Long-Term Effects of Anesthesia
How long will I feel the effects of anesthesia?
The most common side effects from anesthesiaThe use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide. , such as feeling groggy, dizzy, and tired, usually last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours, with most going away within a few hours after your surgery or medical procedure. The amount of time it takes for you to feel normal again depends on many factors, such as:
- Type of anesthesia: The effects of general A state of unconsciousness that is caused by medications administered by an anesthesia professional. This form of anesthesia is often used for procedures that would be too painful or uncomfortable to perform while the patient is only sedated or awake.and regionalA type of anesthesia that blocks pain in a larger area of the body by numbing a group of nerves and involves techniques such as nerve blocks, epidurals, and spinals. anesthesia may last longer than localA type of anesthesia that numbs a smaller area of the body with numbing medication. anesthesia and sedationSometimes called conscious sedation or twilight anesthesia, this is the use of medications to help you feel relaxed and calm, and sometimes fall asleep during your medical procedure.. The effects of each type of anesthesia may last for:
- General anesthesia: 24-48 hours or longer
- Sedation: 4-6 hours
- Regional anesthesia: 12-24 hours
- Local anesthesia: within a few hours
- Length of surgery: Longer surgeries that last for hours typically have longer anesthesia recovery times.
- Medications used: Anesthetic gasesMedications that you breathe in during anesthesia. These gases make you unconscious (asleep) and unaware. They also make you forget what happens during surgery and can prevent you from moving while you are asleep. (such as those used during general anesthesia) may have longer-lasting effects compared to IVA small tube that is inserted into a vein to deliver liquid medication and fluids directly into the bloodstream. medications. Your anesthesia professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)Sometimes called a CRNA, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse anesthetist, these are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. , chooses medications based on your procedure, medical history, and anesthetic needs.
- Age: Older adults often take longer to recover after some types of anesthesia.
- Family history: It’s important to share your family history of unusual reactions to anesthesia with your anesthesia professional, as some rare conditions can run in families and may affect your anesthesia plan.
- Overall health: People who are generally healthy and have no existing health problems may recover faster than those with significant health problems, especially those affecting the kidneys and liver.
- Substance (drug) use, especially smoking and drug and alcohol abuse, can affect how you recover from anesthesia. Learn about how smoking, marijuana, and addiction affect anesthesia.
After anesthesia, your body breaks down (metabolizesThe breakdown of medications so that they can be used, processed, and removed by your body. The liver and kidneys are the main organs responsible for drug metabolism.) and removes the medications used. This process usually takes a few hours to a day or more, depending on the type of anesthesia. Even though most medications stop affecting you within minutes to hours after your procedure, you might still feel some effects for a longer time. Your body keeps working to clear out these medications over the next several hours or days, depending on which ones were used and your overall health.
Take time to recover after anesthesia. Keep in mind that because anesthesia can affect your thinking and how fast you can react, you should avoid driving or using heavy machinery for at least 24 hours; rest up and go back to work or school when you feel well enough or you are cleared to do so by your healthcare provider. For some people, it may take a few weeks to feel fully back to normal, especially after major surgery with general anesthesia.
Does anesthesia have any long-term effects on the body?
Because the medicines used during anesthesia leave your body within a few days, most people do not have long-lasting effects. Sometimes, people may have trouble thinking clearly, feel confused, or have memory problems that last longer than a few days. These issues happen more often in older adults and after major surgery, especially in those who already have memory problems or other health issues. Most people get better over time.
Learn more about Anesthesia Safety for Older Adults and Anesthesia and Memory Loss.
The effects of regional anesthesia, like epiduralsAn injection of numbing medication into the epidural space that blocks pian signals from specific nerves. Epidurals can be given as a single injection, or with a catheter (tubing) that stays in place to continuously give medication. and spinalsSometimes called a “spinal block,” this is an injection of numbing medication into the spinal fluid that numbs the body from the waist down. , may last longer than other types of anesthesia. Most numbness and weakness go away within a few hours to a day. Report to your anesthesia professional if symptoms last longer.
Does anesthesia stay in my system for months?
No, most of the anesthesia medications are out of your system within a few days, but it may take up to a week for them to be completely removed from your body. While it may take a bit longer to feel back to normal, the medications used during anesthesia do not stay in your body for months.
Important note
Rare complications related to surgery or anesthesia can sometimes have lasting effects on the body. These may include:
- AspirationThe inhalation of foreign materials, including food, water, stomach contents, and saliva, into the airway and lungs instead of being swallowed down the esophagus. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, lung damage, and can even be a medical emergency.
- Blood clots
- Nerve injury
- Awareness during surgery
- Severe allergic reactions
Most people who have anesthesia do not experience serious problems, recover within a few days, and do not have long-term effects from anesthesia. Anesthesia is generally very safe when given by a trained anesthesia professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Before you get anesthesia, your anesthesia professional will talk about the side effects, risks, and problems that can happen with anesthesia and check your risk factors. They will make an anesthesia plan that is safe and made just for your needs. It’s a good idea to talk about any concerns or questions you may have with your anesthesia professional when you meet with them before your medical procedure or surgery.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific anesthesia technique, drug, or treatment. Users should consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding anesthesia care. For complete terms, see our Terms of Use.
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