Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement during the two weeks leading up to surgery (under general anesthesia)?

Question

I have a busy life and am usually exhausted by nighttime, but I always have trouble falling & staying asleep. I learned to remedy this by smoking a tiny amount of cannabis (3-4 puffs) which relaxes my mind and allows me to fall asleep almost instantly. Without it I’m up until 2 or 3am tossing and turning (usually thinking about how my day went or what I will do the next day). This is not ideal as I need to be up by 6am. My doctor advised against smoking so I need an alternative!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! There are no contraindications to taking Melatonin and undergoing surgery. It is ok to take prior to and post surgery.  For smoking marijuana,I require that my patients stop smoking at least  4 weeks prior to and 6 weeks post surgery. I recommend discussing specific pre and post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

I think all surgeons would agree that smoking or the use of
cannabis before surgery should be avoided  to ensure that your cells receive as much
oxygenated blood during surgery and that very important recovery period that
follows. 
At our practice we also advise patients to discontinue the
use of many medications and some vitamins that may increase bleeding. Its
important to discuss any medications, vitamins, natural remedies etc that you are
taking to ensure they don’t have an affect on your healing, post operative medications
and of course the anaesthesia. 
Melatonin is commonly used for insomnia and has been known
to increase sleep duration in some, I would air on the side of caution and recommend
that patients avoid using it the night before surgery to avoid it having any
affect on the anaesthesia administered during surgery. This is something you
definitely need to discuss with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. 
All the best with your upcoming surgery!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MontrealBA,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vadim Pisarenko, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't see any problems with you taking melatonin prior to surgery. It certainly is a better alternative to cannabis.  It's important to get good rest prior to surgery and be well nourished and hydrated. At times I will prescribe my patients a sleeping aid for a day or two prior to surgery.  As always, please check with your operative team regarding their recommendations. Best wishes...

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

I don’t see any problem taking melatonin prior to or after your surgery. You should definitely check with your surgeon and anesthesia team because they may have some concerns that I don’t know about. I have no issues with my patients taking melatonin around the time of their surgery. Good luck with your upcoming procedure.

Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement during the two weeks leading up to surgery (under general anesthesia)?

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Answer: Taking melatonin supplement pre-op

Answer: Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement during the two weeks leading up to surgery (under general anesthesia)?

Answer: Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement during the two weeks leading up to surgery (under general anesthesia)?

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Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement during the two weeks leading up to surgery (under general anesthesia)?

Answers (10)

Answer: Taking melatonin supplement pre-op

Answer: Taking melatonin supplement pre-op

Answer: Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement during the two weeks leading up to surgery (under general anesthesia)?

Answer: Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement during the two weeks leading up to surgery (under general anesthesia)?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.