Signs, Symptoms, and Side Effects of Kadian Abuse
Kadian is an opioid analgesic, also called a narcotic, that is meant to treat severe long-lasting pain, often caused by cancer. It’s an extended-release painkiller that can last up to 24 hours.
Like other opioids, Kadian has a high risk of substance misuse. The strength of this medication has made it a popular street drug, often sought after by people struggling with substance use disorder.
What is Kadian?
Kadian is a prescription-strength pain-relief medication that contains morphine pellets, and it’s usually offered to patients who deal with severe, long-term pain (especially cancer patients). It’s meant for people who are experienced with opioids and can handle the potency. Kadian was manufactured because morphine was effective at pain-relief but it would wear off too quickly. Kadian is the only type of extended-release morphine.
Kadian is not used often due to the high risk of addiction. When taking Kadian, it’s recommended that the patient take the narcotic exactly as prescribed to reduce the chances of substance misuse.
Some of the side effects that might occur from Kadian are
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
Less common but more serious side effects of Kadian include
- Severe sweating
- Confusion
- Stomach pains
- Muscle twitches
- Slowed heart rate
- Slowed breathing
- Blurred vision
- Burning or numbness of the skin (allergic reaction)
Speak with a doctor before taking Kadian if any serious side effects occur.
Kadian Addiction
Despite the restrictive use of Kadian, many people, with or without a prescription, will obtain and misuse the narcotic. Someone struggling with substance use disorder or people who often misuse other opioids and have developed a tolerance for them will seek Kadian, mainly for its high potency and long-lasting effects.
Someone who misuses Kadian and develops an addiction will likely begin showing less and less interest in other things (e.g., one may begin to neglect a favorite hobby or a friendship). Kadian addiction is dangerous and all-consuming. People will experience strong cravings that could make them angry and unpleasant to be around if they’re not taking Kadian. This can lead to illicitly obtaining Kadian, possibly causing problems with the law.
Kadian Long-Term Effects
Over time, someone taking Kadian will grow more and more tolerant to its effects. If that happens, that person may turn to harder, stronger drugs like heroin.
Kadian misuse can alter how the brain naturally secretes chemicals. Kadian blocks the transmission of pain signals, increasing the threshold for pain tolerance. Long-term use will reduce the brain’s ability to secrete pain-blocking chemicals without the assistance of opioids, often leading to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Opioids like Kadian are difficult to recover from without medical assistance. The odds of recurring use are high, as Kadian produces strong cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
If you or your loved one is experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, contact The Recovery Village. We have medications available to lessen the severity of your symptoms so you can focus on long-term recovery without interruptions. Our team is here to make your recovery comfortable and safe. Call our 24/7 helpline at 855-249-4032 to learn more.
Kadian Overdose
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.