Question:
i have an addiction to primatene mist

I am wndering if anyone else takes just primatene mist for control of asthma and had any problems with anesthesa or the surgery. I do take quite a bit and this concerns me!    — Dawn V. (posted on April 20, 2002)

April 20, 2002
Hi, Dawn. I know this is not exactly what you are looking for, but I feel I have to say it anyway. PLEASE see your PCP about your asthma. Unfortunately, I personally knew two people who have died from their untreated asthma (or self-treated). Primatine is good for occasional use (I used to use it myself, especially when I forgot to refill my inhaler prescription), however, it does really speed up your heart rate, and that is not good over the long run. There are many new, improved, and very effective drugs for the treatment of asthma on the market today. Please don't gamble with your life. Asthma IS a serious disease, and people do die from it. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now and try to answer your question. If you are not actively wheezing, you should have no trouble with the anesthesia. However, make sure your surgeon AND the anesthesiologist are aware that you take Primatine for control of asthma symptoms.They may want you to discontinue prior to surgery because of the side effects of the primatine. I have severe asthma, am on many medications, and came through the surgery with flying colors. Didn't even have to stay on the respirator once I woke up. Good luck, and please feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Maria
   — Maria H.

April 20, 2002
Dawn, please throw away the Primatene and get your PCP to prescribe something for you. Primatene causes not only increased heart rate, it can cause damage to your heart with long term use. I got this information directly from a group of Respiratory therapists who say they wish it would be taken off the market because of the dangers.
   — Vicki H.

April 21, 2002
I can only say that I agree 100 % with the other posts here. I am also a severe Asthmatic. The drug you are taking is dangerous and does not control Asthma properly. If you are having to use it often, then you should seen your DR right away to be prescribed the correct drugs that can help you. Please understand, I say this only out of concern, as I have been one sick lady in the last year due to out of control Asthma. It can be deadly, and is nothing to mess around with. The good side?? You will feel MUCH better after being on the proper medication! Please let us know how you are doing, OK? <smile>
   — ScatCat

April 21, 2002
I see you are having your surgery here in a few weeks. Be sure you tell your surgeon that you use the primatene. I too would get totally out of breath and would feel like I was not getting enough air. I am now 4 months out and it is so much better. I know that it will not be long until you do not need the primatene. I took pain medicine for my knees but I had to stop taking it 1 week before the surgery. When I came home I was given pain medicine for my surgery so I didn't take the other. I dropped 30 lbs in the first 4 weeks after surgery. I've never taken the medicine for my knees since my surgery! You may be the same with your primatene. Ask your surgeon when you should stop taking it so it doesn't effect your surgery. Then once home from the hospital and healing and feeling good, you may not need it again! If you do have asthma, even assocaited with allergies, then I'd see your Dr about something to take that doesn't make you nervous! Good luck! Becky
   — blank first name B.