Narcotic Medications

After surgery in the hospital you will be given a combination of oral narcotic medications, and narcotic medications given through your IV (Intravenous line).   The medications given parenterally (through your IV line) include Morphine Sulfate, Dilaudid and Demerol. 

In the hospital, the medications can be given by the nurse injecting them into your IV line.  Or, they can be administered through a special narcotic pump called a PCA machine (Patient Controlled Analgesia).  With a PCA machine you can control how often you need to give yourself the narcotic medication.

The oral medications I generally prescribe include Vicodin, Norco, Darvocet, Percocet or Tylenol #3 for acute post-surgical pain in the hospital and at home. These are generally effective in treating acute pain like post-surgical or post-fracture pain. They are not good medications to use for chronic pain.

Side Effects
Any of these narcotic medications can have side effects. Most people find them to be constipating. Some people get nausea and may vomit if they take them. It is generally best to have some light food in your stomach when you take narcotic medications.

If you develop nausea or vomiting, try to take less of the medication, or take it less frequently. If you still have problems with the narcotic medications, please call the office. We may switch you to a different narcotic medication, or prescribe a medicine to help decrease the nausea.

If you cannot get adequate pain relief, try taking the narcotic medications more frequently. If you still have problems getting pain relief, please call the office.

If you develop itching, shortness of breath, notice a rash develop, or have any other unusual feelings, please call the office.

Refills
If you need to get a refill for your narcotic medication look here.