Medications
ADHD Medication Before Surgery
Stimulant ADHD medicines raise heart rate and blood pressure, which is why they're usually held around surgery and why your anesthetist genuinely needs to know you take them. The hold is short — it's about the anesthetic, not your long-term treatment.
Quick answer
Why it matters
Stimulants speed up the heart and raise blood pressure. Under anesthesia, where blood pressure and heart rate already swing, that can make you harder to keep stable — so the dose around surgery is usually skipped.
They can also interact with some anesthetic and emergency medicines, and they suppress appetite, which overlaps with fasting. None of this is dangerous if your team knows — but it's important they do.
The hold is just for the day or two around the operation. It isn't about stopping your ADHD treatment long-term, and you'll restart on your team's advice.
Do not stop without instruction
What to ask your doctor
- Do I skip my ADHD medicine only on the morning, or the day before too?
- When can I restart it afterward?
- I take a non-stimulant (atomoxetine) — do I continue that?
- Is there anything to expect from missing a dose around the operation?
Red flags — call your team
Red flags — call your team
- Chest pain, a racing or pounding heart, or palpitations around the time of surgery
- Very high blood pressure readings
- Tell the team if you accidentally took your stimulant on the morning of surgery
References
- Reflects standard perioperative practice for sympathomimetic stimulants; individual plans vary with the dose, the surgery and your heart health. Your anesthetist's instruction takes precedence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I stop Adderall or Ritalin before surgery?
Usually you skip the dose on the morning of surgery, and sometimes the day before, because these stimulants raise heart rate and blood pressure and interact with anesthesia. It's a short hold around the operation, not a long-term stop. Always tell your anesthetist you take them.
Why does my anesthetist need to know about my ADHD medication?
Because stimulants affect your heart rate, blood pressure and how you respond to anesthetic and emergency drugs. Knowing lets the team plan a stable, safe anesthetic. It's medical information they use to look after you — not something to leave off your list.
Do non-stimulant ADHD medicines need stopping?
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine work differently and aren't automatically held the way stimulants are, but you should still tell your team and follow their advice. Mention everything you take so they can give you a clear instruction.
When can I restart my ADHD medication after surgery?
Usually soon after — often once you're recovering and eating again — but your team will give you the specific timing based on your operation and how you are. Ask before you leave so you know when to resume.