Signs, Symptoms And Side Effects Of Embeda Abuse

Embeda is a prescription medication that is a combination of the opioid pain reliever morphine and naltrexone. Embeda is intended to be prescribed to patients as an ongoing pain relief medication. It’s not supposed to be prescribed for acute or short-term pain management. Embeda is an extended-release version of morphine, and it’s usually taken every 24 hours, not as-needed. Embeda should be prescribed to patients who can’t tolerate other immediate-release opioids, or who don’t receive enough pain relief using non-opioid medications. Embeda includes naltrexone as a way to deter people from misusing it. Naltrexone is a medication used as part of drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs because it can block the euphoric effects of opioids. Naltrexone can also reduce cravings for opioids in people who are addicted to this drug class. The idea with Embeda is that the addition of naltrexone will keep people from breaking the capsules and snorting or injecting the morphine in them. If they do, they may not feel a euphoric high, or they may have immediate withdrawal symptoms. Despite this added protection, misuse, addiction and dependence are still possible with Embeda.

While the risk of misuse is lower with Embeda as compared to other opioids, it still exists. Misuse of a prescription drug refers to any situation where someone is using it outside of how it’s intended to be used and how it’s prescribed. For example, symptoms of Embeda misuse can include emptying the medicine from the extended-release capsules and snorting it or dissolving it and injecting it. This causes a rapid delivery of the morphine in the drug all at once. Another symptom of Embeda misuse is using it without a prescription or taking a dose other than what’s prescribed. With Embeda misuse, if someone does try to snort or inject it, they may have immediate withdrawal symptoms if they’re addicted to opioids. Withdrawal symptoms of opioids can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, aches and pains, and flu-like symptoms.

One of the primary side effects of Embeda misuse is immediate withdrawal. There are other side effects possible as well. Some of the side effects of Embeda misuse can be similar to the side effects of using the drug as prescribed. For example, someone may experience drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Abdominal pain and constipation may be side effects of Embeda misuse as well. Other side effects of Embeda misuse can include addiction, physical dependence and an increased risk of an overdose. Someone who is misusing Embeda may initially seem euphoric, although less so than with other opioids. Then following that period of mild euphoria (which might not occur because of the naltrexone), the individual might seem very drowsy or like they’re going to nod off.

Despite the inclusion of the misuse-deterrent naltrexone in Embeda, there is still a warning issued by the manufacturers of this drug regarding the potential for addiction. When someone misuses a prescription opioid like Embeda, they are at an increased risk of becoming addicted. Embeda addiction can be diagnosed by looking at certain criteria and can be characterized as a mild, moderate or severe addiction. Signs of Embeda addiction can include:

• Loss of control over the use of Embeda or other opioids
• Using Embeda to deal with problems, feel good or feel normal
• Dependence leading to withdrawal symptoms when Embeda isn’t used
• Trying to stop using Embeda and being unsuccessful
• Secrecy and withdrawing from friends and family
• Mood swings or changes in behavior
• Continuing to use Embeda despite negative health effects
• Loss of interest and a decline in performance at school or work
• Changes in appearance
• Risk-taking

Since there are two main active ingredients in Embeda, it’s important to have an idea of the long-term effects of both. Morphine is the opioid component of Embeda that delivers pain relief. Long-term opioid use can lead to detrimental effects on hormones and fertility. Long-term opioid misuse can reduce pain tolerance, can cause new or worsening psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety and can damage the respiratory system. Long-term opioid misuse can also damage the brain if there is regularly a lack of oxygen. One of the most serious possible long-term effects of naltrexone is liver damage. The risk of liver damage is higher in people who regularly take large doses of naltrexone or who have a history of liver disease or hepatitis.

No matter the severity of the addiction, treatment, and recovery are possible. Call us or contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment.