What you need to know about morphine capsules (Morphine Sustained-Release) for severe pain

You may be suffering from unbearable, long-lasting pain. Perhaps your doctor has given you many other painkillers, and none of them have really helped. That's when a doctor might prescribe a drug called morphine. It's a fairly strong painkiller. So today, let's talk about this drug, how it's used, and what it can do.

What is this morphine sustained-release?

Simply put, morphine is a special medicine that is used to control severe, chronic pain. It belongs to a group of powerful painkillers called opioids. This medicine works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. This reduces the pain we feel.

You may have noticed that the name of this medicine says 'Sustained-Release'. This means that when you take this medicine, the medicine is gradually released into the body and lasts for several hours, meaning it works for a long time . Therefore, it is used for long-term pain, not for sudden pain.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Your doctor will need to know your complete health history before prescribing this medication. You should especially tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.

• If you have a brain tumor
• If you are or have been addicted to drugs or alcohol
• If you have suffered a severe head injury
• If you have heart disease
• If you are a regular drinker
• If the adrenal glands are underactive
• If you have lung disease, asthma, or other breathing problems
• If you have seizures
• If you have stomach or intestinal problems
• 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 artificial coloring.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Because this is a powerful medicine, it is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time, as the doctor says.

• Swallow this capsule whole with a glass of water.
• Never break, crush, or chew the capsule. Doing so can cause the body to absorb all the medicine it needs over a long period of time, resulting in a dangerous overdose.
• If the medicine seems difficult to stomach, take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, carefully open the capsule and add the small seeds inside, along with some cold applesauce . Then swallow the applesauce without chewing it . Do not keep it for later. Do not leave the capsule in your mouth. After swallowing, rinse your mouth with water and swallow the water.
• Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. Do not take more than the dose your doctor tells you to take.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications can cause dangerous reactions when taken with morphine, so it's important to tell your doctor about all other medications you're taking.

In addition, morphine can interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Medicines for allergies, coughs and colds (Antihistamines)
• Medication for anxiety or sleep
• Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
• Some medications for migraines
• Some medicines for vomiting
• Muscle relaxants
• Other strong painkillers or cough medicines
• Diuretics
• General anesthetics

This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and traditional medicines) , and whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.

Things to be especially careful about when taking medication

• Pay attention to pain: If your pain doesn't go away after taking medication, if it gets worse, or if you have a new type of pain, tell your doctor. Over time, the dose you were taking may no longer be enough to control your pain. This is called developing a tolerance. This is normal.
• The difference between addiction and habituation: As you continue to take this medication, your body becomes accustomed to it. This does not mean that you are addicted to it. Addiction is the act of taking the medication for the purpose of getting high without a medical reason. You have a medical reason for taking the medication because you are in pain.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop taking the medication, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
• Know about Naloxone: This is a life-saving emergency medication given in the event of an opioid overdose. Talk to your doctor about how to get it. Be aware of the symptoms of an overdose (difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness). Inform your family about this and tell them where this medication is and how to use it. Even after giving Naloxone, immediate hospitalization is essential.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you are elderly, do not get up or sit up suddenly.
• Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of this medication. If you have not had a bowel movement for 3 days, tell your doctor.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

How to protect and remove the medicine?

• Keep it safe, out of the reach of children and pets. This is a very strong medicine. It can be fatal if someone else, especially a child, takes it.
• Protect this medicine from theft .
• Dispose of expired or unused medicine in a proper manner. If this is not possible, flush it down the toilet.

Morphine, analgesic, severe pain, opioid, sustained-release, drug side effects, drug safety