How can you prepare for a gastroscopy?
Before a gastroscopy, your doctor will tell you about the procedure and any associated risks. This includes information about medication you can take to make the examination more comfortable. If you take medication regularly, you should ask beforehand whether and when to take it on the day of the procedure. You may need to stop taking some medications, such as anti-clotting medication, several days before the gastroscopy. Your doctor will tell you how many hours before the gastroscopy you should stop eating and drinking. Before the procedure you will be asked to sign a consent form.
If you are given a sedative for the gastroscopy, you will usually not be allowed to drive a car or operate machinery for 12 to 24 hours afterwards. The exact amount of time will depend on the medications used. Your doctor will give you more information. Ideally, you should be picked up by someone or take a taxi home after the procedure.