Because general anesthetics affect the central nervous system, patients may feel drowsy, weak, or tired for as long as a few days after having general anesthesia. Fuzzy thinking, blurred vision, and coordination problems are also possible. For these reasons, anyone who has had general anesthesia should not drive, operate machinery, or perform other activities that could endanger themselves or others for at least 24 hours, or longer if necessary.

Most side effects usually disappear as the anesthetic wears off. A nurse or doctor should be notified if these or other side effects persist or cause problems, such as:

• Headache
• vision problems, including blurred or double vision
• shivering or trembling
• muscle pain
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
• drowsiness
• mood or mental changes
• nausea or vomiting
• sore throat
• nightmares or unusual dreams

A doctor should be notified as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur within two weeks of having general anesthesia:

• severe headache
• pain in the stomach or abdomen
• back or leg pain
• severe nausea
• black or bloody vomit
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness in the wrist and fingers
• weight loss or loss of appetite
• increase or decrease in amount of urine
• pale skin
• yellow eyes or skin