I had my four wisdom teeth taken out two days ago and I’ve been taking oxycodone every 5 hours because my dentist told me to. It really helps with the pain but when I take it I feel really happy and relaxed and weird….like I’ve never felt like this before. Should I stop taking it because I don’t want to get addicted? Should I take Advil or Tylenol instead?
Thanks, Wendy
Dear Wendy,
Oxycodone like many other prescription pain medications can be addicting and habit forming. We suggest you to not take more than your doctor recommended. Everyone has a different experience in the way pain medications make them feel. Some people feel happy and relaxed like you do while others experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Usually pain medications are only needed for about 3 or 4 days after wisdom teeth removal. If you’re concerned about getting addicted to this medication start cutting down on your dosage and only take half a pill when you start to experience pain. Your other option is to take 800 mg of Advil every 6 hours for pain and inflammation or 500mg of Tylenol if Advil upsets your stomach too much. After several days any soreness you have been experiencing should subside. In the meantime take a teaspoon of salt and mix it with 8 oz of warm water and swish with the solution until the glass is empty. Salt water rinses soothes the gums and decreases inflammation. If you are still experiencing pain after a week we recommend you have a follow-up appointment with your oral surgeon.
Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.