Recovering From General Anaesthesia

Also spelled “general anesthesia” in the US — this page covers the same thing, wherever you're reading from.

Based on NHS, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and Australian Society of Anaesthetists guidance (last checked Aug 2026). General information only.

The first 24 hours: the “24-hour rule”

Even once you feel clear-headed, general anaesthesia and sedative/pain medications can quietly impair judgement, reaction time and coordination for longer than you'd expect. Published guidance from the Australian Society of Anaesthetists and the NHS is consistent: for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, do not:

Day-procedure patients should arrange for a responsible adult to take them home and stay with them overnight, in case of after-effects like drowsiness, nausea, dizziness or bleeding. Some surgeries, sedatives or individual circumstances may need a longer restriction: your own team will tell you the exact timeframe that applies to you.

Common side effects (usually mild and temporary)

As per NHS and Guy's & St Thomas' published guidance, these are common in the hours after a general anaesthetic and usually settle on their own:

• Nausea and vomiting, can relate to the anaesthetic drugs, the surgery itself, or not having had fluids; usually improves within a few hours. Hospital staff can give anti-sickness medication if needed.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: typically the first thing to wear off, but can linger into the next day, especially with stronger pain medication.
• Sore or hoarse throat: from a breathing tube or airway device used during the anaesthetic; usually mild and settles without treatment.
• Shivering, a common reaction as your body temperature rebalances; warming blankets and oxygen usually settle it quickly.
• Thirst and a dry mouth: common in the first hour or two.
• Bruising: at the IV or injection site.
• Temporary confusion or memory gaps — more common in older adults; usually settles within a day or two.

Less common effects can include muscle aches, minor lip or tongue irritation from airway equipment, or a sore/injured spot from an IV line. Rare but more serious complications exist and are why you were monitored closely during and after your procedure: your anaesthetist is the right person to ask about your individual risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common side effects after general anaesthesia?

As per NHS guidance, common temporary effects include feeling thirsty, drowsy, a hoarse voice or sore throat, shivering, nausea, bruising at the injection or IV site, and temporary confusion or memory gaps. These usually settle within hours, though drowsiness and mild memory effects can take longer, especially in older adults.

How long after general anaesthesia can I drive?

Published guidance from the Australian Society of Anaesthetists states you should not drive, ride a bicycle, or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. Some procedures or sedatives may need a longer wait, always confirm the exact timeframe with your own anaesthetist or surgical team. See our driving after surgery guide for procedure-specific timelines.

Can I drink alcohol after a general anaesthetic?

No. Published guidance recommends avoiding alcohol for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, as it can add to the sedative effect of the anaesthetic and any pain medication you've been given.

Do I need someone to stay with me after a general anaesthetic?

Yes, for day surgery. Published guidance recommends being accompanied home by a responsible adult and having another adult stay with you for the first night, in case of after-effects such as drowsiness, nausea, dizziness or bleeding.

Is it normal to feel confused or forgetful after anaesthesia?

Mild, temporary confusion or memory gaps are a recognised short-term effect of general anaesthesia, and are more common in older adults. Published guidance states this usually settles within a day or two. If confusion is severe, worsening, or lasts more than a couple of days, contact your medical team.