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beginner1 · 02-15-2013, 08:40 AM

My wife had a single IV push dose of droperidol in the ER for treatment of a very severe migraine almost exactly 5 days ago. She immediately experienced anxiety and restlessness, and soon after she developed symptoms of akathisia. She can't sit/stand still without rocking or fidgeting. Oral diphenhydramine and oral clonazepam have been only marginally helpful. A physician from her PCP's office gave her 4 pills of benzatropine which have not helped much either. She contacted her neurologist but she can't be seen until late next week. Her overall anxiety has gone down from a 10 upon discharge from the ER to an 8.5 now - 5 days later.

Does anyone know how long these side effects last? The drug itself has a halflife of 2.3 hours so it should be long gone.

Thank you.

smgrider · 03-11-2013, 12:38 PM

I went to the hospital on 2/12/13 for a migraine and was given Droperidol. I was so anxious I just wanted to leave the hospital and went home. I thrashed in bed for two days, could not urinate for about 10 hours and started vomiting. The worst anxiety/depression came over me and I would cry for hours for no reason. Today is my first day back to work. I am better but still have to move my legs and my hands. I was also given Benzotropine as well as Klonopin. The Benzotropine didn't do much for the legs but the Klonopin helped with the overwhelming anxiety. This was so horrible and the worst feeling. I wish your wife a speedy recovery.

praybelieving · 03-11-2013, 01:41 PM

I don't have a clue why it would last this long, but I have this listed as an allergy in my records although its not a "true" allergy. NOONE ever give this to me again!!!! I got it in the ER once and I thought I was going to crawl out of my own skin!!! My heart rate went up and I was thrashing around...omgosh it was awful!! They finally calmed me down with a dose of dilaudid...but it didn't quite go away. I had insomnia that night that ambien couldn't take care of and was so anxious I would take a double dose of ativan and a muscle relaxer that night and the next day and it finally subsided. That drug is the devil!!!! Put it on her chart as an allergy next time you go to the er or doc. Hope she feels better...I'm sorry.

smgrider · 03-11-2013, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by praybelieving

I don't have a clue why it would last this long, but I have this listed as an allergy in my records although its not a "true" allergy. NOONE ever give this to me again!!!! I got it in the ER once and I thought I was going to crawl out of my own skin!!! My heart rate went up and I was thrashing around...omgosh it was awful!! They finally calmed me down with a dose of dilaudid...but it didn't quite go away. I had insomnia that night that ambien couldn't take care of and was so anxious I would take a double dose of ativan and a muscle relaxer that night and the next day and it finally subsided. That drug is the devil!!!! Put it on her chart as an allergy next time you go to the er or doc. Hope she feels better...I'm sorry.

danab58 · 03-20-2013, 10:35 PM

Well, I don't feel so crazy now. I was in the ER last sunday after the imitrex didn't work (this time). I was given compazine and droperidol. I have never been given either for a migraine, and don't know why they chose that this time. I felt awful for days, I'm just starting to feel normal again. I got the worst rebound headache, and I was so anxious and restless and could not sleep. I was so dizzy and felt so.... Out of sorts. If that makes sense. I am going back as soon as I can, I guess it's time for maintenance meds.
I will definitely say NO to droperidol ever again!

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