Taking pain medications while working?

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I got a root canal today, and I work tomorrow. The dentist gave me a script for Norco10/325mg...I was a bit surprised at the high dose, but then I understood why after my face was no longer numb. I took a pill and it made me a bit dizzy, and I sort of feel like I'm floating... but knocked out all the pain. I think I can work just fine (without the pain). Is it ok to do this?

Don't drive or make decisions if you feel dizzy and like you're floating. If you make a mistake, you'll be twisting in the wind- even if it's a legal rx.....you know you're impaired- that's reckless endangerment in some places.

Talk to your NM- and get on the NSAIDs as soon as the doc allows. :)

I hope you feel better :up:

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Neuro/Oncology floor nursing..
I've had many root canals and they shouldn't cause so much pain that requires norco the next day. I would find a new dentist IMHO.

Actually many dentists give out pain medication after root canals. My dentist gives out percocet 7.5/325 or Vicodin ES 7.5/750 depending on what is going on...root canals, infections, abscesses(and believe me my dentist knows what he is doing). Root canals IMO hurt worse the next day. We all also have difference reactions to pain.

If you are new taking pain medication and it makes you dizzy/loopy/euphoric...take a day or two off.

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Specializes in I.C.U,PERIOPERATIVE NURSING,BSN.

OMG! .... totally no way! u could do that. i advise u finish ur medications and stay home. floating feeling u said, just gave me the cringes! wudnt want a nurse attending to me, feeling like shes floating. tk care ok!

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Specializes in I.C.U,PERIOPERATIVE NURSING,BSN.

OMG! .... totally no way! u could do that. i advise u finish ur medications and stay home. floating feeling u said, just gave me the cringes! wudnt want a nurse attending to me, feeling like shes floating. take care alright!

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Actually many dentists give out pain medication after root canals. My dentist gives out percocet 7.5/325 or Vicodin ES 7.5/750 depending on what is going on...root canals, infections, abscesses(and believe me my dentist knows what he is doing). Root canals IMO hurt worse the next day. We all also have difference reactions to pain.

If you are new taking pain medication and it makes you dizzy/loopy/euphoric...take a day or two off.

Um...I hate anything detal. I'm a big ol baby when it comes to dental pain. When I had two teeth removed, you better believe that I took the pain med that was given to me :) I only took 2 or 3 doses of it then when to ibu. I'd rather have a natural child birth than get another tooth pulled or dental work (I've had 2 naturals before to compare too)

BUT to the OP........no, no, no, no. Stay home or take ibuprofen and take the pain med at night when you get home.

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Specializes in LTC.

No, No, No!! Don't go in on that medication. My question to you is could you live with yourself if something happened to one of your patients while you were under the influence of that drug at work?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

We cannot give medical advice on this forum. I encourage you to contact your doctor with this very valid question.

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