Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 7/4/2011

Question
I will be having a right hip replacement and want to know what anesthesias are compatible with Nardil (MAO Inhibitor).  

I am a female, 65 years old.  

Also,is too much of a general anesthesia harmful to a person's brain for a person of my age?

Main concern:  Anesthesias compatible with Nardil for hip replacement surgery.

(I am "scared" because many doctors do not know that Nardil (MAO Inhibitor) is not compatible with many drugs, and foods).

 I have been taking Nardil for 30 years for depression, panic disorder and severe anxiety.

Answer
It's not so much that it is not compatible as it is dosing it correctly and being prepared for the potential side effects. Depending on how quick your surgeons are, this could potentially be done under a spinal or epidural anesthetic. Most anesthesiologists would probably do it under general but considering the Nardil, might go for a regional. As for it being harmful for your age, there really has not been any documented proof that anesthesia is harmful in the elderly (a good thing since most operations are performed on the elderly). There has been a push for more research in this area so we may get a better handle on this in the coming few years.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston