ms contin leave you out of breath?

[Yamrpt]

Can this med leave you huffing and puffing from doing simple daily activities like dishes?

[YesLife4Me]

I am in agreement with atthebeach on this.   If your mom is getting winded easily, that is not good.   Especially since you increased her doseage.  That is a sign of respiratory distress.  MS Contin is a a very strong, long lasting narcotic, I'm surprised that they don't give her something such as vicodin or percs for breakthrough pain and taper this med.   That way she is not increasing her tolerance, but controlling the mid day sickness and pain.  You described her other symptoms in your previous posts about the pale skin, and that too is on the list above of effects to contact the Dr at once about.  

[britbrit88]

But eventually I got use to it, She will feel that way until she builds up a tolerance to that newer dosage. In a few days, it should be better..But if she experiances those other symptoms, I'd call the doc and tell them to switch her meds because shes having a reaction.

[atthebeach]

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of opioid agonists, including MS CONTIN. Respiratory depression if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Respiratory depression from opioids is manifested by a reduced urge to breathe and a decreased rate of respiration, often associated with a “sighing” pattern of breathing (deep breaths separated by abnormally long pauses). Carbon dioxide  (CO2) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient's clinical status [see OVERDOSAGE].

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of MS CONTIN, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dose increase. Closely monitor patients for respiratory depression when initiating therapy with MS CONTIN and following dose increases. Instruct patients against use by individuals other than the patient for whom MS CONTIN was prescribed and to keep MS CONTIN out of the reach of children, as such inappropriate use may result in fatal respiratory depression.

[britbrit88]

Yes. It also made my legs feel really weird..like..heavy. Very heavy.

[atthebeach]

she increased her dosage?
she was taking 60mgs wasn't she?
. it is common for the respiratory depression to happen when there is an increase in dosage especially when you are older.
please call the doctor. it can lead to respiratory failure.
her skin issues are also a side effect.
her tolerance is just going to continue to increase. I would seriously try to get her to taper or ask the doctor to switch her to something not so intense.

[Yamrpt]

Yes it is about her. She's not tapering her dose, does not want to, doctor does not want to.

It seems to have been going on since she started taking a mid day 15mg to curb her nausea/vomiting from her tolerance after being on it for 6 months. So now it's 30+15+30.

She doesn't have any other symptoms listed. Just lethargic, tires easily.

Just was curious if this is common?

[YesLife4Me]

Yes and my search says you need to contact her physician about this.  

Applies to morphine: oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral concentrate, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking morphine (the active ingredient contained in MS Contin) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
stiff muscles, seizure (convulsions);
cold, clammy skin;
confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
severe weakness, feeling like you might pass out;
trouble swallowing;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.
Less serious side effects of morphine may include:

weight loss;
constipation, diarrhea;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
memory problems; or
sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

[atthebeach]

is she doing a taper now? how has she  been feeling?
did the respiratory problems just start recently?

[atthebeach]

this is about your mom right? please contact her doctor asap.

[atthebeach]

yes it can cause Respiratory depression. this is a serious issue.
do you take them as prescribed? you need to contact your doctor immediately.