Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/28/2011

Question
I have a patient scheduled for removal of 3rd molars under IV general anesthesia. Typical medications include versed, fentenyl,ketamine and propofol. He currently is taking Clozaril, Geodon, Prozac, Nasonex and Zyrtec. Any concerns for this office based procedure under anesthesia?

Answer
The main problem drugs here are Clozaril and Geodon (both anti schizophrenic drugs) and CNS depressants. The tricyclics do have some problems with general anesthesia and I would probably not recommend this for an office based procedure unless you are fully capable of handling emergency conditions or have easy access to a hospital. I would recommend havintg the procedure done in a hospital or, at the very least, the anesthesia handled by an anesthesiologist.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston