Balancing Pain and Risk: Opioids Post-Surgery

jennifernavarro292
2 days ago
4 min read

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By Jennifer Navarro MSN, RN, NPD-BC

What is pain?

Pain is described as an uncomfortable feeling—both physical and emotional—that can happen when your body is hurt or healing, or even when there’s a risk of injury. It’s a personal experience, and only you know how it feels to you. According to the American Pain Society pain is defined as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage."

Pain is a very personal experience and can affect how you feel both physically and emotionally. Everyone experiences pain differently, so what you feel is unique to you. The most important thing is to let your healthcare team know how much pain you are having, because you are the best judge of your own pain.

How do I manage surgical pain?

Surgical pain is usually treated with a combination of medications. These may include acetaminophen commonly known as Tylenol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAIDs] commonly known as ibuprofen such as Advil, or Motrin combined with opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, or codeine. In addition, regional anesthesia may be used to numb certain areas of your body. Your surgeon will choose the best options to help manage your pain after surgery.

What are opioids?

Opioids are prescription medications that relieve acute pain by blocking pain signals in the body. They are commonly used to help manage moderate to severe pain after surgery. It is important to understand the risks and how to stay safe along with reducing bothersome side effects.

Risks and Side Effects of Opioids

Opioid medications can present both bothersome and dangerous side effects. It is important to be aware of these risks and no the difference when taking opioids for pain management.

Taking more than prescribed or ignoring instructions can result in fatal overdose from respiratory depression.
Report any side effects or concerns about medication to your healthcare team.
Doctors now prescribe Narcan (Naloxone) with opioids to reverse dangerous respiratory depression from overdose.

How do I take opioids safely

Take the dose your doctor prescribed, and frequency that was directed.
Some opioids are combined with acetaminophen or an NSAID. It is important not to take additional acetaminophen or NSAIDs without discussing with your surgeon or pharmacist when on this combination opioid.
Be sure to inform your doctor of all the other medications you are taking, even over the counter or herbal medications as some of these medications can affect how the opioid works. Ask your doctor if they can be taken with your other medications.
Do not consume alcohol while taking opioids
Do not drive or operate any kind of machinery while on opioids as it impairs your mental and physical abilities.
Keep opioids in a safe place away from children and teens.
Never share your opioids with other people

What are the side effects?

The goal of opioids is to reduce pain, but they can also cause bothersome side effects. Be sure to call your healthcare provider if you have side effects that bother you.

Here are some ways to prevent or treat these effects:

Constipation- opioids slow down your gastrointestinal tract causing constipation or hard, dry stools. Your doctor or nurse may suggest taking a laxative or stool softener while on this medication to keep your stools regular and soft.
Mild nausea or stomach discomfort- taking your opioid with some food or even after eating can help. Sometimes another medication called ondansetron [Zofran] can be prescribed if it is interfering with your appetite.
Severe nausea, vomiting, or itchiness may indicate an allergic reaction. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor as your healthcare provider may be able to switch you to a different medication.
Feeling dizzy or sleepy, or lack of clear thinking; it’s important to get up from a lying down or sitting position slowly allowing these symptoms to subside.
Visual disturbances

When should I call for help?

It is important to know when to seek help. Signs of opioid overdose include:

Extreme sleepiness
Slow breathing, or no breathing at all. Normal respiratory rate for an adult is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Very small pupils (these are the black circles in the center of the eyes)
Very slow heartbeat. Normal heart rate for an average adult is between 60 to 100 beats a minute.

What is Naloxone?

If you have taken too much opioid medication or think someone has overdosed:

If you have naloxone give it immediately. Often a spray is given in each nostril. This medication will be given with instructions on how to administer.
Call for an ambulance right away in the US and Canada call 9-1-1

References

Pasero, C., & McCaffery, M. (2011). Underlying Complexities of Pain Assessment. In C. Pasero & M. McCaffery (Eds.), Pain Assessment and Pharmacologic Management (pp. 15-19). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Raja, S. N., Carr, D. B., Cohen, M., Finnerup, N. B., Flor, H., Gibson, S., Keefe, F. J., Mogil, J. S., Ringkamp, M., Sluka, K. A., Song, X. J., Stevens, B., Sullivan, M. D., Tutelman, P. R., Ushida, T., & Vader, K. (2020). The revised International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises. Pain, 161(9), 1976–1982. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001939

UpToDate Lexidrua. (2025). Taking opioids safely. https://online-lexi-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/disandproc/7463812?cesid=9VYBAdUUUcd&searchUrl=%2Flco%2Faction%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dopioid%26t%3Dname%26acs%3Dfalse%26acq%3Dopioid

Valerie C. Scanlon PhD. Valerie C. Scanlon, PhD, ed. 2019. Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology - 8th Ed. F. A. Davis Company. ISBN 978-0-8036-6937-6. STAT!Ref Online Electronic Medical Library. https://online.statref.com/document/TauO689my0MuoeNlkJGJMN. 8/29/2025 1:49:12 PM CDT (UTC -05:00).

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