RSD Alert
www.rsdalert.co.uk

Warning and encouraging

If you came to this site direct from a Search engine and don't know about Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please take time to visit our Home page and learn about RSD.

back to Drugs Index

RSD Alert Home Page

RSD Alert is a voluntary organisation publishing RSD/CRPS information, mostly provided by our readers. Every approved medical drug works for some people but not for others. Don't be alarmed by what you read. If in doubt consult your medical advisor.
To make personal contact with one of the RSD Alert Team click CONTACT.
click to make contact with a member of our Team

To pass on information for publication in "Drugs on RSD Alert" click Submit Info.
click to send us information about RSD/CRPS medications

Drugs

Drugs on RSD Alert

(notes and comments from correspondents)

Cyclimorph
Description
 Proprietary form of Morphine. Derived from opium, this is a powerful analgesic (painkiller) with narcotic characteristics. It lowers blood pressure and is widely used to treat pain, shock and associated anxiety. It is also used in anaesthesia or as a premed before surgery. Administered orally or by injection. A legally controlled drug.
Side effects

(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients)

 Vomiting or nausea, constipation, urinary retention and loss of appetite. May depress breathing levels. May cause confusion due to its sedetary and euphoric effects.
Warnings

(These are standard cautions but may not be applicable to your case)

 Should be administered with caution to patients who have head injury, low blood pressure, liver or kidney impairment or breathing problems. Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Dosage should be reduced for elderly patients.

Comments

When I finally could not work any longer I was having so many epidurals it was ridiculous. They tried me on many painkillers, most of which were no good in pain control. Then they started me on MST, which had to be increased. Eventually, they inserted a morphine pump into my abdomen, which was in for about 18 months when it had to be removed due to infection. Your mind becomes so confused and I realised that, whilst it was in, all that time I remember very little of what happened. The morphine does work, of that I have no doubt. Clare - a nurse in England

NOTE:
Opiates including Morphine, Diamorphine (Heroin) and milder derivatives like Codeine are very effective analgesics - although in neuropathic pain their value is sometimes questioned.
A core concern is the matter of addiction.
When opiates are abused or used for recreational purposes that carry a very high risk of dependence - the reason is that the user is taking the drug for 'effect' rather than pain relief. Thus dependence develops quickly and there is no need to discuss all that follows - we are all aware of that.
However - when used for purpose of analgesia, and in a controlled way, addiction is far less of an issue - and patients can be weaned from opiates quite successfully. However, tolerance soon develops and dosage in long term use can become quite phenomenal. As the body becomes tolerant to the drug then rapid withdrawal will result in the unpleasant symptoms known as 'withdrawal'. Thus the chronic pain sufferer must reduce the dose slowly if they intend to come off the drug.
Finally - opiates do have profound systemic effects and although pain relief may be good the individual may found themselves with a wealth of unwanted side effects - the decision is whether the side effects outweigh the pain relief. Dave Barton, Swansea, Wales - Administrator of SKIP (Support for Kids In Pain)
www.rsdalert.co.uk
for correspondence click CONTACT