Can You Overdose on Kadian?
Kadian® (
morphine sulfate ER) is a prescription pain medicine. As with any medication, it is possible to take too much Kadian. The specific effects of a Kadian overdose can vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
Kadian dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances. An overdose with Kadian can be quite dangerous.
Symptoms of a Kadian Overdose
A Kadian overdose may cause the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing (slow and shallow breathing)
- Extreme drowsiness
- Limp muscles
- Cold, clammy skin
- Small pupils
- Fluid in the lungs
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Death.
Chewing, crushing, dissolving, snorting, or injecting Kadian can easily result in an overdose. Kadian capsules contain tiny extended-release pellets designed to release
morphine slowly over time. Disrupting the pellets can cause overdose by releasing too much morphine too quickly.
Treatment for a Kadian Overdose
Early treatment after a Kadian overdose is essential. If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may induce vomiting, "pump" the stomach, or administer activated charcoal to prevent the body from absorbing Kadian. An antidote (naloxone or Narcan®) may be administered to counteract the overdose effects of Kadian.
Treatment will also involve supportive care, which consists of treating symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Kadian.
