Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 5/6/2005

Question
I am scheduled for a breast reduction surgery in 2 weeks. They will be removing a large amount of tissue. I am currently taking the prescription diet pill phentermine. I noticed on my list of medications to avoid before surgery, it lists "tenuate" which is a version of phentermine. If I stop the phentermine NOW, will it interfere with my anesthesia? Could I die or have serious complications since I took phentermine for several months? How long does the drug stay in my system? Will 2 weeks be enough? I will be under general anesthesia.

Answer
Shelly

Yes 2 weeks is long enough to get rid of the possible effect it may have.

Remember to tell your anaesthetist that you were on it and how many days ago you stopped it.

The overall problem is 'hypothetical' but best avoided if possible. However if you needed an operation while you were on the drug e.g. some emergency like an accident, then you could be looked after under GA without any real problems. We would however monitor you much more closely.

Best of luck.

Ian Jackson