Phentermine and Surgery Guide (Hazards, Benefits, and Duration)

Phentermine, the anti-obesity drug, has become increasingly popular in the United States over the years.

Its effectiveness in aiding weight loss has made it the most prescribed weight loss drug in the country, with over 2.43 million prescriptions written in 2011.

However, the medication’s interaction with anesthesia during surgery may lead to serious complications.

Even though no one knows for sure what the link is between phentermine and anesthesia, different reports point to a possible risk.

It is, therefore, important for individuals taking phentermine to inform their physicians before surgery, and the last dose should be taken at least 7 days prior to surgery.

Abruptly stopping its use may lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can worsen pre-surgery.

So, what should you do before discontinuing phentermine prior to surgery? What are the dangers and risks of using phentermine in conjunction with surgery?

Are there any safe diet medications I could try?

Let’s go through these subjects more in order to address your queries below.

What Are the Dangers of Phentermine and Surgery?

Phentermine may not necessarily be at the forefront of one’s mind when planning for a surgical procedure.

But it is very important to always tell the medical team ahead of time about any medications or supplements you are taking.

This is especially true for phentermine, as it has been known to cause dangerous complications during surgery when combined with anesthesia and other medications.

To minimize these risks, doctors recommend a 7-day gap between the last dose of phentermine and the date of surgery.

Unfortunately, emergency surgeries may not be able to wait this long, leaving patients with the hard choice of whether or not to go through with the surgery while there are still traces of phentermine in their system.

Researchers suggest that direct questioning before a procedure can help manage these risks, and offer methods such as arterial blood pressure monitoring, perioperative beta-blockade, and/or the use of clonidine.

So, why are you unable to take phentermine before surgery?

Let’s look at the specific reasons why this combination can be dangerous, even fatal, to certain people.

1. Interfering with the effects of anesthesia

When people get ready for surgery, anesthesia is very important because it keeps them from feeling pain.

General anesthesia is commonly used to induce unconsciousness during the procedure, eliminating the possibility of experiencing unnecessary discomfort.

But some medicines, like phentermine, could make the anesthesia less effective if you take them before surgery.

This can result in some pain during the procedure, making it necessary to administer higher doses of anesthesia. While increasing the anesthesia dose might alleviate the pain, it can also lead to other complications.

So, it is very important for patients to tell their healthcare provider about any medicines they are taking. This will help avoid any problems during surgery.

2. Cardiac Risks

The topic of cardiac risks is a serious concern in the medical field. One of these risks is that anesthesia makes the myocardium more sensitive to stimulants like phentermine and amphetamine. This makes the risk of a heart attack or cardiac arrest higher because more neurotransmitters are being made.

Case studies have also shown that patients who took phentermine before surgery had slow heart rates.

These situations can be very dangerous, and even fatal. It is crucial for patients and medical professionals to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions to address them.

Before taking any medicine or going through any medical procedure, it is always best to talk to a doctor.

3. Blood Pressure Issues

When undergoing surgery, many patients may be prescribed Phentermine to manage their weight.

However, it’s important to note that this medication can have a significant impact on blood pressure, which can put patients at risk.

High blood pressure can lead to a range of complications, including hemorrhage, stroke, heart failure, and heart attack during or after surgery.

On the other hand, low blood pressure can cause shock, acute kidney injury, a postoperative heart attack, and delirium. It’s worth noting that lower blood pressure is actually associated with higher death rates than high blood pressure before surgery.

Because of these things, it’s very important that both the patient and the doctor pay close attention to the blood pressure during surgery.

Wound Healing and Phentermine

Wound healing is a complex process that involves various physiological mechanisms. While there are several factors that can affect the rate of wound healing, the use of phentermine does not appear to be one of them.

Phentermine is primarily known for its effects on the heart, brain, and nervous system, and has not been shown to have any direct influence on the body’s ability to heal wounds.

Nonetheless, it is important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including phentermine, to avoid any potential complications or interactions with other drugs.

Why Do You Need to Quit Taking Phentermine Before Surgery? Death from Phentermine and Anesthesia

If you are considering undergoing surgery, it is important to take all precautions necessary to reduce the risk of complications.

One such precaution is to quit taking phentermine prior to surgery. Phentermine is a medication commonly used to aid in weight loss, but it can have potentially dangerous interactions with anesthesia during surgery.

The combination of phentermine and anesthesia can lead to a number of serious complications, including coma and even death.

That is why informing your doctor of all medications taken prior to surgery is of utmost importance in reducing the risk of such complications.

How Long Should You Be Off Phentermine Before Having Surgery?

When considering surgery, it’s important to know the guidelines for stopping certain medications, including phentermine.

The half-life of phentermine is around 19–24 hours, indicating that it takes around 2.5 days for the drug to be completely metabolized.

However, excretion and half-life can vary depending on urinary pH levels, with up to 84% of a dose being excreted over 24 hours in an acidic pH range.

Despite this variability, doctors commonly recommend discontinuing use of phentermine at least 7 days before a surgical procedure, with some surgeons even advising 2–3 weeks before.

How to Safely Stop Using Phentermine Before Surgery

When considering stopping the use of phentermine before surgery, it’s crucial to do so in a safe manner.

This medication can cause withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including memory loss, tremors, heart failure, nerve damage, stroke, seizures, and cardiac arrest.

Even if taking a low dose for just a few days, it’s essential to consult with your doctor for approval before discontinuing use of phentermine to avoid any potential dangers.

