PATIENT INFORMATION
Psychiatric, anti-seizure and neurological medicines
Many psychiatric and neurological medicines are continued through the perioperative period because abrupt interruption can cause withdrawal, relapse or loss of seizure control. Some medicines require special consideration because of interactions, blood pressure effects, bleeding risk, electrolyte effects or anaesthetic drug interactions.
Medicines to tell the team about
- Antidepressants, including SSRIs, tricyclics and MAO inhibitors
- Antipsychotics, including clozapine
- Lithium
- Anti-seizure medicines
- Parkinson’s medicines
- Sleeping tablets, benzodiazepines and other sedatives
- ADHD and other stimulant medicines
- Medicines for dementia, myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis
Time-critical medicines
Some medicines, such as Parkinson’s and anti-seizure medicines, work best when taken at regular times. Tell the team your exact dosing schedule so it can be continued as closely as possible around surgery. Ask whether there is a plan if you cannot swallow for a while after surgery.
Talking about mental health
Information about mental health and psychiatric medicines is used to plan care safely. It is confidential and is not asked to judge you. If you feel anxious about anaesthesia or surgery, tell the team. There are ways to help.
Do not stop, skip or change these medicines solely because you are fasting or because of information on this website unless the clinicians responsible for your care have given you that plan.