lead to life-threatening complications. The drug is therefore only available in hospitals or under medical supervision. Misuse or illegal possession of propofol can lead to serious legal and health consequences.