Sedatives for Radiological Procedures (CT/MRI Scans)

We understand that many patients feel anxious about undergoing radiological procedures such as CT or MRI scans, and may ask if we can prescribe sedatives beforehand.

However, we DO NOT prescribe sedatives for patients undergoing radiological procedures.

Why we do not prescribe sedatives for scans

• It is not safe for GP practices to prescribe sedatives for patients to use during these procedures.

• Safe and effective sedation requires:

  • A trained and credentialed team

  • Proper pre-procedure assessment

  • A clear sedation plan and checklist

  • Close monitoring throughout

  • Immediate access to resuscitation equipment and reversal agents

This is supported by 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

• Sedated patients must be carefully monitored. There have been serious incidents where sedatives prescribed outside hospital settings led to unmonitored respiratory arrest during scans.

• Practices are not required to prescribe sedatives for these procedures.

• Low doses (e.g. 2mg diazepam) are often ineffective, while even small amounts can cause unpredictable reactions, including increased agitation in some patients.

• Timing is difficult: a patient may take a sedative expecting an immediate scan, only to find the procedure is delayed, meaning the medication is no longer effective when needed.

• GPs are not regularly trained, skilled, or appraised in providing sedation.

• Hospital teams requesting or performing imaging have the same prescribing abilities as GPs, and are better placed to prescribe and manage sedation if required.

What if I’m anxious about my scan?

If anxiety is a concern:

• Discuss this with your hospital consultant or the radiology team. They can arrange appropriate support or sedation with full monitoring.

• If you are being referred for imaging, it may be helpful for us to note any concerns about anxiety on your referral, so the radiology team can plan accordingly.

In summary

For your safety, we do not prescribe sedatives for radiological procedures. This ensures that any sedation is managed by specialists with immediate access to monitoring and emergency support.