“Can I take painkillers after a local anesthetic?”

Sure.

Yes. You can take painkillers after anesthesia. But always consult your doctor.Some painkillers could affect coagulation.

Absolutely, yes you can.

Yes, local anesthetic only works locally once you start feeling pain you can take your pain medication.

Yes, you may take painkillers after receiving local anesthetics for invasive procedures. The type of painkiller(s) will depend on the procedure performed and your personal health history. For example, patients having surgery with a high risk of postoperative bleeding will be advised avoid certain classes of painkillers which have a blood-thinning effect because such drugs may increase the risk of post-op bleeding. Similarly, patients with severe liver disease may be advised to avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol). In general, for healthy patients undergoing low risk surgery, the preferred post-op analgesics (in order of preference) are: Local anesthetics administered at the time of surgery (or, in some cases, via slow infusion catheter device for major surgery), Acetaminophen  (Tylenol), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (e.g., ketorolac), or an oral opioid (e.g., hydrocodone). Depending on the type of surgery, other analgesics might include: An antineuralgic (e.g., gabapentin, commonly used for major spine surgery and some joint replacement surgery in younger patients), anti-spasm meds (e.g., cyclobenzaprene), and many others.