Xanax before surgery

Hi all. Four more days to go. I have a prescription for xanax for my anxiety issues. Do you think It will be ok to take one (1 mg) ON THE WAY to the hospital before my surgery. I understand they're going to give me things to relax me during the operation, but I know I'm going to need something to calm me before I get there. Has anyone done this?

7 Comments

Ask first

by lenora - 2010-02-21 10:02:16

Xanax has an extremely long list of potential drug interactions. Call your doctor in the AM and ask if it's okay to take it. If you do take it be sure to let your admitting nurse know so she can relay the info to the cath lab nurse.

Always good to check...

by wenditt - 2010-02-21 10:02:35

I think it would be fine...but I'm not a doctor. Give the doc a ring...tell them the dose and ask when the best time to take it would be. From what I know...Xanax kicks in within 45 minutes and hits its peak within the first 2-3 hours of taking it. But it's best to call your doctor to make sure it's ok to take it before the surgery.

I know I did....so I think it would be fine...but I'm no doc.

You will do a great job in 4 days. Paul is right. Chins up...YOU CAN DO IT!

Best of luck,
Wendy

Anxiety

by paulb - 2010-02-21 10:02:47

I too have anxietys and i got my PM 11 days ago. I thought for sure that i would freak out on way to hospital or when i got to the hospital so i spoke with my dr before and he perscribed me ativan which is the same type pill as xanex and he said to take it one way to hospital to help me relax. I prayed alot and when it came to the day i cant explain it but god was really with me and i didnt end up having to take it. The surgery is beyond easy as you will noy remember anything due to the stuff they give u in your i.v After the surgery there is some pain/soreness that varys from person to person but
they will also give u some pain meds to help u through it. I found that ice helped better than the meds though and ended up only taking meds first two days. I wish u the best and try to relax the best u can and knw it will not be that bad. Once its over you will knw what i am saying. :)) keep us posted and i will keep u in my prayers

Do You or Do You Not

by SMITTY - 2010-02-21 10:02:56

Hi Dana,

Although xanax is a mild anti anxiety medicine, so far as tranquilizers go, my vote is to not do it as xanax is contraindicated with some drugs. Most of which I couldn't pronounce on a bet. Not knowing what you will be given at the hospital, it could be risky to take your xanax.

If you feel that you must, be sure and tell your doctor so that if there is a reaction with what you get at the hospital he will know what is taking place.

Good luck,

Smitty

I did...

by cathtx - 2010-02-21 11:02:29

I had my PM implanted 3 1/2 weeks ago and when the anesthesiologist called me the night before he told me to take my xanax that morning with just a tiny sip of water.I only take 0.25mg though. It just calmed me down a bit and the meds they gave me were fine with it. No interactions. Just ask them...if you need it then tell the doc.
Good Luck,
Cat

Who Wudda Thought ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-02-22 12:02:57

Not even thinking, because I never take zanax, I never thought to see if I could have taken a "relaxer" Pre-PM. Instead, I "posted" daily/hourly on the the PM Club, aggravating the "crazies" out of my new PM friends.

After questions and more questions, then more questions and a lot of my own comments and my doubts, I believe all of my new PM member friends were really glad by the time I became Post-PM. LOL

The PM members were my "zanax" in trying to calm me, re assure me, and comfort me. After the PM implant, the procedure was almost like a "piece of cake". The PM members had told me that all along.

Take care and we will be thinking and praying for good thoughts when you post to us again.

God Bless You, Carolyn G. in TEXAS ( :

Doctor said ok!

by DanaT - 2010-02-24 06:02:42

To be on the safe side I did call my doctor and they said it was fine to take the xanax before the surgery! Thank God! It's really not easy for me to relax but who knows maybe I won't need them, but it's nice to know It's ok if I need to.

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