If you are having surgery, your doctor will most likely give you medicine to control the pain following the procedure. There are many different medications that will help to control pain following surgery.
Identification
Your doctor will try to give you pain medication that will keep you as pain-free as possible, and have the lowest risk of side effects. Medication that is strong may have side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Medication that is too weak may not control the pain effectively.
Types
Pain medication may be given through an IV before surgery. This allows the nursing staff to give you strong pain medications (such as morphine or fentanyl) at regular intervals. Some doctors allow the patient to control the anesthesia through a pain pump. This is pre-set by the nursing staff or doctor so that the patient does not overdose on pain medication.
Types
An epidural is used to control pain during procedures such as labor and delivery, and many others in which the patient will be awake during the surgery. The epidural is placed into the epidural space of the spine, and medication is administered through a catheter. An epidural can be left in place for several days to control post operative pain.
Types
Opioid medicines that are taken by mouth are commonly prescribed once the patient goes home from the hospital or surgical center. These may include Codeine, Darvocet, or Oxycodone. This type of medication is usually effective in controlling pain, but may have some side effects associated with its use. These side effects may include nausea, vomiting and constipation. Opioid medicines usually cause drowsiness as well.
Types
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may be prescribed for mild pain. These medicines may be used in conjunction with opioid medicines to help give longer lasting and more effective pain relief. NSAID medicines have fewer side effects than opioid medicines.
