[mygiggy]

why does my doctor want me to stop taking phentermine 2 weeks before my surgery?

[ROBIN]

You doctor doesn't want you to die.

Media Statement of the American Society of Anesthesiologists
Regarding Phentermine (Phen)
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is aware of and concerned about reports that some patients taking the diet drug nicknamed "Phen" and not disclosing this to their anesthesiologists prior to surgery, are experiencing adverse and potentially deadly reactions while under general anesthesia.
Phen is actually a potent drugs, phenterimine, that can alter the chemical balance in the brain's two neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. The proper balance of these two chemicals in the brain is critical.
Monitoring the patient's vita' signs is one of the important functions that anesthesiologists do during surgery, and several ASA members recoil that some patients who were taking phentermine have become hypotensive (with abnormally low blood pressure) while under general anesthesia. Left unattended, this hypotension may become dangerous and life threatening.
The "Basic Standards for Preanesthesia Cart" approved by the ASA House of Delegates in 1987 states that an anesthesiologist must develop an appropriate plan of anesthesia care that is based in part on a patient's medical history and drug therapy, including medications. For this reason, it is imperative that patients be forthcoming when they talk to their anesthesiologist about any drugs they have taken prior to surgery. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter medications such as diet pins, vitamins, and herbal preparations.
Source: Norig Ellison, MD, President, American Society of Anesthesiologist; October 1906, Copyright 㦠1996 American Society of Anesthesiologists. AU rights reserved. Used with permission.