Question:
I take anxiety medicine everyday

I take anxiety medicines everyday, because I have panic attacks . My question is when can I start taking this again if I have the surgery? this scares me because I know you arent allowed much at all after surgery and I dont want to have a panic attack right after surgery. thanks you for any info    — taterbug898 (posted on July 28, 2004)

July 28, 2004
I was able to take it the next day as soon as I passed the leak test. They just crushed it up and it was no problem. Best of luck.
   — kathyb

July 28, 2004
This shouldn't be a problem. Check with your surgeon's office prior to surgery to see if there is a liquid or IV alternative. You can even visit your local pharmacy to find out if the alternatives are available - they won't give you any, of course - but it would ease your mind and then you could simply let your surgeon know. Most of our patients take their regular meds while in the hospital either via IV or orally once they're taking liquids by mouth. Best wishes to you!!
   — ronascott

July 28, 2004
Hi Melinda - I have panic attacks too - I was able to take both my antidepressant and small dose of tranquilizer the first day after surgery. They just crushed it and put it in a small amount of sugar-free applesauce. Make sure your anesthesiologist knows about your anxiety disease - he can give you something before surgery to help tide you over. Also - it is quite usual - even for "normal" folks to feel panicy when they wake after general anesthesia - just knowing this may help you realize "OK, this is supposed to happen" - but there is no need to suffer - make sure your doctor orders an injection of a mild tranquilizer as an injection so if you feel anxious they can give it to you. email me if you've got other concerns - I've had a panic disorder for a long time - and have had 3 surgeries with it and you've gotta kind of be a squeaky wheel to make sure you are getting the individual treatment you need that differs from the routine treatment of someone without an anxiety disorder. Good luck!
   — mriley

July 29, 2004
I get panic attacks too. I was very concerned about having one during and around surgery time. I was told to inform my surgeon in advance so that it would be in my paper work. Also take your script with you to the hospital and show it to one of the nurses when you get to the hospital. They'll make sure they have something for you if a problem arises and the'll make sure you get your doses the following day.
   — Rachelq

July 29, 2004
Like so many others, I take anti-anxiety meds for panic attacks. I took them before & after my surgery. I took my mediaction (diazepam) the day of my surgery & while I was in the hospital and every other day of my life. Check to see if your med is available as an injection, that's how I took mine in the hosptal. Or maybe it is available in a liquid form. Isn't it terrible, yet ironic, to have to have anxiety about taking anxiety meds? I know you'll do great & everything will work out for you.
   — klinzey