Morphine and Constipation: What Users Say

• Jew...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 17, 2014

Morphine for Chronic Pain "Morphine Sulfate ER 15 mg. I have been using this for approximately 6 months. I find that many of the side effects listed have become apparent to me. I do experience shakiness, constipation, elevated liver enzymes, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable sleepiness, blurred vision, sensitivity to bright lights at nighttime, including some indoor lighting. In addition, I suffer from stomach pain, feel lethargic at times, memory loss, lack of desire to socialize, depression, and other minor events that I did not have prior to taking morphine."

• Phi...
• January 17, 2018

Morphine for Chronic Pain "I've been on various opiates since my mid-20s and now I'm in my mid-50s. If I could choose whatever medicine I wanted for pain relief, I would choose Morphine, as it is the smoothest, longest-lasting, and most consistent narcotic. It comes on slowly and has long legs. I avoid Oxy, as it hits very quickly and falls off often randomly but always sooner. Morphine ER lasts a good 8 to 12 hours. The worst side effect long-term for me is constipation and occasional hot flashes. Together with Gabapentin and a muscle relaxer, it masks my severe back injury enough that I can avoid a major risky surgery."

• roc...
• August 10, 2014

Morphine for Chronic Pain "After getting a bad infection meningitis, I had some long-term damage. I have migraines daily, fibromyalgia, and interstitial cystitis. I can't take most pain medication because it can make it worse. Morphine is the only one that has worked for me, and I'm able to live a life! It's been 7 years, and my dose has stayed the same. I take morphine sulfate IR 30, 3 times a day. No side effects anymore. I can drive, and it doesn't affect daily activities. But be careful, it causes constipation. So if you are on it, I recommend that you take a stool softener and vitamins."

• liv...
• May 2, 2009

Morphine for Pain "I have suffered for many years with AS and Degenerative Disc disease. With all the NSAIDs, Methotrexate, and painkillers, I developed ulcers in my esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Thankfully, my doctor decided to switch me to Morphine because it is easier on the system. Now, I take 60 mg MS Contin twice a day and 4 to 6 mg Dilaudid as needed for breakthrough pain. The plus is that the ulcers have all healed, and although the pain is not totally gone, it is very manageable. The minus is that I have had to gradually increase my dosage over the years because your body learns to tolerate it. Adjusting to a new dose can take a little while, and it causes constipation (Benefiber works great)."

• Xen...
• April 24, 2010

Morphine for Pain "This medicine has been a godsend miracle for me! I suffer from spinal stenosis, 4 herniated discs, and nerve damage in both legs. I injured myself in 2007, and my chronic pain has steadily increased. I have been treated with different pain medicines over the last few years, including Percocet, Hydrocodone, and Morphine. The problem I had on the others was, while they helped, they would give me a numb feeling. I enjoy reading and... well... thinking! So that wasn't enjoyable for me. The MS Contin works odd to me. I can't really explain why, but I get all the pain relief with none of the high feeling that makes you about as active as a slug. This medicine can cause constipation."

• Ros...
• May 21, 2015

Morphine for Chronic Pain "Have been taking ER 120 mg 3x a day, with 60 mg for breakthrough pain. I suffer from chronic spinal stenosis with achondroplasia. That being a progressive disorder. After many different doctors' prescriptions not helping, I went to a pain management clinic. I was inpatient for 4-5 days till they finally found the right drug and, most importantly, the right dose. I do take 60-90 mg for breakthrough pain. It works so well. Bless those doctors that took the time and effort to find answers. I am on the same dose for a while now. The only side effect is bad constipation. I use a stool softener. What a relief to finally have a decent quality of life finally."

• Zel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 24, 2012

Morphine for Chronic Pain "It worked great on my Hyper-Mobility Syndrome! (All of my joints are 'double-jointed') which causes chronic pain for years and gets worse with age. The only side effect I've had is constipation. With Avinza, I actually have a better quality of life!"

• ivi...
• August 22, 2015

Morphine for Chronic Pain "Suffering from ME/CFS for over 25 years; morphine is the ONLY medication that decreased pain to a tolerable level; take 75mg 3 times a day with 10mg Statex (also morphine) for 'breakout' pain; impossible to 'forget' a dose; as the pain lets you know within an hour; 1 major side effect: constipation; controlled by 250mg magnesium 4x day."

• Jay...
• April 17, 2009

Morphine for Pain "I am a chronic pain patient and have tried Vicodin 5/500, Norco 7.5/325, Norco 10/325, Percocet, Percodan, Darvocet, and finally I have found relief with 120 mg of MS CONTIN a day and Percodan for breakthrough pain (up to 4 tablets a day as needed). I am now able to work a full-time job, get up before noon, and resume a normal life. I am so thankful my doctor decided to try the MS Contin. The only issue is constipation, but it is controlled with Miralax."

• Anonymous
• May 3, 2009

Morphine for Pain "I've been on Kadian for 8 months (car accident 3 years ago, suffering from extensive postural and disc issues and recently diagnosed PTVS symptoms since). I'm 22 and started feeling able to live my life again after taking Kadian (10 mg 2 x day), and it seemed to make my mood better. It no longer works at the current dose, and the doctor won't move up a dose and doesn't believe in short-acting medicines. The first 6 months, it really did wonders and gave me a lot of my life back. Constipation is brutal with this medicine - I take Miralax daily with some relief. Withdrawals are horrific."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2018

For Pain "Morphine was a true godsend after invasive cancer surgery! I had some unpleasant side effects like constipation, nausea, and vomiting that were controlled by Zofran. The pain relief I got from morphine was totally worth it."

