Lidocaine is a common anesthetic used to control pain during surgical procedures. When it is administered intravenously, there is a risk of overdose and lidocaine toxicity symptoms. Lidocaine is metabolized or processed in the body through the liver. As a result, the condition of the liver can influence how quickly the drug affects the body. If an unexpectedly fast processing of the drug occurs, the likelihood of toxicity substantially increases.
Lightheadedness and Dizziness
One of the first symptoms of lidocaine toxicity that occurs is lightheadedness and dizziness. According to Reuben Peralta, M.D., and his colleagues, Karl Poterack, M.D., and Sarah Langfield, M.D., when the dosage is increased substantially above normal, individuals may begin to feel the symptoms of not being able to get enough oxygen due to depressed respiration. As with many anesthetics, the risk of depressed respiration to the point of stopping breathing is very real and an anesthesiologist is usually present during the administration of lidocaine intravenously during surgical procedures.
Visual Disturbance
According to Peralta and his colleagues, lidocaine toxicity symptoms include visual disturbances. These disturbances can include unusual blurriness or blank spaces in the visual field. As with lightheadedness and dizziness, this may be the result of not getting enough oxygen to the brain because of depressed breathing. Oxygen is extremely important to healthy brain function, including stimulation to the visual cortex.
Headache
Individuals who have recently had surgery during which lidocaine was administered may experience a severe headache, according to Peralta and his colleagues. Lack of adequate oxygen can cause this, as can build-up of fluids in the body, which may also be a lidocaine toxicity symptom. Upon waking from surgery or after going home after a procedure, individuals may notice that they feel an extreme headache that does not go away with aspirin or ibuprofen.
Impaired Concentration
Peralta and his colleagues state that impaired concentration is another lidocaine toxicity symptom. Impaired concentration can occur for a period of time after the surgical procedure and upon waking. Individuals may have difficulty thinking straight or recalling information that is second nature to them before the procedure. Additionally, they may find it hard to follow conversations or complete projects. Impaired concentration can also result in problems focusing on difficult or involved tasks.
Tingling of the Tongue
According to Peralta and his colleagues, one of the first lidocaine toxicity symptoms that many people experience is a tingling in their tongue or mouth. This tingling can feel like a slight numbness on the tip of the tongue, or in the gums or inner cheeks. Because lidocaine is a pain-blocking anesthetic, it is thought that the drug works its way into the mucus tissues of the mouth first. Another common symptom that accompanies the tingling in the tongue is a slight metallic taste.
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