Question:
I am taking Xenical and adipex, along with naprosyn for arthritis, and vicodans

on occasion for knee and ankle pain. When should I quit taking meds? I also take some otc herbals for weight loss, when should I quit taking them? My surgery date is 5/20/02.    — Patricia F. (posted on April 30, 2002)

April 30, 2002
Well, this is something that would be best talked about with your doctor. He/She will probably tell you to stop taking the herbal remedies since there is no concrete proof that there arent side affects. ( I am an herbal remedy queen and believe in all that kind of stuff) HOWEVER you need to talk to your doctor about weaning you off of the other meds. Especially vicodan as this medication does have withdrawl effects in some people and you want to make sure you are weaned off of them properly. I dont know what Adipex is, I am assuming it is another anti-inflammatory?! Please call your doctor and find out.. It may be okay to stop a day or so before your surgery. You wont be worrying about ankle or knee pain when you are in the hospital cuz you will be doped up on Morphine and the like.. Good luck, and please call your doctor. Happy Healing CaliforniaKimmy
   — Kim S.

April 30, 2002
You should talk this over with your surgeon. If you are taking Xenical (isn't that for weight loss) and I would stop taking the herbal weight loss formulas now too (you won't be needing them, and some of them can have very serious side effects). I am a firm believer in herbs too, but most people don't realize that they are basically natural drugs that can have adverse side effects to especially when you are having surgery. The rest, talk to your Dr., as you may not be able to take some NSAID (anti-inflamitories/pain relievers) after surgery.
   — Dell H.