Crying from Post-Surgery Pain — Can You Take Painkillers?

Crying from Post-Surgery Pain — Can You Take Painkillers? Many People Fall for These Misconceptions!

"Nurse, help me, please!"

A sudden cry for help during my shift instantly made me tense up. When I rushed to Bed 17, I found the young girl who had just undergone surgery, clutching her wound and sobbing in pain, while her family member beside her was quietly urging her, "Just endure it; it will pass. Don't take painkillers—they can be addictive!"

Scenes like this play out daily in hospital wards. Do you also know people who believe that "pain should be endured" and "painkillers must be avoided"? Especially when it comes to post-surgery pain — should you tough it out or use medication? Today, let's delve into the facts about painkillers.

First, Understand This: Post-Surgery Pain Should NOT Be Endured!

Many people think, "It's normal to feel pain after surgery; just bear with it." However, pain is no minor issue—just like blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, and respiration, it is the fifth vital sign and an important signal from the body.

The root cause of post-surgery pain lies in surgical trauma. After superficial nerves are severed, persistent knife-like pain may occur, often intensifying in waves. If such acute pain is not properly controlled, it can easily develop into chronic pain, leading to anxiety and depression. More seriously, pain can cause elevated blood pressure, poor sleep, loss of appetite, and hinder post-surgical functional exercises, thereby delaying recovery, increasing the risk of complications such as infection, and prolonging hospital stays.

Conversely, effective post-surgical pain relief can help avoid these harms and facilitate faster recovery for the body. While the previous medical belief held that "pain relief masks symptoms," the mainstream perspective has long since evolved: with a clear diagnosis, timely and appropriate use of painkillers is entirely more beneficial than harmful.

A Clear Guide: What Are Common Painkillers? Pay Attention to Side Effects！

Many people are reluctant to take painkillers due to concerns about side effects or addiction. However, it’s important to understand that different painkillers have entirely different suitable scenarios and risks—they should not all be lumped together.

1. Most Commonly Used in Daily Life: Antipyretic Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Drugs like ibuprofen, celecoxib, and diclofenac belong to this category, and are commonly used for headaches, menstrual cramps, and similar issues. Some of these are available over the counter and can be purchased at pharmacies.

Side effects to be aware of: They can easily cause stomach discomfort, and long-term use may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

2. Strong Analgesics: Opioid Drugs

These drugs are divided into weak opioids (such as tramadol and codeine) and strong opioids (such as morphine and oxycodone). They provide extremely potent pain relief and are primarily used for severe trauma, intense postoperative pain, or severe cancer pain.

Key point: They are classified as nationally controlled substances, meaning they can only be used with a prescription issued after a doctor’s assessment and are not available for purchase at pharmacies. The “addictive potential” that many people worry about does exist, but for cancer pain patients using them under medical guidance, the risk of addiction is extremely low, so there is no need for excessive panic.

Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, and difficulty urinating. In severe cases, respiratory depression may occur, which is why it is crucial to use these medications strictly as prescribed by a doctor.

3. Other Special Types of Painkillers

For example, antispasmodic drugs like atropine and scopolamine specifically relieve gastrointestinal cramps; while medications such as pregabalin and gabapentin are suitable for neuropathic pain.

4.  Postoperative Exclusive: Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)

This is a very common pain relief method after surgery: an anesthesiologist sets the medication dosage, and a machine continuously delivers small doses via infusion. If the pain intensifies, patients can simply press a medication delivery button to administer an additional dose. The advantage is that it can precisely meet the pain relief needs of different individuals at different times, providing a higher level of comfort.

Possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, skin itching, drowsiness, etc. If any discomfort occurs, patients should promptly inform the medical staff.

Avoid the Pitfalls: 6 Common Misconceptions About Painkillers to Watch Out For!

Many people are reluctant to take painkillers due to concerns about side effects or addiction. However, it’s important to understand that different painkillers have entirely different suitable scenarios and risks—they should not all be lumped together.

Misconception 1: Painkillers Are Definitely Addictive if Taken Frequently

Commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are not addictive at all. Even opioids, when used under a doctor’s guidance, carry an extremely low risk of addiction. Don’t endure pain out of fear of "addiction"—doing so is counterproductive and does more harm than good.

Misconception 2: Older Drugs Are Safer and Have Fewer Side Effects

Many people have a “nostalgic bias” toward “older drugs,” such as preferring medications like metamizole. However, in reality, these older drugs often carry higher risks and are now being gradually phased out or even banned.

It’s important to understand that all medications have side effects—newer drugs are not necessarily worse in this regard. The key is to choose the right medication under the guidance of a doctor, based on your individual condition, and to take it according to the dosage instructions on the label.

Misconception 3: If One Drug Isn't Effective Enough, Adding Another Must Be the Solution

Some people think that “1+1>2” and take multiple painkillers on their own, only to end up causing problems instead. For example, combining two painkillers of the same type will not double the pain-relief effect, but it will significantly increase the side effects and may even harm the stomach, intestines, liver, or kidneys.

If you feel that the effectiveness of a long-term medication is diminishing, the correct approach is to inform your doctor. The doctor will then assess the situation and adjust the dosage or switch the medication. Never add or change medications on your own.

Misconception 4: If the Pain Persists After Taking the Medication, Just Take More Pills

Absolutely not! Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a "ceiling effect"—once the maximum pain-relief effect is reached, increasing the dose will not provide additional benefit but will instead worsen side effects. Moreover, medication takes time to take effect; it does not relieve pain immediately after ingestion.

Opioids must never be increased without medical guidance. Overdosing can lead to respiratory depression, which is life-threatening. Any dose adjustments must be discussed with a doctor.

Misconception 5：The tablets are too big to swallow, break/crush and eat

Generally, regular tablets can be split or crushed for consumption; however, enteric-coated tablets and extended-release tablets absolutely must not be altered. This is especially crucial for the extended-release painkillers commonly used by cancer patients. The "slow release" mechanism depends on the tablet's special structure. Once split, crushed, or chewed, all the pain-relief components can be released instantly, potentially leading to rapid, excessive absorption by the body. In mild cases, this can cause an overdose, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.

Misconception 6: Why use analgesics when there is no pain after surgery?

Painkillers should be taken "on a scheduled basis," not "only when pain strikes." Taking medication ahead of time ensures continuous pain relief, often requiring lower doses and resulting in fewer side effects. If you wait until the pain becomes unbearable before taking the medication, the same dose of painkiller will be significantly less effective.

Following a standardized pain management regimen after surgery can help you get out of bed and move around earlier, reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and save costs—offering many benefits.

Final reminder: These precautions must be kept in mind!

1. All medications have potential side effects. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions or the dosage indicated on the label—do not adjust the dosage on your own.  

2. Do not take two or more painkillers of the same type at the same time to avoid compounding side effects.  

3. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking painkillers, as it may increase stomach damage or put additional strain on the liver.  

4. Medication should not be taken for an extended period. For long-term use, always consult a doctor.  

5. Special groups such as children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and the elderly must consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Relieving pain is a normal right for everyone, but the prerequisite is "accurate diagnosis and rational medication use." If you experience pain of unknown cause, do not self-medicate with painkillers first. Be sure to go to the hospital for an examination to identify the underlying cause before receiving targeted treatment.

We hope this article helps clarify your doubts about painkillers. You are also welcome to share it with those around you who may need it, so that more people can manage pain scientifically.