Morphine / naltrexone and Constipation: What Users Say

• Old...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

For Chronic Pain "Complicated history; 2 different genetic mutations causing multiple disorders, polyarticular gout, pseudogout with calcium crystals in all joints, 3-level neck fusion, 4 back surgeries. The last lumbar surgery caused a blood clot in the spine; loss of bowel and bladder control, severe arthritis with damaged joints, Paget's disease of the bone, etc. Been on MS ER since the 4th failed surgery but had to change doctors. The new doc put me on Embeda, and it is awful. Headache within the hour, withdrawal symptoms within 3-4 hours, sweating and leg cramps, nausea, constipation; but worse of all, no pain relief. After being on a regimen that worked since 2003, with the flap about abuse, doctors are afraid of morphine."

• hor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

For Chronic Pain "My doctor changed me from morphine to Embeda, and I hurt worse than ever. It doesn't work for me at all, plus I sweat profusely and have severe constipation and itching. I thought this was going to help me have a better life. Wrong, it's done nothing but make me worse. So good luck, people. I feel for you, chronic pain patients. It seems to help people who have light pain, not chronic."

• so...
• January 15, 2011

For Pain "I have been very impressed. I was taking 10-12 Norco on a daily basis for pain control. This is my third week, and I am now taking the 30 mg. I am taking very little Norco now for breakthrough pain. I am less groggy and have better concentration. It did take about a week to get used to the new medicine. All I wanted to do was sleep for that week. Now the only issue is the constipation, which is brutal. Although some Senna and Miralax work well. I am actually thrilled with how much better I feel. It is like suddenly waking up and being alive to participate in life again. WOW."

• Anonymous
• August 12, 2010

For Pain "I began using Embeda about a month ago for chronic pain. I have had 2 back surgeries and 2 shoulder surgeries due to a severe case of early onset degenerative arthritis, combined with an autoimmune disorder. Before the Embeda, I was taking Percocet for pain management, but it left me feeling irritable when the medication wore off. The Embeda has worked GREAT for me. I am on 20-0.8 MG every 24 hours. I like it because I don't get a 'high' feeling, and when it wears off, I don't feel irritable. It does cause me increased sweating, constipation, and some mild itching, but the trade-off is worth it. It has worked so well for me that I feel like I have my life back."

• KyF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2017

For Chronic Pain "The first day I took Embeda, I had no relief and was badly in pain. But the second day, I woke up and felt great. It has really helped my pain. I've been taking IR meds most of my life, leaving me waking up in the middle of the night in huge pain - since Embeda, that's gone away! I feel good, a lot less pain, and am very impressed! Only downside - constipation and face redness. Otherwise, it's great! And I'm only taking 40 mg with 4 Norco for rescue meds."

• Anonymous
• November 1, 2009

For Pain "I was taking Opana ER 20 and was switched by my doctor to Embeda 30 1.2 mg. I experienced a significant increase in pain level, and breakthrough pain occurred within 2-3 hours. Other adverse effects included sweating, nausea, and constipation."

• Fla...
• September 13, 2017

For Chronic Pain "Went in for pain management four years ago, for one bulging disc in my neck and three in my lower back. I'm on Norco 10/325 × 4 for pain. I have psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, COPD, chronic bronchitis, onset emphysema on oxygen, Bi-Pap. I developed nerve ending pain in my neck and upper arm. The doctor prescribed me Embeda 20 mg/0.8 mg in the morning. I felt good for about 2 hours, then I fell asleep for 5 hours. This was on the 1st of September. I did use it for 2 days, I stopped for several reasons: sleeping too much, itching, peeling skin, constipation, agitation, no relief from nerve pain, and an adult disabled daughter I have to care for. Just doesn't seem practical, I'll wait till tomorrow for NET. Lungs may fill up. I still don't feel right."

• ECP...
• November 19, 2009

For Pain "As the last reviewer said, I have had increased pain, fatigue, constipation, and anxiety."