Does LA harm someone who is taking Methamphetamine?

Question

Hello doctor,

Does Methamphetamine interfere with local anesthesia? My friend was told she would not have to stop Adderall before surgery. I know that is not the same, but is there anything particularly dangerous about Methamphetamine and local anesthesia? What about Phentermine? Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As such local anesthesia is safe, and one can readily go through the procedure. It is recommended to avoid any sort of illicit substances during anesthesia.

Please let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Let me elaborate. Local anesthesia involves the injection of a local anesthetic with or without adrenaline. Now the presence of Methamphetamine (a central nervous system stimulant) in the blood circulation is known to cause a delay in the action of local anesthetics. Thus, the surgical area may take time or may not achieve adequate anesthesia.

Also, the presence of adrenaline in local anesthesia in combination with Methamphetamine will cause serious cardiovascular effects like tachycardia (increased heart rate), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), hypertension, and associated effects like cerebral hemorrhage (an emergency condition in which a ruptured blood vessel causes bleeding inside the brain), heart ischemia (a condition that occurs when the heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen and blood), etc. Hence, it is recommended to avoid Methamphetamine prior to surgery.

Also, Phentermine is a cardiac stimulant that will increase the heart rate and blood pressure, similar to the above. You'd better discuss all your drug habits with your treating physician and anesthesiologist instead of hiding them.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.