Narcotic Safety
Risks of Narcotic Medications After Surgery
Narcotic medications, also known as opioids, are commonly prescribed after surgery to manage pain. While they can be effective, they also carry several risks:
1. Addiction and Dependence
Addiction: Even short-term use of narcotics can lead to addiction, where a person feels compelled to continue using the drug despite harmful consequences.
Dependence: The body can become dependent on narcotics, meaning that stopping them suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, sweating, and muscle pain.
2. Overdose
Taking too much of a narcotic, intentionally or accidentally, can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include extreme drowsiness, slow or difficult breathing, and loss of consciousness. An overdose can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
3. Side Effects
Drowsiness: Narcotics can cause significant drowsiness and impair your ability to think clearly or operate machinery, such as driving a car.
Constipation: A common side effect of narcotics is constipation, which can be severe and uncomfortable.
Nausea and Vomiting: Narcotics can irritate the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Dizziness: These medications can cause dizziness, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
4. Respiratory Depression
Narcotics can slow down breathing, which can be dangerous, especially in high doses or when combined with other medications or substances that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol or sedatives.
5. Increased Sensitivity to Pain
Long-term use of narcotics can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia), where even minor pain feels more intense.
6. Interaction with Other Medications
Narcotics can interact with other medications, including those that affect the central nervous system, increasing the risk of side effects or complications.
7. Mental Health Effects
Prolonged use of narcotics can affect mental health, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
8. Tolerance
Over time, you may need higher doses of the medication to achieve the same pain relief, which can increase the risk of side effects and dependence.
9. Slowed Recovery
Some evidence suggests that narcotic use can slow down recovery after surgery by impairing mobility or contributing to other complications like constipation.
Important Note: While narcotics can be effective for managing severe pain after surgery, it is necessary to use them as prescribed by your healthcare provider and for the shortest duration necessary. You should wean off of these medications as quickly as possible. If you have concerns about using narcotics, discuss alternative pain management options with your doctor.
Narcotic Medications & Surgery
Narcan (Naloxone)
Narcan is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Here is an overview of how to use it. If you have additional questions please refer to a health care provider and in case of emergency dial 911.
1. Recognizing an Opioid Overdose:
Symptoms:
Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
Pinpoint (small) pupils
Pale or bluish skin, especially on the lips or fingernails
Gurgling sounds or choking
Low blood prssure/slow heart rate
If you suspect an opioid overdose, act quickly.
2. Prepare to Use Narcan:
Form of Narcan: Narcan is available in different forms, including a nasal spray and an injectable form. Most people use the nasal spray, as it's easy and requires no assembly.
3. Steps for Using Narcan Nasal Spray:
Step 1: Check for Responsiveness
Tap the person, shout their name, and see if they respond. If there's no response, proceed with Narcan.
Step 2: Call Emergency Services
Call 911 immediately and tell the operator the person is unresponsive and/or not breathing and continue with Narcan administration/
Step 3: Position the Person
Lay the person on their back.
Step 4: Administer Narcan
For Nasal Spray:
Peel back the package to remove the device.
Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
Tilt the person's head back and insert the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch their nose. (If neck/head injury is suspected do not move neck/head).
Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the person’s nose.
Step 5: Monitor the Person
If the person does not wake up within 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose (if available) using a new device and continue to monitor their breathing.
Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) if they start to breathe on their own.
4. Using Narcan Injection (for trained individuals):
Intramuscular Injection:
Draw 1 mL of naloxone into a syringe.
Inject into the muscle of the thigh, upper arm, or buttocks.
If the person does not respond in 2-3 minutes, repeat with a new dose.
5. Aftercare:
Stay with the Person: After administering Narcan, stay with the person until emergency services arrive. Naloxone’s effects can wear off in 30 to 90 minutes, and the person may relapse into an overdose.
Additional Care: Ensure the person receives medical care after Narcan is administered. Even if they seem fine, opioids can remain in their system.
6. Safety and Storage:
Storage: Keep Narcan at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Ensure it’s easily accessible in an emergency.
Safety: Narcan has no abuse potential and no serious side effects if given to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.
7. Practice and Preparedness:
Familiarize Yourself: Ensure you and others know how to use Narcan before it’s needed. Practice with a trainer device if available.
Inform Others: Share the location of Narcan with household members and coworkers, so they can assist in an emergency.
8. Legal Protections:
Good Samaritan Laws: In many areas, Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who administer Narcan in an emergency from legal liability.
By following these instructions, you can effectively use Narcan to save a life during an opioid overdose.
Some of the links in the pages and posts of this website are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item I will receive an affiliate commission. Please visit the Disclaimer & Privacy Policy Section for more details. Products are intended as examples only to give example options. I do not endorse any of these specific brands over other options and encourage you to do your own research.
Information provided on this page is informational and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your physician for information regarding your specific condition.
