Morphine – what is it for, how to take it and contraindications!

Morphine is an opioid pain medication . An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Short-acting formulations are taken as needed for pain .

The extended-release form of morphine is for the non-stop treatment of pain. This form is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain. You should not take this medicine if you have severe asthma or breathing problems, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or a bowel obstruction called a paralytic ileus.

Morphine can slow or stop breathing and can be addictive, especially in a child or someone else using the drug without a prescription.

Taking this medication during pregnancy can cause fatal withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medication with alcohol or with other medications that cause drowsiness or slow breathing.

How to use morphine?

Take morphine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Morphine can slow  or stop breathing, especially when you start using this medication or whenever your dose is changed.

Never use this medication in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working to relieve your pain as well.

Never share this medication with anyone else, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE MAY CAUSE VIRUS, OVERLAY, OR DEATH , especially in a child or other person using the drug without a prescription. Selling or donating morphine is against the law.

What happens if I overdose?

A morphine overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or someone else using the drug without a prescription. In addition, symptoms of overdose may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold, clammy skin, sharp pupils, and fainting.

What should I avoid when using morphine?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur. Also, this medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how morphine will affect you. Severe dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Morphine side effects?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:

• Urticaria;
• Breathing difficulty;
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Like other opioid medications, morphine can slow your breathing. Death can occur if breathing becomes too weak. A person who cares for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue lips, or if you find it difficult to wake up.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Slow heart rate, sighing, weak or shallow breathing;
• Chest pain, fast or racing heartbeat;
• Extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out; or
• Low cortisol levels – nausea , vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, tiredness or weakness.

What other drugs will affect morphine:

Narcotic (opioid) medication can interact with many other medications and cause dangerous side effects or death. So make sure your doctor knows if you also use:

• Other narcotic medications  – opioid pain medicine or prescribed cough medicine;
• Drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing  – a sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, sedative, tranquilizer, or antipsychotic medication or
• Drugs that affect the levels of serotonin in your body  – remedies for  depression ,  Parkinson’s disease , migraines, severe infections, or preventing  nausea  and vomiting.

This list is not complete. Other drugs can interact with morphine , including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use Morphine only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.