What Do They Give You for MRI Sedation? A Comprehensive Patient Guide

October 9, 2025 •

5 min read

Studies show that up to 37% of patients experience moderate to severe anxiety during an MRI scan [1.2.5]. To manage this and ensure clear images, many wonder: what do they give you for MRI sedation? A variety of medications are used depending on the patient's needs.

Quick Summary

An overview of medications used for MRI sedation, from oral benzodiazepines for mild anxiety to IV anesthetics like propofol for deep sedation. This covers the different levels of sedation, the process, potential risks, and what patients should expect.

Key Points

Purpose: Sedation for an MRI is used to manage anxiety, claustrophobia, pain, and involuntary movement to ensure a high-quality scan [1.2.4, 1.3.3].
Common Drugs: Benzodiazepines like Midazolam (Versed), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Diazepam (Valium) are frequently used for mild to moderate sedation [1.3.3, 1.3.4].
Deep Sedation: The anesthetic Propofol is used for deep sedation and must be administered by an anesthesia professional due to its potent effects [1.3.6, 1.5.5].
Administration: Sedatives can be given orally (pills) before the scan or intravenously (IV) for faster, more controlled effects during the procedure [1.3.3].
Safety First: Key preparations include fasting for 6-8 hours before the scan and arranging for someone to drive you home afterward [1.6.1, 1.6.2].
Pediatric Use: Sedation is very common for children; drugs like Propofol and Dexmedetomidine are often used to help them remain still [1.7.2, 1.7.3].
Alternatives Exist: For some patients, options like Open MRI machines, in-scanner movie goggles, and relaxation techniques can reduce or eliminate the need for medication [1.2.4, 1.8.4].

Why is Sedation Necessary for an MRI?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) requires patients to lie perfectly still inside a narrow, enclosed machine, often for 30 to 90 minutes [1.2.6]. The machine also produces loud thumping noises [1.2.4]. These factors can trigger significant anxiety and claustrophobia, with some studies reporting that 25% to 37% of patients feel moderate anxiety [1.2.4]. Patient movement, whether voluntary or involuntary due to discomfort, can create motion artifacts that degrade image quality and may require the scan to be repeated [1.2.4]. Sedation helps manage anxiety, claustrophobia, pain, and the ability to remain still, ensuring a successful and high-quality diagnostic scan [1.3.3, 1.4.6].

Levels of MRI Sedation

Sedation exists on a spectrum, and the level chosen depends on the patient's anxiety, medical condition, and age [1.4.1]. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) defines these levels [1.4.4]:

Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis): The patient is relaxed but responds normally to verbal commands. Cognitive function may be slightly impaired, but airway and cardiovascular functions are unaffected [1.4.4, 1.4.5]. This is often achieved with a low dose of an oral medication.
Moderate Sedation (Conscious Sedation): This is a depressed level of consciousness where patients can respond purposefully to verbal commands or light touch [1.4.4]. Patients can maintain their own airway. This is a common goal for MRI sedation, often using IV medications like Midazolam [1.3.3, 1.4.5].
Deep Sedation/Analgesia: The patient cannot be easily aroused but will respond to repeated or painful stimuli [1.4.4]. The ability to maintain breathing may be impaired and may require assistance. This level of sedation, often using drugs like Propofol, requires monitoring by an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) [1.3.6, 1.4.1].
General Anesthesia: The patient is unconscious and cannot be aroused, even by painful stimuli. Breathing and cardiovascular function are often impaired, requiring significant support [1.4.4]. This is typically reserved for young children or patients who have failed other sedation methods [1.4.1].

Common Medications Used for MRI Sedation

Doctors choose from several classes of drugs based on the required level of sedation, procedure length, and patient health [1.3.3, 1.4.1].

Benzodiazepines

This class of drugs is widely used for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), muscle-relaxant, and amnestic (memory-loss) effects [1.3.3].

Midazolam (Versed): A very common choice for IV conscious sedation. It is fast-acting with a short duration, making it ideal for procedures [1.3.3, 1.4.4]. It effectively reduces anxiety and memory of the event [1.3.3].
Lorazepam (Ativan): Can be given orally before the procedure to reduce anxiety [1.3.4, 1.4.4]. It is longer-acting than midazolam [1.4.4].
Diazepam (Valium): Another oral option, Valium is also a long-acting benzodiazepine used for pre-procedure anxiety relief [1.3.3, 1.4.4].

Opioids

Opioids are primarily used for pain relief but also have sedative properties. They are often used in combination with benzodiazepines [1.3.3].

Fentanyl: A potent, rapid-onset opioid that provides pain relief and sedation [1.3.2]. When combined with midazolam, it's a common pairing for conscious sedation [1.3.3].

Anesthetics and Other Sedatives

For deeper sedation, more powerful agents are used under the supervision of an anesthesia professional [1.3.6].

Propofol (Diprivan): A powerful general anesthetic administered via IV. It induces sleep very quickly and allows for a rapid recovery, often within 30-45 minutes post-procedure [1.3.6]. Due to its potential to cause respiratory depression, it must be administered by an anesthesiologist or CRNA [1.4.1, 1.5.5].
Dexmedetomidine: This sedative can provide sedation without the risk of respiratory depression associated with other drugs, making it a valuable option, particularly in pediatric patients [1.7.3, 1.5.4].
Pentobarbital: A barbiturate that may also be used for sedation [1.3.1].

