How Long Does It Take for Anesthesia to Wear Off?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 07, 2023

General anesthesia takes approximately 45 minutes to wear off, while local anesthesia can take up to two hours, according to KidsHealth. Regional anesthesia injected into nerve clusters has varying recovery times depending on the specific type of medication used.

Side effects of general anesthesia can include tiredness, upset stomach, dry mouth and restlessness, explains MedlinePlus. Complications of general anesthesia can include temporary disorientation, vocal cord damage, heart attacks, strokes and lung infections. Individuals with a history of alcohol abuse and those with medical conditions of the kidneys or heart are at a higher risk of complications due to general anesthesia.