Common symptoms of mild withdrawal include headaches, lack of energy, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and irritability.

The best way to avoid these withdrawal symptoms is to slowly lower your dose over time with your doctor’s approval. Your safety is paramount in this process, and seeking medical guidance is essential.

Phentermine and Other Medical Treatments

Can Phentermine Be Used Before A Colonoscopy?

If you are thinking about getting a colonoscopy, it is important to tell the doctor about any medicines you are taking.

For those taking Phentermine, it’s essential to speak with your doctor and be aware of the potential risks.

Phentermine is often used as an appetite suppressant, but it can make anesthesia and sleep aids less effective when taken together.

As a result, doctors often recommend discontinuing the use of Phentermine at least 7–14 days before a colonoscopy.

Beyond concerns about anesthesia, phentermine may also increase the risk of developing ischemic colitis and delay gastric emptying.

Gastric emptying and colonoscopy

Ensuring proper gastric emptying is crucial for a successful colonoscopy procedure. Patients are advised to abstain from solid food consumption at least one day before the test.

However, certain medications, such as phentermine and fenfluramine, can cause delays in gastric emptying and potentially invalidate the results, necessitating the need for an additional test.

This can translate to increased costs and inconvenience for patients.

It’s important for patients and their doctors to talk to each other about their concerns about medications and how to get ready for a colonoscopy.

Ischemic Colitis

Restricted blood flow to the colon is the root cause of the complex condition ischemic colitis. It is characterized by abdominal pain and bloody stools, often leading to discomfort in the patient.

Ischemic colitis has been linked to the use of phentermine, which is often given to people who are overweight to help them lose weight.

This is due to the release of vasoactive amines, which leads to decreased blood flow to the colon.

There are many ways to treat this painful condition, but temporarily not taking phentermine may help keep it from happening.

Phentermine and Cosmetic Surgery

When talking about plastic surgery that involves phentermine, it is very important for patients to be extra careful.

With elective surgeries, more care needs to be taken to make sure the patient knows about all the risks.

Anesthesiologists are very important because they keep an eye on the patient’s blood pressure and other signs of the autonomic nervous system during the procedure. This keeps the patient safe and reduces the risk of problems.

Before getting any kind of cosmetic surgery, it’s important for patients to know what the possible risks and benefits are.

Taking the necessary precautions and being informed can help lead to a successful outcome.

Is It OK to Use Diet Pills Following a Tummy Tuck?

After getting a tummy tuck, many people are eager to keep losing weight with the help of diet pills like Phentermine.

However, it is important to note that these pills can pose a risk to the healing process following surgery.

Doctors often say that you should wait two to four weeks before taking any diet pills or supplements. This is to lower the risk of problems.

In the case of Phentermine, the wait may need to be even longer due to the increased risk of bleeding.

Before turning to medication, you might want to try other ways to lose weight to lower the risk of problems.

It is always best to consult with your doctor to determine the safest and most effective path for your post-surgery weight loss journey.

Suggestions for Safer Weight-Loss Drugs

PhenQ offers a safe and effective solution for those seeking to achieve their weight loss goals.

The patented main ingredient, a-LACYS RESET, encourages the body to burn fat and increase metabolism while suppressing appetite and boosting energy.

One of the best things about PhenQ is that you can buy it without a prescription. This makes it easy for anyone looking for a weight loss supplement to get.

It also has a number of other benefits, such as bringing metabolic disorders back into balance, fighting fatigue and oxidative stress, building muscle mass, and stopping lactic acid from building up.

Before taking any medicine or supplement, a patient should always talk to their doctor, especially if they are going to have surgery.

PhenQ provides a safe solution for those seeking to achieve their weight loss goals without compromising their health.

FAQs

What Drugs Interfere With Anesthesia?

When preparing for a surgery that requires anesthesia, it is important to be aware of any drugs or supplements that may interfere with the anesthetic.

Drugs such as warfarin, heparin, Xarelto, Eliquis, and Plavix are commonly prescribed medications that should be paused before surgery.

Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and choline magnesium salicylates (CMT, Tricosal, and Trilisate) should also be avoided prior to surgery.

In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medications, recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, ethanol, and heroin can also interfere with anesthesia.

These drugs excite the heart rate and nervous system, which can cause complications during surgery.

It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before undergoing anesthesia. This includes vitamins and supplements that can stop blood from clotting or cause problems when taken with prescription drugs or anesthesia.

By knowing about possible drug interactions with anesthesia, you can make sure that the surgery goes well and safely.

Is it OK to take diet pills before surgery?

It is not recommended to take diet pills before surgery. Many diet pills, including Phentermine, can interfere with the anesthetic used during surgery and increase the risk of complications. It is important to discontinue any diet pills for at least two weeks prior to surgery.

If you are taking any type of diet pill, whether prescription or over-the-counter, it is important to discuss this with your doctor before undergoing surgery.

Your doctor may advise you to stop taking the diet pill one month prior to surgery in order to reduce the risk of complications.

Is It Safe to Take Phentermine After Surgery?

When someone has just had surgery, it can be hard to decide what kind of medicine to take.

This is especially true for phentermine, a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. While it may be tempting to jump back into weight loss efforts, it is crucial to prioritize post-operative care and recovery.

It is recommended to wait at least 6 weeks after surgery before resuming phentermine intake, and to consult with a doctor beforehand.

By taking these precautions, individuals can ensure that they are prioritizing both their weight loss goals and their overall health and well-being.