# Novacaine (sp?) and urination

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novacaine-sp-and-urination/445558>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 16, 2008, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novacaine-sp-and-urination/445558 "2008-04-16T04:04:06Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![IAmNotSpartacus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@IAmNotSpartacus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAmNotSpartacus)\
**Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novacaine-sp-and-urination/445558/1 "2008-04-16T04:04:06Z")

</div>

So my ex went to the dentist today, ended up having 3 root canals done. After 14 shots of novacaine (sp?) she was still not numb. All she had was a constant need to go pee? I have to assume she has some sort of immunity to the effects of the anesthetic, but what gives with having to go potty so often? Next time she’s going to need an anesthesiologist.

Ps. You’re not my doctor, you’re not her doctor, just talking generalities here

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\
**Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novacaine-sp-and-urination/445558/2 "2008-04-16T13:56:31Z")

</div>

Don’t know the answer to your specific question, but since you asked for spelling clarification, it’s “Novocaine.”

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Pullet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Pullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pullet)\
**Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novacaine-sp-and-urination/445558/3 "2008-04-16T15:21:32Z")

</div>

I don’t think the two are related. Novocaine is a local anesthetic and really shouldn’t have any influence on urine production.  
I think your significant other just happens to be resistant to the effects of novocaine. Some people are.  
Maybe she was nervous and that was making her want to pee so much. Or maybe she has the beginnings of a bladder infection.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![IAmNotSpartacus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@IAmNotSpartacus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAmNotSpartacus)\
**Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novacaine-sp-and-urination/445558/4 "2008-04-16T16:02:43Z")

</div>

If there’s no known correlation, then I’d guess it has to do with her being nervous/anxious. She definitely does not like sitting in that chair…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Will\_Repair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a698b9/32.png) [@Will\_Repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Will_Repair)\
**Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novacaine-sp-and-urination/445558/5 "2008-04-16T17:17:01Z")

</div>

1% Lidocaine is usually used so the next time have her ask for 3%. The numbness usually last longer too. 1% Lidocaine never numbs me for a root canal and it’s effect has worn off before the doctor is through. 3% works and continues working until I can get - to a bar for a Tylenol #3 taken with a shot of Jack Daniels every fifteen minutes - follow-up medication.

And while on the subject, Bikers, next time you get road rash have 3% Lidocaine applied as a salve and then you can have the rash cleaned of gravel without grinding of teeth.