Anti-Depressants and surgery: what to do before and after
Surgery raises specific medication-management questions, and getting the answer right matters because both unintended drug interactions during anaesthesia and abrupt discontinuation of important chronic therapies carry risk. Whether Anti-Depressants (Anti-Depressants) needs to be stopped before surgery, continued through, or paused for a defined window depends on Amitriptyline, Bupropion, Citalopram, Duloxetine, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Mirtazapine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Trazodone, Venlafaxine and the type of procedure.
Before-surgery decision
For most chronic medications including many Anti-Depressants agents, the surgical team or anaesthetist makes the stop-or-continue decision during pre-op assessment. Considerations include bleeding risk, anaesthesia interactions, the urgency of the underlying condition and the type of procedure. According to most guidelines, surprises are avoided by listing all medications including Anti-Depressants at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 30mg, 60mg on the pre-op form.
After surgery
Post-operative resumption of Anti-Depressants depends on the surgical course, the medication's impact on recovery (e.g. wound healing, gastric tolerance, mobility) and any new prescriptions added after surgery. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common first-line option for depression and anxiety due to their generally favourable side effect profile. Resuming on schedule is usually the goal as soon as oral intake and clinical stability allow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to stop Anti-Depressants before surgery? ▾
It depends on Amitriptyline, Bupropion, Citalopram, Duloxetine, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Mirtazapine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Trazodone, Venlafaxine and the procedure. The pre-op assessment is where this is decided, ideally a week or more before surgery. Bring the full medication list including Anti-Depressants at 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 30mg, 60mg so the team can advise.
When can I restart Anti-Depressants after surgery? ▾
Resumption timing depends on the procedure, the recovery course and any interactions with new postoperative medications. Many patients restart Anti-Depressants on the day of discharge or earlier; some need a longer pause. The surgical team or prescriber confirms the timing.
Medications in Anti-Depressants
More on Anti-Depressants
- With alcoholAnti-Depressants and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Anti-Depressants be taken with food?
- Side effectsAnti-Depressants side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsAnti-Depressants after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenAnti-Depressants for women: indications and considerations
- For menAnti-Depressants for men: indications and considerations
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