Dr. Jeffrey Wilde, MD
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Lower Extremity Reconstruction
Scripps Clinic
🏥 Post-Operative Pain Management
Opioids are often prescribed to help provide pain relief in the early postoperative period.
⚠️ Critical Safety Information
Please note that we take great care with pain medication prescriptions (opioids) and want you to be aware that the use of opioids can lead to addiction and overdose, depending on amount used and duration of use.
Risk is increased in persons who suffer from:
- Mental illness
- Substance use disorders
🚨 Dangerous Drug Interactions
Taking opioids in conjunction with the following substances increases the risk of sedation and respiratory depression which can have consequences as significant as death:
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleep aids
- Muscle relaxants
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs
- Other sedatives
📅 Weaning Off Opioids
We advise patients to completely wean off of opioids once they are near the one month post-op mark after their surgery, as it is not recommended to be on opioids for long periods of time.
📞 Contact Information
Dr. Jeffrey Wilde, MD
10666 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 554-7993
Fax: (858) 554-6321
If you have concerns about opioid use or experience any adverse effects, contact your medical team immediately.
💡 Safe Pain Management Tips
- Take opioids only as prescribed
- Never exceed recommended dosages
- Avoid alcohol and other sedating substances
- Use ice therapy and other non-medication pain relief methods
- Gradually reduce opioid use as pain improves
- Be honest with your healthcare team about your pain levels