Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 8/11/2007

Question
Hi, I am currently taking 800 mgs Carbatrol for a seizure disorder and I am having cosmetic surgery in about three weeks. My neurologist gave his approval for the surgery to take place, however I have been told that they may have to give me more than the usual amount of anesthesia due to the carbatrol in my system competing for my liver, or something like that. I am a little worried about this because I have a fear it will increase my chances of waking up during surgery. No one has ever told me that but I just fear it because I don't know how the anesthesiologist will know how much more anesthesia to give me. I guess my fear is that there may be some guesswork involved. I know that sounds silly but I will be intubated so I will also be paralized and that's why I'm so scared. Can you tell me if I am worrying for nothing or if this does increase the chance of having awareness during surgery? Thankyou very much for your help.

Answer
Hi Lori
This is not an issue. It is not unusual for us to look after patients on drugs such as yours and though these can have an effect on metabolism this is not an issue in 'real life'. Metabolism of drugs is slow and so has little effect on the action of our anaesthetic agents.
Just ensure that your anaesthetist is aware of the drugs you are on and this will not be a problem.
Dr Ian Jackson