Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/26/2009

Question
I am going to need surgery on my foot and also my doctor wants me to have a colonscopy.  I am taking the MAO, Nardil. My primary doctor checked and said I could have versed with the Nardil.  When I have conscious sedation for
foot surgery I know that I cannot have demorol (sp?) while taking an MAO, would I be able to have fentanyl, Ketamine or Lidacaine with the MAO and which one would is the best to use with versed?

Answer
Generally we use Fentanyl (which is fine with MAOIs). Lidocaine as a local anesthetic is also fine (assuming he is going to do an ankle block). I would not use Ketamine for a variety of reasons and it is not necessary.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston