Do I Have to Go off of my Anti-Seizure Medication for the Surgery?

The only medications that we stop around surgery is blood thinner and some immune modulating agents.  Otherwise it is very important that medications that are controlling body systems issues (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, depression) be continued.

It would be unwise to comment specifically on your medication. This is a decision that will be made by the surgeon and anesthesiologist. On balance, most patients continue to take their usual medications throughout the operation and convalescence.

        Your seizures should be controlled prior to surgery, and gabapentin is generally not contraindicated prior to surgery.  You should confer with your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to surgery.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of tummy tucks each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Dear LFL, Thank you for your post. There is nothing contra-indicated about having breast surgery or TT when one has epilepsy.  It sounds like your epilepsy is well controlled. Notify your physician of your intentions, and ask for advice on modulation of epilepsy meds during the post-operative period.  I do not think you need to come off of the meds however.Best wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Generally, you should be able to continue taking your medication as long as they pose no risk during surgery. In some cases, certain medications need to maintain a steady state level within your body. By interrupting their use, it may throw these levels off. Therefore, it is advised that the patient check with the providing physician and the anesthesiologist regarding the advisability regarding your specific health condition. All the best –Dr. Cohen