Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/7/2007

Question
Hello-

I'm scheduled for laproscopic surgery tomorrow (ovary and fallopian tube removed & D&C) and have been taking phentermine up until 3 days ago.  Should I have my surgery rescheduled?

Thank you.

Answer
While there have been no specific studies related to anesthesia and phentermine, there is still a significant risk associated with this and other drugs like it which have potent effects on the blood pressure. Most anesthesiologists would recommend postponing for about a week (since the half life is about 20 hours and it takes 3 or four half lives to eliminate).

Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston