Emergency first. If this might be anaphylaxis, use epinephrine and call 911.Thoughts of harming yourself: call or text 988.After surgery: trouble breathing or chest pain, call 911.
General information, not medical advice.Read the full note

Epitope Health teaches what published research and FDA labels say, and how strong that evidence is. It cannot know your situation, and nothing here is a diagnosis, a dose for one person, or a decision about whether a food, medicine or procedure suits one person. Those decisions belong with a licensed clinician who can examine you.

If a reaction is happening now, use epinephrine if it has been prescribed and call 911. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, any time.

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Questions to ask your anesthesia team

Print this page, circle what applies, and bring it with your list of medicines and supplements. There is space to write the answers.

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The anesthesia plan

  1. What type and depth of anesthesia is planned for me, and why?
  2. Who will give my anesthesia, and who watches my breathing the whole time?
  3. Is a spinal, epidural or nerve block an option for this procedure?
  4. What are the common side effects of the plan, and the rare serious risks?

Fasting and the day of surgery

  1. Exactly when should I stop eating, and when should I stop drinking clear fluids?
  2. Is a carbohydrate drink part of my plan?
  3. Which of my usual medicines do I take on the morning of surgery?

Medicines and supplements

  1. Here is my full list. Which should I continue, pause or adjust, and when?
  2. I take a GLP-1 drug (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide). What is the plan for it?
  3. I take an SGLT2 drug (such as empagliflozin). What is the plan for it?
  4. I take a blood thinner or aspirin. Who decides the plan, and do I need bridging?
  5. I take birth control pills. If sugammadex is used, what back-up method do I need, and for how long?

Allergies and past reactions

  1. I have these allergies, including food allergies. How do they change the plan?
  2. I have had a reaction during a past procedure. Has it been investigated?
  3. Has anyone in my family had a problem with anesthesia or malignant hyperthermia?

Breathing and sleep

  1. Will I be screened for sleep apnea?
  2. I use CPAP. Should I bring my machine?

Nausea, pain and recovery

  1. I have had nausea after anesthesia before, or I get motion sickness. What is the prevention plan?
  2. What is my pain plan, including medicines that are not opioids?
  3. How long might I need opioids, if at all, and how do I stop them?
  4. For an older family member: what will be done to lower the risk of delirium?
  5. Who do I call after hours if something seems wrong?

My medicines and supplements

NameHow much and how oftenWhat my team said
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Each question links back to a guide on this site. The guides explain the general evidence; your team decides your plan.