Managing Common Anesthesia Side Effects After Surgery
What is commonly felt after anesthesia, why it happens, and what your providers can do about sore throat, grogginess, nausea and dizziness.
Most anesthesia side effects are mild and temporary. A sore throat is common if a breathing tube was used during general anesthesia.1 Your care team can advise on suitable measures; if a symptom is severe, worsening or persistent, use the contact and escalation instructions you are given.
Grogginess and fatigue can persist after anesthesia, and the duration varies with the patient and the technique. Until your providers confirm it is safe, do not drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents or make important decisions.2 Nausea and vomiting are common after anesthesia, and preventive medication can be given before or at the end of surgery.3
Dizziness may occur when you stand up. Rise slowly, sit on the edge of the bed for a moment, and ask for help if you feel unsteady. Anti-nausea medications are available if needed.
Who is more likely to feel sick
Nausea after anesthesia is not random. The consensus guidelines identify clear risk factors: being female, not smoking, a history of motion sickness or previous postoperative nausea, and the use of opioids after surgery. The more of these that apply, the more aggressive the prevention should be — which is why your anesthesiologist asks about them beforehand.3
Shivering and muscle aches
Shivering after general anesthesia is common and usually brief; it happens as the body's temperature regulation resets, and warmed blankets and medication can help.4 Aching muscles for a day or two can follow certain muscle relaxants used during general anesthesia. Hoarseness and a sore throat from a breathing tube typically settle within a few days.1
If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever, call 911 for a medical emergency, or follow the facility's written instructions for contacting your surgeon or anesthesia provider.
Sources
- Tanaka Y, Nakayama T, Nishimori M, Tsujimura Y, Kawaguchi M, Sato Y. Lidocaine for preventing postoperative sore throat. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(7):CD004081.
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. Outpatient Surgery and Anesthesia. Patient brochure. Copyright 2015.
- Gan TJ, Belani KG, Bergese S, et al. Fourth consensus guidelines for the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anesth Analg. 2020;131(2):411–448.
- Postoperative Shivering: A Review of Mechanisms and Management Strategies. J Perianesth Nurs. 2026.
Dr. John Seitz, MD
Board-certified anesthesiologist
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician for guidance specific to your health.