Are there any drug interactions known between general anesthesia and suboxone? are there any adverse events/effects of having general anesthesia while taking suboxone? Thanks in advance
Suboxone and general aneshtesia?
Question posted by thinkbeforeyouspeak on 29 March 2012
Last updated on 4 April 2012
Answers
ca_U4m
29 March 2012
There are generally some opiate based pain medications in the mix if the procedure involves surgery, But just to be absolutely sure, stop the suboxone 20-24 hrs prior to the procedure. There shouldn't be any withdrawal during that period. After you wake from anesthesia ask the doc if they used any opiates in the mix, or sometimes before anesthesia the anesthesiologist will talk to you, and just tell him you don't like opiates. If none used resume sub when you get home if it's a one day procedure. If it's major surgery, they'll be giving you opiates afterwards which will cover the subby chilly-willies. Then resume say 18 hrs after after last dose of pain med. This has been my own experience on at least two occasions. Fight that dragon.
thinkbeforeyouspeak
29 March 2012
Thank you, that answer was very helpful. The surgeon did give me an rx for vicoden 5.0mg but since post-op pain is not expected to be severe, i plan to use 800mg ibuprofen instead. I gave the script to my husband to take care of for me-I never want to take that stuff again! Thanks again.
thinkbeforeyouspeak
29 March 2012
By the way, how did you become so knowledgeable about this subject? Are you in healthcare?
ca_U4m
29 March 2012
Yes, 20yrs director of 30 bed inpatient hospital detox and rehab center and on-call and on-duty medical advisor for entire medical staff, with the education required. Years prior that, an incorrigible drunk and street junkie. The best is yet ahead for you.
thinkbeforeyouspeak
4 April 2012
wow, impressive. Thank you for the advise. Surgery and anesthesia went well, i am now 5 days post-op with very little pain. You were right about the general anesthesia... i had no problems. I spoke to the CNA just prior to surgery and told her about the suboxone... she didn't know what it was or what it was for... after i told her, she was happy to accomodate my request not use opiates during the procedure. Post-operatively, i stuck to my plan and took only advil. Words cannot express how proud i am to say that... really added to my confidence, too, that i was able to say no. I think it also showed my husband how dedicated i am to my continued recovery. Thanks, again!
Related topics
suboxone, anesthesia, interaction
Further information
- Suboxone uses and safety info
- Suboxone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Suboxone (detailed)
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