Safe and Effective Pain Control After Surgery for Children and Teens

Children may be prescribed opioids to control severe pain resulting from their operations. Fatal poisonings from opioid overdoses are also increasing among both children and teens. Given the current rates of opioid abuse in the country, it is critical that patients understand how to safely use these medications and dispose of them once they are no longer needed.

Before your child’s operation, we encourage you to review the materials on this website. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s surgeon.

Common Questions

Read FAQ

What are the goals of pain control?

The goals of pain control are to minimize pain, keep your child moving, help him or her resume normal activities, and help to heal.

What is safe and effective pain control?

Safe pain control is the use of medication and other therapies to control pain with the least amount of side effects. Your surgical team will work with you and your child to:

Screen for current opioid use and risk for overuse
Use alternatives to opioids whenever possible
Educate you about:
- Using the lowest dose of opioids for the shortest amount of time
- Safely storing and getting rid of any unused opioids
- Knowing and recognizing the signs of opioid overdose

Why should I be concerned about opioid use in children and teens?

How can I help my child feel better?

What are the most common pain control therapies and medications?

How can opioids be used to safely manage my child's severe pain?

Can I wait to fill my child's opioid prescription?

How do I store and get rid of my child's leftover opioids?

What are the risks of my child becoming addicted to opioids?