Why does anesthesia make you high

Most people receive general anesthesia, which is the deepest form of anesthesia, and will be rendered unconscious for the duration of the surgery. General anesthesia is obtained through the use of multiple medications. These medications are initially administered through an IV and are then transitioned to inhaled anesthetics once the patient is asleep. For certain procedures, anesthesiologists can use a lighter form of anesthesia called deep sedation or monitored anesthesia care.

After deep sedation, patients may recall hearing voices or briefly opening their eyes, but they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online. Close X. Back to Living Better Living Better newsletter. Different types of anaesthesia can be used in combination. For example, a regional anaesthetic can be used with a general anaesthetic to relieve pain after an operation.

A sedative is also sometimes used with a regional anaesthetic to help you feel relaxed and calm, as well as pain-free, during an operation. Anaesthetists are doctors who have received specialist training in anaesthesia. They'll give you your anaesthetic and be responsible for your safety and wellbeing during your procedure.

Before the procedure, your anaesthetist will discuss a number of things with you, including:. They'll plan your anaesthetic and pain control with you, taking into account any preferences you have for a particular type of anaesthetic. You should ask your anaesthetist to clarify anything you're unsure about.

If you have a general anaesthetic, your anaesthetist will carefully monitor you throughout your operation and make sure you wake up comfortably afterwards. They may also help with any pain relief you might need after the procedure.

Anaesthetics consist of a number of medicines that can cause side effects in some people. Your anaesthetist will tell you about any side effects you may experience after having a specific type of anaesthetic and measures that will be taken to reduce these. Some common side effects that can occur after a general anaesthetic or some regional anaesthetics include:. The side effects of anaesthetic usually do not last very long and, if necessary, some of them can be treated.

Tell the healthcare professionals treating you if you experience any of the above side effects, or if you're in pain after your procedure. In recent years, having anaesthesia has become very safe. Advances in equipment, medicine and training mean serious problems are rare. However, as with any type of surgery or medical procedure, there's a potential risk of complications.

Find out all about gold facials: what goes into one, its benefits, precautions to take, and where to get one if you're curious. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What short-term side effects are possible? What long-term side effects are possible?

What increases your risk for side effects? Is it possible to wake up during surgery? Why is general anesthesia used over other methods? The bottom line. Read this next. Treatments for Dizziness. Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, M. Top 16 Ways to Get Rid of Nausea. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. General Anesthesia During Delivery. Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, MD.