We know surgery can be anxiety-provoking and at times painful. We take post-operative pain management seriously and use multimodal therapy — a different combination of approaches depending on your procedure — to make recovery as comfortable as possible. Even the best combination of medications may not resolve all pain, and some discomfort should be expected in the immediate post-operative period.
Medications you may be prescribed
Your prescriptions depend on your procedure. You may not receive all of these.
| Medication | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Percocet (oxycodone-acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) | Prescription pain medication for the first days after surgery |
| Zofran (ondansetron) | As needed for nausea after anesthesia |
| Colace (docusate) | Stool softener, for constipation |
| Mobic (meloxicam) | For inflammation |
| Prilosec (omeprazole) | Preventive |
| Aspirin | After some procedures, to help prevent blood clots |
Safety & side effects
Make sure you are not allergic to hydrocodone or oxycodone, and let us know of any other drug allergies. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching and occasionally rashes. Taking medication with food and drinking plenty of fluids can reduce these. If a side effect persists — for example, headache or nausea lasting more than a day — stop the medication and call our office.
Oxycodone and hydrocodone cause drowsiness and can interact with other sedating medications such as benzodiazepines. Tell us immediately if you take Valium, Ativan, Xanax or any other sedative.
These instructions are comprehensive but not all-inclusive. Please use your best judgment, and contact our office with any concerns.