Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 5/27/2009

Question
I am having surgery on june 10th and i have a few questions.  I would like to know if flaxseed poweder (used for fiber), cymbalta, koladipin, (anxiety) ambien (sleep) will be a problem during general anesthesia?  WIll drinking alcohol be a problem?  Basically i want to know if I need to stop taking these things?  I really would like to continue taking my flaxseed for regularity but I dont know if I should. Please help

Answer
I believe any of the supplements/drugs you mentioned may cause issues during the time of your surgery and anesthesia, but you should know that the pharmaceutical industry--as a rule--does not test drugs for anesthetic interactions prior to their release, nor do the companies "detail" anesthesiologists about the drugs' usages, indications, interactions or side effects.  As a specialty, anesthesiologists are pretty much left to our own resources and general backrounds as to how to respond and address the numerous substances people put into their systems prior to an anesthetic.   Luckily most present minor problems, if any. And my best educated guess and experiences are that that is the case with these.

Flaxseed powder, containing Omega-3 acids, as well as 'fiber' may prolong bleeding--not a good idea prior to surgery.  Anti-depressives can increase your incidence of nausea and vomitting post-operatively. Ambien is so short-acting that its impact must be minimal.

If I were you I would discontinue all of the above two weeks before surgery/anesthesia.  Aside from the flaxseed powder, I might be inclined to permanently STAY off them.