Drugs

Drugs on RSD Alert

(notes and comments from correspondents)

Morphine Sulphate

Description
A proprietary preparation containing morphine (a controlled narcotic drug, which is the principal alkaloid of opium). Also known as MST, Morphine Sulphate is normally taken twice a day and is designed as a slow release variant of Morphine. Morphine Sulphate (Morphine Sulfate) is sold in some markets under the proprietary name AVINZA.
Side effects

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

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, urinary retention, confusion, mental detachment, sedation.
Warnings

(These are standard cautions but may not apply in your case)

Should not be administered to patients who have depressed breathing and should be used with caution with patients who have low blood pressure, impaired liver or kidney function of under-activity of the thyroid gland. Avoid using for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Comments

I was placed on a Patient Controlled Analgesic (PCA) machine that administered a small dose of Morphine Sulphate whenever I pressed the button - but no more frequently than once per 5 minutes. It was extremely effective in controlling pain but I had side effects which I believe were worth accepting just to control the pain. I was removed from the PCA about 48 hours after surgery. The side effects I believe were:
- sweating
- severe nausea after withdrawal
- chest pains
Patrick - Harrow, England

MST is Modified Morphine Sulphate BP, SR tablets. I take 2x30mg twice a day and have found it to be wonderful. However, I know that others have had problems on this drug and I have been told that doctors have no way of weaning people off MST. I also take Gabapentin, Fluoxetine, Clonazepam and Zopiclone. Pebbles - a member of RSD_UK Group

18 months ago I read RSD Alert wherein it was logged in was not possible to reduce MST. I asked my GP if I may reduce the prescribed does of 25mg am and pm 24/7. He agreed, I am also prescribed Prednisolone, Lansoprazole and many more. Initially I missed the 5mg decrease at the 9am drug round but I believe my body and mind have adapted to it and the muscle problem is due to daily exercise, I am determined I can walk if I persevere. I become irritable. Some days I am very tired so I take a nap but have to set an alarm. Val - York, UK

My pain got so bad recently that I turned up at my hospital doctors clinic on the 1st October without an appointment and demanded to be seen!! The doctor has now put me on a drug called MST. This is a slow release morphine sulphate drug and the difference is amazing! My pain level has really dropped. For now, at least, I am not going to completely get rid of the pain - but what a difference! The dose has to be increased gradually in order that I don't overdose, but it really helps. It is a slow process in getting up to a high enough dose to make a real difference, but the signs are all there that this is my lucky break. I am now on 20mg twice daily and am impressed (very hard to believe after 2½ years of bad pain in both legs. Mickey - Isle of Sheppey, Kent, UK

I was taking MST 4 x 30mg tabs a day 2 in the morning and 2 at night, but they had little or no effect, so I stopped taking them and all my other meds as well because they just made me into an aggressive zombie and did not help with pain. Paul - Guisley, Yorkshire, UK

www.rsdalert.co.uk
for correspondence click CONTACT