Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty. Should I stop taking Paxil?

Question

Hi, I'm scheduled to have a rhinoplasty and septoplasty this summer and after reading over my surgeon's medication informational forms, I found out that I'm supposed to stop taking my antidepressant (I take Paxil 20 mg once a day.) two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery, and this concerns me greatly. Is it always necessary to stop taking an antidepressant prior to nasal surgery and are there any exceptions to this rule? Thank you.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Every plastic surgeon has their own way of doing things. With that said, I've never asked a patient to stop an anti-depressant medication prior to any type of surgery. If your surgeon insists on this and you feel stopping the medication for one month would cause you to suffer significantly, seek a second opinion. Anti-depressants take over a month to reach their maximum effect. Thus, stopping Paxil for a month would be expected to reduce the effectiveness of this medication for at least another month after you restart the medication (at least two months total).

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If your surgeon does not want you to take any medication prior to or after the operation don't take it. I personally don't insist on stopping antidepressants before after an operation.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

We do not ask patient's to stop taking their antidepressants before surgery. We simply asked them not to take any aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and herbal supplements so that they do not get a nosebleed after the procedure.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I don't recall asking patients to stop their anti-depressants before cosmetic surgery. I have asked them to stop medications that may cause bleeding.

Parham Ganchi, PhD, MD · Answer

I have never asked a patient to stop taking Paxil for any surgery.  I am not aware of any risks associated with taking Paxil around the time of surgery.  However, you should speak with your surgeon to clarify this issue and review your concerns.  Good luck!

	Dr. Parham Ganchi - NJ Plastic Surgeon

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

You should discuss this with your surgeon. It may depend on your type of anesthesia.  Your surgeon should know you are on antidepressants.

Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty. Should I stop taking Paxil?

Answers (6)