Anesthesiologist Questions Anesthesiologist

How long does it take to feel normal after anesthesia?

I had a procedure under general anesthesia 2 days ago. I still feel bad from anesthesia. I want to know how long does it take to feel normal after anesthesia?

8 Answers

The longer you’re under anesthesia the longer it takes to feel normal, but generally speaking for surgeries lasting less than 2 hours you should be back to normal around 2 hours following the end of anesthesia.
The length of time it takes to feel "normal" after anesthesia and surgical stress depends mostly on the time spent under general anestesia. Post-operative pain medications can make you feel abnormal for as long as you are taking them. If your symptoms are bothering you, you should ask for an anesthesiology consultation.
Usually a few hours, up to next day.This is why it is recommended not to drive until the next day after your surgery and anesthesia.
Recovery after surgery with general anesthesia depends not only on the anesthetic medications you received, but also on the type of surgery you had. More invasive and extensive surgeries require more postoperative pain medications that may complicate and prolong recovery. Nearly all anesthetic drugs dissipate completely after 24 hours.
Just a few hours
Without knowing the specifics of your anesthesia or procedure, there are several factors which go into this equation. One is the type of procedure, minor versus major surgery, and the location. If you are on medication like pain medicine after surgery, that may also affect your feeling "normal." Some medications used in surgery may persist in your system for 48 hours or more. Most anesthetic drugs are short acting and are chosen for this reason. Generally speaking, we recommend not driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after a general anesthetic due to lingering effects of medication. Also, the feelings may be related to surgical issues and not the anesthetic.
Hi.

It is unusual for the residual effects of general anesthesia to last more than 24 hours. Sometimes, there may be inability to urinate, in which case you have to notify your surgeon or anesthesiologist. If there is pain at the site of the surgical incision, medications for pain relief recommended by your surgeon should be used.
If you feel sleepy more than 48 hours after general anesthesia, notify your surgeon or anesthesiologist and follow their recommendations.

Wish you the best.

M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD
24 hrs