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I Had a Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation 2 Weeks Ago and Was Prescribed Oxycodone, Can I Discontinue?

The problem I am having is since I stopped the Oxycodone I have not been able to sleep and have had cold/hot spells. Could I have formed an addiction to the painkillers in that short of time? I took one this morning and it took about the cold/hot feeling. Is it possible to get these same feelings for other reasons due to the tummy tuck?

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2 months post-op codeine discontinue pain medication

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Mandy in Oregon in Portland, OR

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Pain medications after a tummy tuck

As long as you're cleared from a surgical standpoint by your plastic surgeon, ask him/her to prescribe a weaker pain medicine.

Addiction To Pain Meds Unlikely After 2 Weeks

It is extremely unlikely that you have developed a dependency or addiction to oxycodone after 2 weeks of use, especially if you were having acute pain during this time. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon who can prescribe a milder narcotic pain med at this time or you may be able to get with Tylenol, etc.

Pain Medication After Tummy Tuck

While two weeks would seem like a short time to be 'addicted', I see no benefit to continuing to take narcotics if you are having these symptoms. The sooner you return to the use of no medications the better. Take over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, for here on out for whatever residual pain you have.

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Pain medications

Your narcotic pain medications should only be used to manage pain. You should follow your plastic surgeon's instructions if and when to take your pain meds. Pain medications should NOT be used to help you sleep. Please follow-up with your plastic surgeon who can help you address your concerns.

You should stop oxycodone if you are not having pain.

You should not be using Oxycodone for any reason other than pain. Not because of inability to sleep, not because it improves hot/cold spells, and not because it makes you "feel better." Addiction is as individual as each of us, but true physiologic addiction is unlikely for the vast majority of post-op patients who use their pain medications as prescribed. Your other symptoms are very common with any patient who has undergone an anesthetic and the "stress" of a... more

Discontinuing medications after surgery.

I'm not an addiction expert but that seems a short time to have formed an addiction. Medications can have a spectrum of side effects, depending on the patient. It would be best to first recheck with your plastic surgeon and be sure all aspects of the surgery are going fine . Your surgeon may then be able to refer you to someone who could address the other issue.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD

19 reviews

Boston Plastic Surgeon

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