• prg...
• June 6, 2008

Morphine for Pain "I've been on Avinza for about 3-4 months now, and it's the only thing that makes the pain bearable. I have had 2 neck surgeries, and the last one left me with some right-side weakness and partial paralysis. The only drawback I find with Avinza is the constipation, but MiraLax has taken care of that. I almost feel like a real person again."

• but...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2016

Morphine for Chronic Pain "I have cervical stenosis, multiple disc herniations, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain syndrome, etc., since my teen years. I'm 38 now. I've been to several pain clinics and doctors on meds, narcotics, but none helped me like Avinza. I take 90 mg plus 10/325 Percocet as needed for breakthrough, and it helps so much. I have only constipation, and I take Amitiza for that. I'm happy my insurance covers it."

• kas...
• September 20, 2009

Morphine for Pain "I have been on the Fentanyl patch for 8 years and decided that I was so tired of the brain fog that I had from this drug that I asked the doctor to put me on Kadian, and I don't have the brain fog anymore. Kadian keeps my pain level down enough for me to function in everyday life. I have CRPS and spondylosis in my neck with two bulging discs, so no surgery for me. My only complaint is constipation."

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2008

Morphine for Pain "I found out about 3 years ago that I had systemic lupus, and it hit me like a brick wall. Besides my joints and muscles hurting, my immune system attacked my blood vessels, causing my blood pressure to be uncontrollably high. The Avinza helped bring the blood pressure down as a natural side effect and has helped to manage the pain in the rest of my body. I am currently taking 120 mgs slow release daily but still have some pain. I would not have been able to function without the morphine. Aside from the pain in general, my blood pressure was never out of the 'stroke and heart attack' zone with regular hypertension drugs. The worst side effects are nausea and constipation."

• Anonymous
• July 2, 2011

For Pain "I am a disabled Marine Corps veteran. I have suffered from lower back pain for roughly 12 years. My back from L-3, L-4, L-5, and S-1; facet disc disease, bulging discs, degenerative discs, etc. I had a discectomy at L-4 and L-5 in 2002 without any help. I was on Vicodin 10 mg 8 times a day. Vicodin helped, but did not relieve the pain enough to maintain a 'normal' life. My doctor put me on morphine IR and SA. I currently take morphine IR 15 mg 4 times a day and morphine SA 15 mg 3 times a day. I can live a 'normal' life. For someone in chronic pain, you understand what 'normal' life means. Constipation is the only issue I have. I take a stimulant laxative to help the constipation."

• arf...
• November 28, 2009

Morphine for Pain "I have been suffering headaches for three years now. I have been told it is originating from my neck: arthritis, bone spurs, and a nerve irritation. I would only need arthritis pain medicines but am allergic to NSAIDs. Tried Tylenol 3, hydrocodone, etc. Have had an RFA and injected pain medicines, not much help. Finally put on Avinza 90 mg and am happy with the results. After three months on Avinza, life is much better. I also take Percocet 10/325 for breakthrough pain, but am able to tolerate and work and, most of all, play golf again. No problem with the constipation as I drink lots of water all day. Love this drug. If you don't already know, Avinza offers a discount coupon. New coupon due out in January to help pay. Cut my out-of-pocket expense by 90%. I pay $17.00."

• Ric...
• March 27, 2010

Morphine for Pain "Have been taking Avinza 2x30 mg/day for 12 months. Pain is better controlled (normal is 3-5; oxy was 5-7). Still constipated, but fixable with Metamucil. Can safely pay bills and drive. Wonder drug for me. No craving, either."

• mic...
• June 6, 2009

Morphine for Pain "I was diagnosed with a rare form of lupus (as a teen) 24 years ago, 6 years later with Raynaud's and fibromyalgia. Over the years, I have tried many pain medicines, some have helped and some haven't, but most have had multiple side effects and/or interactions with my other necessary medicines. In 2004, I was in the hospital while I was out of remission, and I had a slip and fall. This accident resulted in three herniated discs. Since then, I've been taking Avinza 120 mg, with Vicodin 10/650 for breakthrough pain, and I can honestly say this is the best pain coverage I've had in 24 years with only 1 side effect... constipation, which Miralax takes care of."

• Col...
• July 17, 2008

For Pain "I've had morphine both in IV and pill. In the pills, both immediate release and time release. In IV, with on-demand pump for surgery for thyroid cancer and neck surgery. Worked great both times. I've taken it for over 6 years in pill form for chronic pain management. The only thing I don't like about it is the constipation from it. Started using it with Dilaudid 2 years ago after neck surgery for chronic pain management."

• tmb...
• March 17, 2009

Morphine for Pain "In 2004, I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Still's Disease. Then, in 2006, my pain shot up and was uncontrolled with just Percocet 10/325 mg every 6 hours. The doctor decided to put me on this, and it has been a godsend for me as well. Although I am unable to work due to the fact that employers view this as a drug in a drug-free workplace, I am well maintained and will continue to take it. We tried last fall to up it to 60 mg, and it was too sedating and caused my migraines to flare. Other than that, the side effects have been constipation."

• Ric...
• December 15, 2009

Morphine for Pain "So much better than OxyContin for osteoarthritis in my S.I. joint (coccyx/pelvis). Less constipation, better for driving, doesn't impair judgment... 30-60 mg/day, compared to 60 OxyContin."

• dal...
• December 5, 2011

For Pain "It helps a little for pain, but now I have no sex drive, constipation all the time. When I took Vicodin 10, I did not have this problem."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 15, 2018

Morphine for Chronic Pain "This did not help my chronic pain at all. I had to use a dosage of 30-50 mg of morphine, and it still didn't touch my pain. I got severe constipation and was violently sick."

• seb...
• March 6, 2009

Morphine for Pain "Works well. Though very expensive. Also causes bad constipation."