General anesthetics are typically employed during surgical operations to place patients in a deep state of unconsciousness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This form of anesthesia is usually administered in gas or intravenous form. The correct dosage is dependent on age, overall physical condition, kind of general anesthesia, other medications being used and the type of surgery being performed, notes Drugs.com. Regardless of the dose and type employed, side effects may be experienced.
Arrhythmia
General anesthesia can cause the heart to beat at an irregular rate, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The probability of arrhythmia is affected by factors such as the dose and the kind of general anesthetic used, other medications in the system and age.
Confusion
Momentary confusion may be experienced upon regaining consciousness, explains MayoClinic.com. This state of confusion seems to last a little longer in older patients. Overall physical condition, however, can also affect the duration this side effect is experienced.
Dryness of the Mouth
General anesthesia can cause the mouth to dry, notes MayoClinic.com. As such, it may be necessary to rehydrate as soon as possible. The precise severity of this side effect may vary from person to person.
General Nausea and Urge to Vomit
Using general anesthesia may cause nausea and an urge to vomit, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Such a side effect can occur during surgery and after. The severity of this side effect may be affected by the factors such as general level of constitution and age.
Impaired Vision
Vision can become impaired by general anesthesia, notes Drugs.com. Such a side effect is not extremely common. General anesthesia can cause vision to blur or to become double.
Pain in the Throat
General anesthesia can cause the throat to feel slightly painful after surgery, notes MayoClinic.com. The pain may be caused by a combination of the overall effect of the general anesthetic and the use of a breathing apparatus placed in the throat area during surgery, explains the Patient Education Institute.
Shift in Mood
General anesthesia can momentarily affect mood and general mental capacity, explains Drugs.com. The duration and degree of this side effect may vary from person to person.
Sleepiness and Dizziness
Sleepiness and dizziness may be experienced as a result of general anesthesia use, explain MayoClinic.com and Drugs.com. The effects typically fade within a few hours as the body purges the anesthesia.
Tremors
Tremors are one of the most typical side effects of general anesthesia, according to MayoClinic.com.
