Patient Controlled Analgesia
An administration technique is known as Patient Controlled Analgesia. This means that the patient actually controls the timing of the doses of pain medication. To do this, a small electric pump containing a syringe of pain medication is attached to a switch. When the patient pushes a button, the pump gives a premeasured dose of the pain medicine. The doctor determines how much medicine is safe and how often it can be given. The analgesia is then given through an intravenous tube so that it enters the blood stream immediately. A small amount can be given as often as every six to 10 minutes. This has several benefits compared to the traditional injection in the muscle. It takes effect much more quickly, and there is less risk of over-sedating the patient. This method also gives the patient more control of his or her medication and the quick onset helps to relieve the anxiety of waiting for medication delivered in other ways.
In addition to narcotic pain medications, less potent non-narcotic analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All are useful when properly administered and should be used with guidance from a surgeon and anesthesiologist. Other medications that can be helpful include tranquilizers such as Vistaril, anti-depressants such as Elavil, and anti-seizure medications such as Neurontin.
