Morphine Sulfate/Naltrexone (Oral, Extended Release Capsules)

Naltrexone is combined with morphine sulfate in order to provide round-the-clock pain management to patients who are in severe pain and have developed tolerance to other narcotic pain medication. This medication blocks nerve impulses to the brain in order to provide pain relief.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication should only be given to patients who have developed tolerance to other narcotic pain medications. If it is given to a patient who is not opioid tolerant, it can lead to an overdose, which causes patients to stop breathing or their hearts to stop beating. Morphine overdoses are often fatal.

Patients who have drug abuse or alcohol abuse problems should not take this drug if it is avoidable. There is a high chance of abuse of this drug; in addition, taking it with alcohol can lead to fatal respiratory depression.