HomeAnswersAnesthesiologyopioidsI am taking Valium. Should I enquire about alternative to opioids before undergoing a surgery?

Are there any other alternative sedatives to opioids that interact less with Valium dose?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 12, 2018
Reviewed AtSeptember 15, 2018

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am going to undergo a laparoscopic fundoplication surgery after a week for severe GERD. For the past two months, I am taking Valium 5 mg for severe anxiety (mainly related to my health) three times daily. I am also taking Omeprazole 80 mg daily for several months.

I recently came across a study that stated the AUC and half-life of Valium are increased by 130 % with a dose of 40 mg Omeprazole. As I am taking double the dose of Omeprazole, I am afraid that it has raised my plasma level. I am concerned about the concurrent use of other drugs (opioids) that can help me.

I need to talk to an anesthesiologist before my surgery. Is this dangerous, or are there any other alternative sedatives to opiates that would interact less with my Valium dose? Is there any increased concentration in my body? This is my first major surgery, and I am terrified. I am taking Aspirin 81 mg and Crestor 10 mg. My past medications are Lorazepam, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Zoloft, Propranolol, Esomeprazole, and Ranitidine.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please convey your medical history to the anesthetist when you have a pre-anesthetic consultation. I am sure that they will be using Remifentanil infusion for the surgery. This drug is short-acting, and it does not interfere with Diazepam. I suggest you consult an anesthetist before surgery and stop taking Valium. There are better medications for controlling anxiety. I recommend a psychiatrist referral after the surgery. This will cure your stress and anxiety related gastritis.

Investigations to be done

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Kiran Kumar Kolla Gopalkrishna
Dr. Kiran Kumar Kolla Gopalkrishna

Anesthesiology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

opioidsgastritisanxiety

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Anesthesiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy