Opioids are commonly prescribed when you’re discharged from hospital after surgery to help manage pain at home. These strong painkillers may have unwanted side effects or harms, such as constipation, drowsiness or the risk of dependence. However, there are steps you can take to minimise those harms and use opioids more safely as you recover from surgery.
The most commonly prescribed opioids after surgery in Australia are oxycodone (brand names include Endone, OxyNorm) and tapentadol (Palexia). In fact, about half of new oxycodone prescriptions in Australia occur after a recent hospital visit. Most commonly , people will be given immediate-release opioids for their pain.
These are quick-acting and are used to manage short-term pain. Because they work quickly, their dose can be easily adjusted to manage current pain levels. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to adjust the dosage based on your pain levels.
Then there are slow-release opioids, which are specially formulated to slowly release the dose over about half to a full day. These may have “sustained-release”, “controlled-release” or “extended-release” on the box. Slow-release formulations are primarily used for chronic or long-term pain.
The slow-release form means the medicine does not have to be taken as often. However, it takes longer to have an effect compared with immediate-release, so it is not commonly used after surgery. Controlling your pain after surgery is important .
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