Inform the physician and the pharmacist of other medications you are taking including over the counter medications. Notify your physician if pain persists or you experience visual, hearing, or stomach problems. These medications are well tolerated, reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and reduce fever with no threat of dependence. For these reasons, they are ideal for pain relief. When non-narcotic medications do not appear to work or when pain is severe, the use of narcotics, alone or with other medications, may be necessary.
Some common examples are codeine and morphine.
Narcotics relieve pain but the strength and length of pain relief differs for each drug. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sedation or drowsiness are the most common side effects. These side effects are predictable and can be prevented. Avoid operating heavy machinery or performing activities that require alertness. Increase fluids, eat a high fiber diet, or use a fiber laxative or stool softener to treat constipation.