Comparison of Common MRI Sedatives


Medication	Class	Typical Administration	Common Use Case	Key Features
Midazolam (Versed)	Benzodiazepine	IV	Moderate Sedation	Fast-acting, short duration, causes amnesia [1.3.3, 1.4.4].
Lorazepam (Ativan)	Benzodiazepine	Oral	Minimal to Moderate Sedation	Longer-acting than Midazolam, taken before the exam [1.3.4, 1.4.4].
Diazepam (Valium)	Benzodiazepine	Oral	Minimal Sedation	Long-acting, provides muscle relaxation [1.3.3, 1.4.4].
Fentanyl	Opioid	IV	Moderate Sedation (often with Midazolam)	Potent pain relief, rapid onset [1.3.2, 1.3.3].
Propofol (Diprivan)	Anesthetic	IV	Deep Sedation / General Anesthesia	Very fast onset, rapid recovery, requires anesthesia professional [1.3.6, 1.5.5].

The Process: Before, During, and After Sedation

### Preparing for Your Sedated MRI Preparation is crucial for safety. Patients are typically instructed to have nothing to eat or drink (fasting) for at least 6 to 8 hours before the scan to prevent aspiration (inhaling stomach contents) [1.6.1, 1.6.2]. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home, as you will be unable to drive for up to 24 hours [1.6.1, 1.6.2]. It's also important to wear comfortable clothing without any metal zippers or snaps [1.6.1].

### During and After the Procedure Before the scan, a nurse or anesthesiologist will review your medical history and may place an IV line in your arm [1.6.2]. During the MRI, your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) will be continuously monitored [1.3.6, 1.6.2]. After the scan, you will be moved to a recovery area until the medication wears off. Most patients are awake and alert enough for discharge within 30 to 45 minutes, though you may feel drowsy for the rest of the day [1.3.6, 1.3.7].

Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe, sedation carries risks. Common side effects for most sedatives include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and headache [1.5.3]. More serious but rare risks include allergic reactions, breathing problems (respiratory depression), and changes in heart rate or blood pressure [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. This is why trained personnel and careful monitoring are essential [1.3.6].

Special Considerations: Pediatric Patients

Sedation is very common for infants and young children who cannot stay still for an MRI [1.5.2]. Medications like Propofol and Dexmedetomidine are frequently used [1.7.2]. Sometimes, a combination of drugs like intranasal dexmedetomidine and oral midazolam is employed to achieve successful sedation with fewer side effects [1.7.3].

Alternatives to Sedation

For patients with mild anxiety, non-pharmacological options may be effective.

Open MRI: These machines are not a fully enclosed tunnel and can reduce feelings of claustrophobia [1.2.4].
Audiovisual Systems: Many facilities offer goggles and headphones so patients can watch a movie or listen to music during the scan as a distraction [1.8.4].
Mock Scanners: Especially for children, practicing in a mock scanner can help them become familiar with the environment and sounds, reducing the need for sedation [1.8.1].
Child Life Specialists: These professionals use play and education to help children cope with the stress of medical procedures [1.8.4].

An authoritative outbound link to the American Society of Anesthesiologists page on sedation could be included here, such as: Learn more about sedation safety from the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Conclusion

Sedation is a safe and highly effective tool that enables countless patients to undergo necessary MRI scans without distress. The choice between oral anxiolytics like Lorazepam for mild anxiety, IV conscious sedation with Midazolam and Fentanyl, or deep sedation with Propofol is tailored to each individual's needs. Open communication with your medical team about your anxiety levels and medical history is the first step toward a comfortable and successful imaging experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. It depends on the level of sedation. For 'conscious sedation,' you will be very drowsy and relaxed but able to respond to commands [1.4.4]. For deep sedation with drugs like Propofol, you will be in a light sleep [1.3.6].

The duration depends on the medication. IV drugs like Midazolam and Propofol are short-acting, and most patients are ready for discharge within 30-45 minutes after the scan, though grogginess can last longer [1.3.6, 1.4.4]. Oral sedatives like Lorazepam can have effects that last for several hours [1.4.4].

No. It is mandatory to have a responsible adult drive you home after receiving any level of sedation for an MRI, as your coordination and judgment will be impaired [1.6.1, 1.6.2].

For IV conscious sedation, a combination of Midazolam (a benzodiazepine) and Fentanyl (an opioid) is very common [1.3.3]. For deeper sedation requiring an anesthesiologist, Propofol is a standard choice [1.3.6].

It depends on the patient's level of anxiety. Oral sedatives like Ativan or Valium are often sufficient for mild anxiety [1.3.3]. IV sedation offers faster and more controllable sedation for those with more significant anxiety or claustrophobia [1.3.3].

The most common side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and sometimes nausea or headache [1.5.3]. More serious risks like slowed breathing are rare and are managed by continuous monitoring during the procedure [1.5.2, 1.6.2].

Yes. You will typically be instructed not to eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before your appointment to reduce the risk of aspiration during sedation [1.6.1, 1.6.2].

Yes. If you have anxiety, claustrophobia, or a condition that makes it difficult to lie still, you can and should discuss sedation options with your referring physician when the MRI is ordered [1.3.3, 1.3.7].