[Propofol-induced hallucinations and dreams]

Abstract

Through a review of both the cases in the national pharmacovigilance database and the literature, we evaluated the importance of propofol-induced hallucinations and dreams which are not mentioned in the propofol Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPC). Postoperative hallucinations occurring in patients anaesthetized by propofol is not exceptional even with low doses of propofol. Most of the hallucinations are described as pleasant with a frequent "sexual connotation", uninhibited behavior or a verbal expression of patient's intimate thoughts. In the same way, many studies about anaesthetics highlight the supporting role of propofol in the occurrence of pleasant dreams. Finally these effects should be mentioned in the propofol SPC due to the legal implication they might lead to.