Back Pain Home > Kadian Side Effects
Nausea, constipation, and drowsiness are the most common side effects reported with Kadian. Side effects that are less common (seen in less than 3 percent of people taking the medication) include fever, dry mouth, and insomnia. Other Kadian side effects that, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and require immediate medical attention include irregular breathing, severe constipation, and difficulty passing urine.
As with any medicine, Kadian® (morphine sulfate ER) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Kadian. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Kadian side effects with you.)
Kadian has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the most common side effects of Kadian included:
- Drowsiness -- in up to 9 percent of people
- Constipation -- up to 9 percent (see Kadian and Constipation)
- Nausea -- up to 7 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 6 percent
- Anxiety -- up to 6 percent.
For most people, drowsiness and nausea will significantly improve after taking Kadian for a week or so. If nausea is severe, your healthcare provider may recommend an anti-nausea medication for a few days, until your body becomes accustomed to Kadian.