List of medications and side effects
When to make inquiries
How to make an inquiry
Conclusion
Some of the most popular anti-anxiety medications for reducing anxiety prior to surgery include benzodiazepines; however, your surgical team will talk through the best options with you.
Surgery causes anxiety in many people because it’s not something they do every day. You can ask for anxiety medication from your surgeon or any other doctor on your care team if you’re feeling severe anxiety.
Before surgery, it’s critical to let your care team know about everything you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements. A few of these might result in an adverse reaction or exacerbate surgical problems.
To find out more about your pre-surgery alternatives for anti-anxiety drugs, continue reading.
Which drugs are prescribed for anxiety prior to surgery?
Studies indicate that approximately 50% of patients undergoing surgery would either desire or be open to receiving anti-anxiety drugs on the day of the procedure.
You will consult with a physician known as an anesthesiologist prior to surgery. They are in charge of providing you with the painkillers you require for the procedure (as well as the sedatives if you are being sedated). Prior to surgery, anesthesiologists could also prescribe anxiety-reducing drugs to you.
Benzodiazepines are routinely used by doctors to treat anxiety prior to surgery. The main medical conditions that are treated with benzodiazepines include anxiety, sleeplessness, and panic disorder. They are especially helpful prior to surgery because they tend to act fast and leave your body swiftly.
Alprazolam (Xanax) is one benzodiazepine that is frequently used to treat anxiety prior to surgery.
Diazepam (Valium, Diastat, and Valtoco)
Midazolam (Versed, Nayzilam), triazolam (Halcion), and lorazepam (Ativan)
Other non-benzodiazepine drugs recommended for anxiety prior to surgery include: melatonin, which has the potential to be very beneficial; sedative antihistamines such as promethazine and hydroxyzine; and pregabalin (Lyrica), an anti-epileptic medication Reliable Source
Depending on the kind of medication prescribed for anxiety on the day of surgery, you may receive it intravenously (via an IV drip or an injection) or orally (as a pill).
Prescription medicines in pill form are usually provided for anxiety management prior to surgery.
Your anesthesiologist will select a drug that is both most effective and safe for you.
Pre-surgery anti-anxiety medication side effects
The advantages and disadvantages of utilizing anti-anxiety medication prior to surgery will be considered by your care team.
For instance, one study (Trusted Source) found that patients with higher levels of anxiety prior to surgery experienced worse pain after the treatment. Anti-anxiety medications used before to surgery can, however, have significant negative consequences.
Before surgery, common adverse effects of anti-anxiety medications include
Reliable Source:
fatigue
lightheadedness
bewilderment
headaches
dizziness
loss of memory
reduced breathing rate, sometimes known as respiratory depression
The likelihood of an overdose or habit-forming drug abuse is minimal if you are prescribed benzodiazepines on the day of your surgery because you will be continuously monitored by a clinician. It’s crucial to remember, though, that prolonged benzodiazepine use can result in addiction.
It is crucial to provide your medical history, including any history of mental health issues, to all of your clinicians, including the anesthesiologist.
any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are presently taking any supplements, vitamins, or herbal teas you are currently taking
This will assist them in assessing the dangers of recommending anti-anxiety medication prior to surgery.
When to discuss medication for anxiety before surgery with your doctor
Not every nervousness before surgery requires medication. Some individuals may discover that they can manage without taking medicine. Before surgery, there are a few things you may do to help yourself remain composed. Some of these include breathing exercises, meditation, and listening to calming music.
Nonetheless, it’s advisable to discuss pre-surgery anxiety medications with a clinician. in the event that you can’t sleep
Your inability to concentrate on duties is caused by your dread or worry.
Your regular coping mechanisms aren’t working for you, and you can’t stop thinking about your operation. Your worry is interfering with your career, relationships, and day-to-day functioning.
Some individuals only experience severe anxiety the day of their procedure. Some people may struggle to manage the anxiety they experience before surgery.
How to discuss medications for anxiety before surgery with your physician
Uncertain about how to bring up the subject of anxiety? All that matters is being truthful about how your impending surgery is stressing you out. Here are some excellent ideas about how to strike up a conversation:
Before this surgery, I had a hard time controlling my anxiousness. It’s interfering with my sleep and work. Is there a medicine I may take to help with my anxiety?
Before having knee surgery, a friend of mine experienced anxiety, for which she was administered an anti-anxiety prescription. She claimed that it was quite beneficial. Could I possibly go for that?
“So far, my worry has been manageable, but at the moment, I’m experiencing a great deal of anxiety around the surgery itself. Could you suggest any drugs that reduce anxiety?
“I’m worried about how anxious I’ll be before the procedure. On the day of the procedure, will a prescription for an anxiety medicine be given to me?
Recall that the responsibility for your health and wellbeing rests with your care team. It’s acceptable to speak up and request assistance when necessary.
Not every patient will benefit from pre-surgery anxiety drugs; for example, some medications may not be appropriate if you have a particular medical condition because of the high risk of undesired side effects. The surgical team will assist you in determining the most effective ways to control your stress levels.
Conclusion
Before surgery, benzodiazepines are frequently given to relieve anxiety. These are sedative-hypnotic drugs that are frequently administered to treat insomnia and anxiety. However, there are numerous non-pharmacological alternatives available to assist lessen the symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety before surgery is frequent. Ask your physician if taking an anti-anxiety drug would be beneficial for you if you experience severe anxiety on the day of surgery or in the days preceding it.
