Anesthesia for a Patient on Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Abstract

ABSTRACT Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are frequently used for multidrug-resistant major depression, which is emerging as an epidemic in the modern era. Anesthesia during chronic use of MAO inhibitors is a matter of debate because of increased risk of drug interactions with various anesthetic drugs. Cardiac disorders contribute to perioperative and postoperative complications. Recent studies illustrate the safety of anesthesia without discontinuation of MAO inhibitors if sympathetic homeostasis is maintained and known drug interactions are avoided. In this case study, a 72-year-old male psychiatric patient on permanent treatment with tranylcypromine (30 mg/day) was admitted for bipolar hemiarthroplasty. After complete aseptic precautions, spinal anesthesia was achieved by 12.5 mg 0.5% heavy bupivacaine and 30 μg clonidine intrathecally. The anesthetic effect was adequate, but surgery was not completed timely and the effect of spinal anesthesia was weaned off, so general anesthesia was given and surgery was completed. There was no perioperative or postoperative complication. In conclusion, general or regional anesthesia for noncardiac surgery without discontinuation of MAO inhibitors may be safe after careful preoperative evaluation of the patient. How to cite this article Krishan G, Singh RP, Agrawal M, Agrawal R. Anesthesia for a Patient on Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(2):81-83.