I am a nurse, working in an outpatient surgery center. What I see is that Versed is used to keep people calm, so that fear is not a factor in their pain levels. Indeed, Versed does not otherwise reduce pain, which is why it is given along with a narcotic (Demerol or Fentanyl, usually). The only way a doctor knows if you're having pain is if you tell him/her so, or moan, or whatever. If it is safe to give you more drugs, the doctor should. I have seen a couple of cases where it looked like the person slept through the procedure, but complained later about how painful it was. I have no explanation for this. Personally, Versed has served me well during my procedures.