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Pharmacology

Opioid

A class of pain medication; highly effective but with addiction and dependence risks.

Opioids (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, tramadol) are commonly used for post-surgical pain. Modern protocols use them as part of multi-modal analgesia, not as the primary or sole pain medication.

What this means for you: ask about the multi-modal pain protocol — local anesthesia, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentin all reduce opioid need. Avoid programs that treat post-op pain with opioids alone.

General information, not medical advice

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