Sometimes the pain we experience can be so severe that it cannot be controlled with ordinary painkillers. At such times, when the pain cannot be controlled with any other medicine, a special painkiller that doctors recommend is morphine. Since this is a rather strong medicine, it is very important to be aware of it and use it properly. So today, let's talk about what morphine is, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What is this morphine?
Simply put, morphine is a painkiller used to control very severe pain . It is usually given in severe cases, such as cancer pain and pain after major surgery. It works by blocking pain signals from reaching our brain. This medicine belongs to a group of painkillers called opioids. It is very strong and should only be used under the prescription of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you morphine, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medicine with certain medical conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Disease or condition | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Brain tumor or head injury | It can increase pressure on the brain and make the condition more serious. |
| Drug or alcohol addiction | The risk of addiction to this drug is high. |
| Lung disease, asthma, or breathing difficulties | Morphine can weaken breathing. |
| Low adrenal gland function | This medicine may make the condition worse. |
| Heart disease, seizures | Existing medical conditions can be affected. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Medical advice is essential as it may be harmful to the baby. |
| Taking MAOI type medication (e.g. Parnate) in the past 14 days | Very severe, even life-threatening reactions can occur. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction. |
The correct way to use this medicine
The way to use this is very simple.
- Take the dose prescribed by the doctor with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the prescription exactly.
- If you experience stomach upset, take this medicine with food.
- Take your medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor . Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, it is an emergency. You should immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is a life-threatening situation, so do not delay.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason. It is dangerous and illegal.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that can interact with morphine
Some medications can interact with morphine and cause dangerous side effects, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements .
Do not take morphine with:
- Linezolid
- Methylene blue
- Samidorphan
- MAOI antidepressants (such as Marplan, Nardil, Parnate)
Problems can also occur with these:
- Alcohol: Taking alcohol with morphine can cause dangerously low breathing and loss of consciousness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking morphine.
- Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Anxiety and sleeping pills
- Some medications for depression
- Migraine medication
- Medicine for seizures
- Muscle relaxants
- General anesthetics
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Report pain: Tell your doctor if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you develop a new type of pain.
- Tolerance: When you take a medication for a while, the pain may not be relieved by the previous dose. This is called tolerance. This is normal. If this happens, your doctor will adjust the dose. Do not increase the dose yourself.
- Difference between Addiction and Dependence: Getting used to a drug is not addiction. It is normal for the body to get used to it when taking a drug for a medical reason, such as pain. Addiction is using a drug for psychological reasons, without a medical reason. If you stop taking the drug on the advice of your doctor, the dose is gradually reduced to avoid withdrawal effects.
- Sleepiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel sleepy and dizzy. So , do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know how it affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position.
- Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of this medication. If you have difficulty passing stool for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor. Eating fruits, vegetables, high-fiber foods, and drinking plenty of water can help.
- Dry mouth: If your mouth is dry, chewing sugarless gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking plenty of water can help.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medication, morphine can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion, inability to stay awake. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Decreased adrenal function | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Constipation | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Nausea and vomiting (Nausea, Vomiting) |
How to keep medicine safe?
This is very important.
- Keep it locked in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets .
- Protect this medicine from theft as it can be abused.
- Do not use after the expiration date.
- Dispose of any leftover medicine properly. It is best to hand it over to an official disposal site. If this is not possible, flush it down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Morphine is a powerful drug that is only used for severe pain. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, if you drink alcohol, and any medical conditions you have.
- Follow the dosage and timing prescribed by your doctor exactly. Never change the dosage yourself or share the medicine with others.
- If you experience excessive drowsiness or difficulty breathing while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
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