Sometimes the pain we experience is too severe to be controlled with ordinary painkillers. It can be pain caused by cancer, pain after major surgery, or pain caused by a long-term medical condition. This is when doctors prescribe a powerful drug like morphine. This is not just a painkiller. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this and use it correctly.
Simply put, what is this morphine?
Morphine is a special medicine that is used to control severe, long-term pain . It is usually prescribed by a doctor when other painkillers have not worked or are not suitable. It belongs to a group of drugs called opioids . Simply put, this medicine works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
What's special about this is that it works slowly and provides long-term pain relief (Sustained-Release) . Therefore, it is not a medicine used for sudden pain (for example, pain that comes after a head injury). It is used to control severe, ongoing pain.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking this medicine:
Since this is a powerful medication, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medication.
- If you have a brain tumor or a severe head injury .
- If you are a frequent drinker of alcohol .
- If you have breathing difficulties such as lung diseases or asthma .
- If the adrenal glands are underactive.
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have a medical condition that causes seizures .
- If you have intestinal problems.
- If you have a history of substance use disorder .
- If you have taken an MAOI (e.g., Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) antidepressant within the past 14 days.
- If you have an allergic reaction to morphine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is essential to take the correct dosage at the correct time, as the doctor says.
- Swallow the capsule whole: Swallow this capsule whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew: This is the most important thing. Do not break, crush, or chew this capsule. If you do, all the medicine that should be absorbed into the body gradually over a long period of time will enter the body at once, causing a dangerous overdose .
- If you have difficulty swallowing: Some people have difficulty swallowing capsules. If so, you can carefully open the capsule, mix the small capsules inside with a teaspoon of cold applesauce, and swallow them all at once without chewing . Do not save them for later. Rinse your mouth with water after swallowing.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take the medicine with some food.
- Do not increase the dosage: Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
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 two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is an emergency that should not be delayed.
Other medications and things that may interact with this medicine
Morphine is a powerful drug that can interact with other medications, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Things that can react with morphine | |
|---|---|
| Avoid taking morphine with these | |
| MAOIs | Antidepressants such as Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. |
| Other medications | Drugs like Linezolid, Methylene blue, Samidorphan. |
| These may cause problems when taken with morphine (tell your doctor). | |
| Alcohol | Severely increases drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. |
| Other medications that cause drowsiness | Medicines for anxiety or sleep, medicines for allergies (antihistamines), and muscle relaxants. |
| Some medications for depression | Medications such as Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine, Sertraline. |
| Other | Some medications used for seizures, anesthetics, diuretics, and many other medications. |
Things to consider when taking medication
Pain and tolerance
When you take this medicine for a long time, the same dose that previously controlled your pain may no longer be enough. This is called tolerance . This is normal. If you feel that your pain is getting worse, tell your doctor. He or she will adjust the dose as needed. Do not increase the dose as you feel comfortable.
Drug dependence
When you take this medicine for a long time, your body and brain can become somewhat dependent on it. This is not an addiction. This can also happen when you take the medicine on the advice of your doctor. When you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will not stop it all at once, but will gradually reduce the dose. This will make it easier for your body to get used to it.
Emergency treatment for an overdose: Naloxone
An opioid overdose can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an overdose include slow breathing, extreme sleepiness, and difficulty waking up. Naloxone is a life-saving emergency drug that can be given in the event of an overdose. It temporarily blocks the effects of the opioid. It is important to make your family aware of this.
Other important points
- Driving: This medicine may make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Therefore , avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Constipation: Constipation is a very common side effect of this medication. If you haven't had a bowel movement for 3 days, talk to your doctor. Drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fiber diet can help.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medication, morphine can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms , tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, inability to wake up. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, blurred vision, fainting. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting. |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
This is very important. If this medicine gets into the wrong hands, it could be fatal.
- Store safely: Keep this medicine in a safe, locked place out of the reach of children and pets .
- Do not share: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else. It is against the law and can be life-threatening.
- Disposal: Properly dispose of leftover or expired medications. Some pharmacies have programs that accept old medications. Or, if there is no other option, flush them down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Morphine is a powerful drug that is only given for severe, long-term pain.
- Never break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, health conditions, and allergies you are taking.
- Be aware of serious side effects such as difficulty breathing and excessive drowsiness. If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and others.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
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