Opioid (Narcotic) medications such as Oxycodone (Percocet), Hydrocodone (Norco), Codeine, Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Tramadol (Ultram) can be effective for short-term pain relief after surgery, but they come with serious risks, including dependence, fatal overdose and life-threatening addiction. Research shows that the longer a person takes opioids, the higher the risk of developing a long-term reliance on them, with many patients starting opioids after surgery. Even taking these medications for just a few weeks can lead to permanent changes in brain chemistry, making it difficult to stop without withdrawal symptoms. This is particularly true for North American patients where opioids are prescribed most commonly and in large volume. Please see the image below, the USA relies on dangerous opioid medication at a much higher rate than all other countries and the opioid crisis has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, largely due to the overuse and misuse of prescription pain medications.
To minimize risk, it is crucial to use opioids only as prescribed, for the shortest time necessary, and to transition to safer pain management strategies as soon as possible. If you have concerns about pain control or opioid use after surgery, please discuss them with your doctor.
Learn more about safe pain management at the FACS website and through this handout
