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southern new mexico surgery center
 
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    Managing Post-Op Pain at Home: Medicines

    Pain after an operation (post-op pain) is common and expected. These guidelines can help you stay as comfortable as possible.

    Woman reading instructions on prescription pill bottle.

    Taking pain medicines

    • Take only the medicines that your health care provider tells you to take.

    • Don't take more than prescribed. Don't take your next dose sooner than prescribed.

    • Take pain medicines with some food to prevent an upset stomach.

    • Don’t drink alcohol while using pain medicines.

    • Don't drive while taking opioid pain medicines. 

    Types of pain medicines

    Non-opioid

    • Check with your health care provider before you take any over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever in addition to or instead of your prescribed pain medicine.

    • Non-opioids include OTC acetaminophen and ibuprofen and some prescription pain relievers.

    • All relieve mild to moderate pain. Some reduce swelling.

    • Possible side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. High doses may cause kidney or liver problems.

    Opioid

    • Opioids are available only by prescription.

    • Opioids ease moderate to severe pain.

    • Possible side effects include stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, rash, and itching.

    • Opioids may cause constipation. To help prevent this, eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water.

    • Your health care provider may recommend a stool softener.

    • Don't drive, make important decisions, or operate machinery while taking opioids.

    When to call your doctor

    Contact your health care provider or seek medical attention right away if you:

    • Have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach cramps.

    • Have breathing problems or a fast, racing heart rate. (Call 911.)

    • Feel tired, sluggish, or dizzy.

    • Have a skin rash or other allergic symptoms.

    • Have pain that is not eased with the pain medicine.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Jonas DeMuro MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2025
    © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer