Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am scheduled to have UPPP surgery on Thursday 6/19 and I did not take Phentermine today but I did yesterday (Sunday 6/15).  I have read some info on the net on phentermine and anesthesia that scared me.  I'm already ready to postphone because I am anxious.  Has this been enough time to get out of my system before Thursday?

ANSWER: If you only took it the one time, then there is no problem. If you are taking it on a regular basis, then you need to let you anesthesiologist know that you are on this medication as it may affect the anesthetic he gives you. We certainly can do procedures on people taking Phentermine but it requires that we approach it differently. In any case, you should let your anesthesiologist know what medications you are taking.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesioogy
UTMB-Galveston

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have taken it for about 6 weeks now.  With having had the phentermine and on top of that having OSA is there a serious risk of anesthia difficulty?

Answer
There is some increased risk (just from the OSA) and again I recommend telling your anesthesiologist what meds you are taking. If they feel it is unsafe, they will ask you to reschedule your procedure.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston