Compare Morphine Sulfate vs. tramadol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats severe pain.
Ms Contin (Morphine Sulfate) provides good long-term pain control without the need to take medicine frequently, but watch out for constipation.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 541 reviewsforMorphine Sulfate
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Ultram (tramadol) works well for pain. Although it's a little weaker than other opioids, it can still be addictive.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 642 reviewsfortramadol
Upsides
- Provides longer relieve for moderate to severe pain to improve quality of life.
- Good for chronic pain that requires around-the-clock relief.
- Might have fewer side effects than other opioid pain relievers.
- Relieves moderate to severe pain. It has been shown to work as well as other opioid pain medications.
- Compared to typical opioids, it provides unique pain relief and effects on your mood when taken regularly.
- Has a lower chance of causing breathing problems compared to other typical opioids.
- Doesn't cause as much constipation as other opioid pain medicines. Staying hydrated and taking laxatives can help treat this side effect.
Downsides
- Doesn't work for as-needed or quick pain relief.
- Dizziness and drowsiness is common, but your body may adjust.
- Everyone will get constipation - always stay hydrated and take stool softener or stimulant on days you're taking Ms Contin (Morphine Sulfate) if you need.
- Long term use will likely cause physical dependence.
- Must be weaned slowly off the medicine after use longer than 2 weeks.
- Some people think it's weaker than other opioid pain medications. It can also cause more upset stomach.
- Like other opioid pain relievers, Ultram (tramadol) has a high risk of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death.
- The extended release version of Ultram (tramadol) should only be used for severe pain that requires daily, around-the-clock treatment once alternative treatments haven't worked.
- It's a controlled substance regulated by the federal government. This means that your use of Ultram (tramadol) will be tracked to prevent potential prescription abuse.
- Like all opioids, don't use when pregnant, since the baby can become dependent on it and have withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Oral solution
- Liquid
- Suppository
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release capsule
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$136.12
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$38.23
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Reviews
541 reviews so far
55%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
20%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ms Contin (Morphine Sulfate)?
Leave a review642 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ultram (tramadol)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Ms Contin (Morphine Sulfate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
13possible side effects
- Dizziness26%
- Nausea24%
- Constipation24%
- Headache18%
- Sleepiness16%
- Vomiting9%
- Pruritus8%
- CNS Stimulation7%
- Asthenia6%
- Sweating6%
- Dyspepsia5%
- Dry Mouth5%
- Diarrhea5%
Risks and risk factors
- Death from lack of oxygen to the body (respiratory depression)
- Current use of medicine that affects liver enzyme CYP 3A4
- Age 65 or greater
- Higher dose
- People with not enough thyroid hormones
- History of lung problems
- Death from overdose
- Children age 18 and younger
- Death in newborn babies from opioid withdrawal (Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome)
- Long-term use during pregnancy
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Low blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Breathing problems
- Age 65 or greater
- Overdose
- Using alcohol, benzodiazepines or other medicines that slow breathing
- Addiction, abuse, and overdose
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Taking with alcohol or benzodiazepines
- Stopping Ultram (tramadol) suddenly
- Interactions with other drugs
- Withdrawal in newborns
- Pregnancy
- Accidental ingestion
- Children can reach medication