We understand that some patients may feel anxious or claustrophobic when undergoing radiological precedures such as CT or MRI scans and may ask whether their GP can prescribe a sedative beforehand.
Our Practice Policy
For patient safety reasons, we do not prescribe sedatives for using during CT, MRI, or other radiological procedures.
If sedation is required, it should be arranged and managed by the hospital or radiology department before performing the scan.
Why we do not prescribe sedatives for scans
Sedation is not without risk and should only be provided in an environment where patients can be appropriately assessed, monitored and, if necessary, treated for complications.
Safe and effective sedation requires:
- a trained and appropriately qualified team
- pre-procedure assessment of the patient
- a documented sedation plan
- continuous monitoring during and after sedation
- immediate access to resuscitation equipment and reversal medications.
This is supported by the guidance from the Royal College of Radiologists, which states:
“Safe and effective analgesia and sedation should be delivered by an appropriately trained and credentialed team with good access to anaesthetics, pre-procedure assessment, sedation plan and checklist, with appropriate monitoring and availability of resuscitation equipment and reversal agents.”
Important Considerations
- Sedatives can cause side effects, including excessive drowsiness, breathing difficulties, and occasionally paradoxical reactions such as increased agitation.
- Patients receiving sedation require appropriate monitoring to ensure their safety.
- Small doses of sedatives may not provide sufficient anxiety relief, while higher doses may increase the risk of adverse effects
- Scan appointments are sometimes delayed, making it difficult to time medication so that it is effective when the procedure takes place
- GP practices do not have the facilities to monitor patients during radiological procedures
- The hospital team arranging or undertaking the scan is best placed to assess whether sedation is appropriate and to provide it safely if required.
What if I am anxious about my scan?
If you are concerned about anxiety, claustrophobia or previous difficulties with scans:
- please inform the Radiology Department as soon as possible
- discuss your concerns with the hospital clinician who requested the scan
- let us know if you have significant anxiety relating to the procedure, as we can include this information in your referral to help the Radiology team plan your care
- some Radiology Departments offer additional support, alternative scanning options, or supervised sedation where clinically appropriate.
Summary
For your safety, this practice does not prescribe sedatives for CT, MRI or other radiological procedures. Any sedation required should be assessed, prescribed and monitored by the hospital team performing the investigation, where appropriate facilities and specialist staff are available.