From the Research
For patients undergoing facelift surgery who take Buspar (buspirone) and venlafaxine, it is generally recommended to continue these medications throughout the perioperative period rather than stopping them abruptly. These medications should be taken with a small sip of water even on the morning of surgery. Abrupt discontinuation of venlafaxine can lead to withdrawal symptoms including dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, and a flu-like syndrome, which could complicate recovery 1. Similarly, although buspirone has less severe withdrawal effects, maintaining stable levels helps manage anxiety during the stressful perioperative period. The surgeon and anesthesiologist should be informed about these medications as they may need to adjust anesthesia protocols, particularly since venlafaxine can interact with certain anesthetics and may affect serotonin levels.
Some key points to consider:
- The risk of bleeding associated with the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine during face lift surgery is not significantly increased, according to a study published in 2012 1.
- Venlafaxine has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, and its use is not typically associated with significant adverse effects when used in the perioperative period 2.
- The management of buspirone and venlafaxine in patients undergoing face lift surgery should prioritize minimizing the risk of withdrawal symptoms and serotonin syndrome, while also considering the potential interactions with other medications used during surgery.
In rare cases where discontinuation is necessary, venlafaxine should be tapered gradually over at least 1-2 weeks before surgery under medical supervision. Patients should also be monitored for potential serotonin syndrome if other serotonergic medications are used during surgery. After surgery, regular medication schedules should be resumed as soon as the patient can take oral medications.