What's a good OTC pain medicine post surgery?

Question

Weening off the Norco my doc prescribed me but I'm still feeling some nerve burn, tight skin, and sore muscles after my Breast Augmentation. One thing I liked about the hydrocodone was that it helped me sleep good at night without waking up constantly. Is there an over the counter pain killer that I could take for the post surgical pain and that would help me sleep?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Tylenol extra strength or robaxacet should help. If not, I would recommend returning to your surgeon and explaining your symptoms.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

You will need to check with your plastic surgeon as some pain medications can risk bleeding; aspirin or NSAIDS.  Tylenol is generally accepted as the best and safest OTC choice.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your breast augmentation.  The two most common OTC pain killers would be Tylenol and Ibuprofen.  Be sure to clear each with your surgeon and mention that type of pain you are having.  A non-narcotic option to improve your symptoms include a muscle relaxer.  Hope this helps.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

it's important first to the evaluating by your doctor to see if you're a good candidate, because over the counter medications can cause side effects as well. I would recommend ibuprofen 800 mg every 4 hours to be taken with food. I would recommend you see if your doctor agrees with this.Best Regards,Dr. Michael Gartner

Joseph Raniere Jr., MD · Answer

Typically, after the first several days, most patients are weening off narcotic pain medication and switching to over the counter medications.  Both Tylenol and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen...) are good choices for most patients, as long as there are no concerns regarding allergies, bleeding, ulcers or history of certain bariatric surgeries for weight loss.  There are good safety records with each.  You can also stagger dosing between using Tylenol and NSAIDs, but I've found that non-steroidal such as Ibuprofen or Advil work particularly well for this type of procedure.  NSAIDs should be taken with food and make sure you don't lay down right after taking these medications because it can potentially cause irritation of the esophagus.

Guido P. Gutter, MD · Answer

Congratulations that you look for alternative medications than narcotics. Ask your doctor if any of the suggestions coming are in agreement with him.I had success with Ibuprofen : 200 up to 800 mg; Valium in a low dose (2.5 -5 mg). In muscle pain sometimes a short period with Flexeril is helpful.

Edward S. Gronka, MD · Answer

Most non-narcotic pain medications fall into the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There are several different brands available over the counter. Personally, I found that ibuprofen  worked best for me after shoulder surgery.  I've also found that I don't see a difference between the brand names such as Advil in the generic versions. Once again, that's just personal experience.

John W. Menard, MD · Answer

Try extra strength Tylenol but make sure that you have have stopped the Norco and any other Tylenol containing medications. Also, ibuprofen is often very helpful. Discuss these with your surgeon. Good luck!

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

I think that Tylenol or ibuprofen are about the only things over the counter. And I think that ibuprofen can be quite helpful. You may also talk to your surgeon about using Valium at night to help you sleep and relax the muscles. As far as the nerve pain that is something that just typically has resolved. Usually within about 4-6 weeks. Best of luck! Dr. Boschert

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

Nerves do get stretched with breast augmentation. I like my patients to add Motrin or Aleve as well. This can minimize and help pain. Sometimes a single Norco at night is helpful for restful sleep. Talk to your surgeon to avoid medication problems first.

What's a good OTC pain medicine post surgery?

Answers (10)

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