MS Contin - an overview
MS Contin contains the active ingredient Morphine Sulfate. This is a very powerful narcotic (opiate antagonist). MS Contin is prescribed to treat pain that is moderate to severe. It is only meant to be prescribed for those that have an opiate tolerance. MS Contin is meant for those patients that need to have extended and continuous management of their pain.
Uses
Morphine is prescribed to treat pain that ranges from moderate to severe. MS Contin is a long acting type of Morphine that is used to ease pain that is moderate to severe. Long acting capsules and tablets of Morphine are only taken by those who will need to be medicated to ease pain that is moderate to severe all day and night for more than just a few days. Morphine is a narcotic analgesic. It works to change how the body feels pain.
Secondary effects
Secondary effects can be different for many people, and for those who have no tolerance to opiates the listed effects might include: shallow breathing, circulatory collapse, clammy skin, respiratory arrest and even death.
Possible secondary effects of this medication may include:
- Slowed reactions and thinking, lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue
- Constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Headache, Anxiety, hiccups, dry mouth
Talk to your health care provider if you notice any of the unusual and serious secondary effects that include:
- Severe pain in the stomach
- Trouble urinating
- Mood or mental changes
Seek emergency medical care if you notice any of these very rare and serious secondary effects including:
- Seizure
- Fainting
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Trouble waking up
- Unusual sleepiness
Physical dependence and/or addiction
MS Contin is a very strong narcotic analgesic. It is a long acting form of morphine. Since it is so strong, this prescription is most often used only for those with pain that is caused from cancer or who have had a very severe physical injury. MS Contin is the "cousin" to the opiate pain medication known as OxyContin. MS Contin is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means that it's regulated by the federal government. Opiate pain medications are placed in classes depending on the possibility of abuse, the approved medical uses and the potential for risks. They are ranked from lowest to highest, with Schedule I being the highest possibility and Schedule V being the lowest.
What you should know
Before you take this medicine, you should talk to your doctor about your full medical history. Be sure to mention any brain disorders including tumor, seizures or head injuries. If you have COPD, asthma or sleep apnea you should make sure to tell your health care provider. If you have a history of liver or kidney disease, mood or mental disorders that include depression or confusion, or have a family or personal history of using or regularly using drugs or alcohol you should talk to your doctor. Also, if you have a family or personal history of intestinal or stomach problems that include constipation, diarrhea, blockage or paralytic ileus or trouble urinating you should let your health care provider know.