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Does LA harm someone who is taking Methamphetamine?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your response.

I appreciate your response, but I would like to get a more detailed answer.

My question is asking specifically how Methamphetamine can interfere with local anesthesia? I have a friend getting a procedure tomorrow, and I think she has been using the same. I want to know if having it in his system will be dangerous? He does not want to ask his doctor. Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At March 5, 2020
Reviewed At December 16, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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