May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Drugs Problems with the analgesic dosage
Problems with the analgesic dosage |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been prescribed and taking?ms. Contin. For 10 yrs, the last two of which I have been prescribed by the same Dr. Recently he mentioned lowering my dosage without reason to do so. A year ago he had increased it from 30 to 60 mg. Under what reasons professionally can he make that determination? I suffer constant pain and do not need anything lower but pain, not pain medication. Dear Dee: MS Contin is a narcotic pain medication that releases its active ingredient (morphine) slowly for the management of moderate to severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid painkiller is needed for an extended period of time. MS Contin has the potential for dependence and abuse and can cause severe adverse effects including respiratory depression and even death if not taken according to your doctor's directions, especially if you have conditions that can cause you to become oxygen depleted. It is NOT intended for use on an as-needed basis. Use MS Contin exactly the way your doctor tells you to, and it should only be used for the condition for which it was prescribed. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen and appropriate dosage. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, sweating, euphoria, negative mood changes. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a "rescue" medication (a short-acting painkiller) to use in addition to MS Contin for times when your pain is especially severe (known as "breakthrough pain," because it breaks through your baseline, long-acting painkiller). |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 February 2012 ) |
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