ICU Patients: What is your experience with Dexmedetomidine IV to stay calm and sleepy?

This is a great thread! I always wonder what goes on in the ICU, thanks for sharing your experience.

I've had a family member who was given Dexmedetomidine during a surgery. They woke up calmly and didn't experience any severe side effects, but they did mention a dry mouth. I remember the nurses mentioning that this is common and not to worry about it, especially when weighed against the benefits of the drug.

I had to go on a breathing machine, Dexmedetomidine was a big help.

I was on a ventilator in the ICU for a week and they used Dexmedetomidine to keep me sedated. It worked well for the most part, but I did experience some shaking and sweating. The nurses were great about monitoring me and adjusting the dosage as needed. I was worried about side effects but nothing that they couldn't manage.

The key with Dexmedetomidine is careful monitoring. It’s great for keeping patients calm without putting them under too deeply, but you need a skilled team to manage it. The nurses in my hospital are well-trained and always keep an eye on the patients.

I've seen it used for patients who need to stay awake for tests but need something to keep them calm. It's a bit tricky to dose correctly at times, but it works well when managed properly.

I had a friend in the ICU who was on this drug. She had some muscle cramps and weakness, but it was better than the anxiety she felt when fully awake. Overall, she said it was manageable.

This drug is a huge step up from traditional sedatives. It's better for patients who need to be alert at times and that balance is so important. I have a friend who works in an ICU and she swears by this type and she's seen things turn bad if not used correctly. The balance is critical.

I've heard that Dexmedetomidine can cause some weird symptoms, like confusion or changes in vision. Anybody here experienced that? Also, how does this compare to other sedatives like Propofol? I'm curious

Dexmedetomidine has been a game-changer for patients who need to be sedated but also need to be easily awakened for tests or procedures. I've seen it used effectively in the ICU, especially for patients on ventilators. It's not uncommon to see patients experiencing some agitation or nervousness, but overall, it's manageable.