Q. Do I have to stop taking ashwagandha before a surgery?Will it interact with anesthesia?
Hello doctor,
I am scheduled for sinus surgery day after tomorrow. I have been given a list of medications which should not be taken and I have followed that.
However, I have been taking ashwagandha (herb supplement 470 mg once a day) to help with anxiety. I read online that this may interfere with anesthesia. I will be sure to mention this to the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery when I arrive, but I am curious if this is a cause for concern beyond just letting them know, or should I postpone surgery. I last took it yesterday night and will not take it again prior to surgery. Please advice.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. 1. Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is a well known ayurvedic herbal medicine. 2. The following constitute its important effects on the human body:
- It causes increase in energy levels.
- It might interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and can cause manic episodes in patients.
- It might be used as an aphrodisiac (to stimulate sexual desire) and for anti-aging.
- In some people it might cause irritability, insomnia (sleeplessness), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), hypertension, skin rashes and nervousness.
- It causes tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypertension, particularly in those patients who are on other stimulants or have a cardiovascular disease.
- It interacts with oral anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, corticosteroids and hypoglycemic agents.
3. Taking ashwagandha before surgery might predispose the patient to perioperative bleeding. It may be a concern for complications during anesthesia.
In conclusion, it is suggested that ashwagandha has to be stopped for a week before a planned surgery, unless such a surgery is very urgent to be performed or when the benefits outweigh the risks involved. Please have a discussion with your doctor and reschedule your surgery by a week if recommended.
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