Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/3/2009

Question
My doctor will be using "monitored anesthesia care" for a combination surgery to remove a cataract (drug-induced by pilocarpine) and a trabeculectomy.  Other minor surgeries have required that I withdraw from Nardil 10 days prior to surgery, but this has not been requested for this procedure.  Other than not taking Demerol for pain relief, is there any other reason to be concerned about continuing Nardil prior to surgery.

Thanks for your input.

Answer
Traditional teaching is that monoamine oxidase inhibitors should be discontinued prior to anaesthesia or situations where one might be using certain narcotic based pain killing injections or tablets.
As such I would ensure that they know that you are on this drug now to ensure that the anaesthetist doesn't cancel you on the day.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson