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The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends using prescription painkillers sparingly, if at all, after surgery. There are effective alternatives and many people don’t need opioids at all or at least should drastically reduce the amount they take. Opioid painkillers like OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) are addictive, the addiction can develop after taking just a few of them.
Post-surgical prescription have played a role in opioid epidemic. Despite the risk of dependence, many surgery patients receive prescriptions for a month’s supply or more of opioid pills. And some of the patients are still using them three months or longer after their surgery.
More than 2 million Americans abuse opioids, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2000, opioid overdose deaths in the United States have increased 200 percent. To reduce reliance on painkillers, the anesthesiologists’ group offers advice for coping with discomfort as you recover from surgery:
Only take opioids when in extreme pain . Medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can manage pain and soreness. These medications are not addictive and are far less risky than opioids.
Understand that soreness and discomfort after surgery are normal and will improve within a day or two. These sensations are different than pain, which is typically sharp or intense. While in recovery after surgery, try to be clear when asked if you are in pain. Specify if you are sore, uncomfortable or in serious pain.
If you have significant pain, ask that an opioid prescription be limited to a small amount, such as five pills. If you do take opioids, take them only for a day or two after surgery, three days at most. Your pain will improve significantly within a few days whether or not you take opioids. Those who are in continued severe pain after surgery can engage in exercise, use nerve blocks and non-opioid medications.
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