The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and previous use of narcotics. Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
If so directed by your doctor, you may take short-acting (immediate-release) narcotic pain medications (e.g., morphine elixir, codeine) for attacks of severe pain. Also, follow your doctor's instructions for the safe use of non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen). If you have been using other long-acting pain medications regularly, ask your doctor if you should continue or stop them. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include trouble sleeping, sweating, widened pupils, runny nose, watering eyes, irritability, weakness, muscle aches/twitching/cramps, stomach cramps, hot/cold flashes, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, and fever. Withdrawal symptoms may worsen over the first 3 days. Most symptoms will disappear over the next 2 weeks. Some withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, irritability, and muscle aches, may last 2 to 6 months. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping long-term, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Although it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.
