MS Contin (morphine) is a medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. According to Drugs.com, MS Contin is a narcotic pain reliever that provides continuous pain relief "around-the-clock." According to the National Library of Medicine, you will initially take 50mg of this medication every four to six hours or as your doctor prescribes. MS Contin causes a wide variety of side effects that range from mild to life-threatening.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, MS Contin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, poor appetite and weight loss. Diarrhea and vomiting can cause you to become dehydrated or hypokalemic (low potassium levels). Simply drinking nine to 10 glasses of water every day can restore your fluids. Eating fruits like bananas and green leafy vegetables like spinach can restore you potassium to normal levels. MS Contin can also cause changes in your psyche. You may become nervous, agitated or confused. These side effects are usually temporary, but tell your doctor if these psychiatric disturbances continue for greater than two days. MS Contin can also cause stiff muscles, blurry vision, diaphoresis (sweating) and a headache. These symptoms should subside within two to three days as your body gets acclimated to the drug.
Potentially Fatal Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, MS Contin is supposed to be taken in its original state. Do not crush, break or dissolve this medication, as this can actually increase the amount of MS Contin you receive. This can subsequently result in a potentially fatal overdose. This medication can also cause respiratory depression, especially in elderly patients. You may develop trouble breathing and hypercapnea, a condition of too much carbon dioxide in your blood. MS Contin may also cause hypotension (low blood pressure). Severe hypotension can lead to fainting spells and even shock, a condition in which your body doesn't send enough blood to your organs. According to Drugs.com, MS Contin can also cause convulsions, bradycardia (slow heartbeat), lightheadedness and dizziness. Go to the emergency room immediately in such cases.
Additional Concerns
Avoid MS Contin if you are allergic to morphine or any other narcotic medication. A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction can result. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to MS Contin include hives, trouble breathing, and facial, tongue, throat or lip swelling.
Avoid MS Contin if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. This medication is very addicting, and can lead to mental and physical dependence.
Do not take MS Contin if you have asthma, kidney or liver disease, a head or brain injury, low blood pressure, epilepsy, mental illness, or prostate, gallbladder or urinary problems. MS Contin may exacerbate these conditions.
MedlinePlus indicates that you should not take MS Contin with such medicines as warfarin, amoxipine, antihistamines or metoprolol. MS Contin can combine with these drugs and cause the aforementioned effects.
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