Novocaine is a medication commonly used during dental procedures as a local anesthetic. It works by blocking the neural transmissions of local pain receptors to prevent pain sensations. Healthcare professionals sometimes utilize this drug as an anesthetic in spinal blocks during some surgical procedures. Common symptoms associated with the administration of Novocaine usually resolve within a few hours.
Numbness and Tingling
Following administration of Novocaine most people will experience numbness around the injection site according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. During dental procedures, this serves beneficial, as pain impulses become blocked to local nerve sites. This numbing can last a few hours and after the dental procedure commences, many people may find the numbness irritating. Special attention should be given to prevent biting the lips or cheeks which could result in a local tissue injury. As Novocaine wears off, it many people experience a tingling sensation.
Trembling
A common side effect of Novocaine use is trembling after administration according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.. Mild trembling usually doesn't warrant a cause for concern, but if large amounts of the medication are used, or if the medication is administered rapidly and absorbed quickly, severe trembling may occur. Severe trembling can indicate Novocaine toxicity and can result in seizures if left unmonitored.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is usually a symptom of Novocaine toxicity and users should report nausea to a healthcare professional immediately according to emedicinehealth.com. Someone who has received Novocaine may experience nausea with or without vomiting. A healthcare professional should monitor this symptom and provide further medications to combat this side effect if necessary.
Blood Pressure Changes
According to Drugs.com, Novocaine can cause higher than normal or lower than normal blood pressures. This side effect usually occurs while using Novocaine as an anesthetic in spinal block procedures. However, if large amounts of Novocaine are used, if administration occurs rapidly, or if the medication accidentally enters into a vein, Novocaine toxicity may occur causing the same symptom. Blood pressure irregularities should become addressed by a healthcare professional immediately as organ damage, coma and death can occur if left untreated.
Cardiovascular Effects
While cardiovascular effects do not occur frequently, they can occur following any type of Novocaine administration according to Drugs.com. A person who has received Novocaine may experience a fluttering sensation in the chest region which can indicate an irregular heart rhythm. Novocaine can cause the heart to get out of rhythm or palpitate which may resolve naturally or require further medical attention. In rare cases, Novocaine has resulted in cardiac death.
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