Naltrexone/Morphine Sulfate(Oral, Extended Release Capsules)

Naltrexone is sometimes combined with morphine sulfate to provide pain relief to patients who need to manage chronic pain and are no longer responding to other narcotic-strength medications. This medication helps numb chronic and severe pain by blocking pain impulses to the brain. Patients take extended release tablets every eight to twelve hours in order to keep morphine in their system throughout the day.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication must be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush or break capsules. If a capsule is broken or damaged before being swallowed, the patient will receive an influx of morphine all at once rather than the drug being released throughout the day. This can lead to a fatal overdose of morphine. Some brands of this medication allow you to open capsules and mix the contents with applesauce. Take the medication immediately if you choose to prepare it in this manner.

Do not drink while on this medication, as alcohol can interfere with the extended release mechanism of the medication and lead to an overdose.