What You Should Know about Morphine

Morphine, also known as Ms Contin , Kadian and Duramorph is a pain medication that treats moderate to severe discomfort. Also known as Diamorphine MS Contin Kadian and Duramorph. Morphine is available orally, intravenously and intramuscularly depending on patient needs. People who suffer from extreme pain, such as those who have had surgery or trauma, are often prescribed morphine.

What is Morphine?

Morphine, a strong narcotic and analgesic opiate derived from the opium plant is one of the oldest pain relievers in medical history. The use of opium as a painkiller dates back to the ancient Greeks and even further. Morphine blocks the transmission of signals that cause pain to reach the brain and has a soothing effect. It's usually prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe chronic pain such as cancer patients experience.

Morphine: Its Uses

Morphine can be used as a pain reliever for serious diseases such as stroke, cancer or heart attack. Also, It Is used for pain from surgery, trauma, or other medical conditions. Sometimes, it is used to treat coughs and shortness of breathe due to chronic obstructive lung disease or congestive cardiac failure. In certain cases, morphine can be used to treat opioid addiction, including heroin and Oxycodone . Morphine can also be used for palliative medicine, which is the treatment of symptoms associated with serious illness and comforting those nearing death. The drug is used to relieve pain after surgery, and during labor.

Morphine: What are the Benefits?

Morphine has been shown to be one of the best medications available for managing pain. It is proven to be more effective than other non-opioid medications, like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen . People with chronic pain also report a better quality of life when they take morphine. The drug is believed to improve sleep, reduce depression and Anxiety related to chronic pain. Studies suggest that long term use of morphine can reduce inflammation and reduce pain.

Morphine Side Effects

Morphine can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. These include nausea, vomiting and constipation. It may also lead to drowsiness or confusion. The long-term use and abuse of morphine may lead to tolerance, physical dependency, or addiction. When morphine dependence is physical, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Restlessness, anxiety, Insomnia , sweating, tremors and agitation are some of these symptoms. Overdose is also a risk to people who use morphine. A morphine overdose may cause breathing problems, even death. Take morphine exactly as prescribed. Never exceed the dose.

Morphine: Experts and professionals' opinions

Experts concur that morphine can be an effective painkiller, but it should only be taken with care. American Cancer Society suggests that morphine should only be taken when other medication is not tolerated or effective. The American Cancer Society recommends that morphine be used only for short durations and the dosage should always be closely monitored. World Health Organization recommends that the use of morphine should be done with caution and under strict supervision. The World Health Organization warns that physical dependence and tolerance can quickly develop, so they recommend reducing the dosage of morphine over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Morphine: How To Get Started

Only take morphine as directed by your doctor. Dosage and frequency will be determined by the needs of each patient. Never exceed the prescribed dose. Morphine comes in immediate-release as well as extended-release forms. Extended-released morphine can be taken daily, whereas immediate-released morphine must be taken every 4 to 6 hours. Morphine may be administered orally, intravenously or intramuscularly depending on patient needs. Store morphine at room temperature, out of the reach of young children. When no longer required, it should be properly disposed.

What are the side effects to be aware of?

Morphine may cause nausea, vomiting and constipation. It can also lead to drowsiness or confusion. Overdose is also a risk when morphine is taken. A morphine overdose may cause breathing problems, even death. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctor before taking morphine. Morphine can also have an interaction with other medications. It is important that you tell your doctor about any medications you're taking.

Conclusion

Morphine, an opioid drug, is used for moderate to severe pain. The use of morphine in medicine dates back to the ancient Greeks and beyond. The drug is one of the best medications to manage chronic pain and has been linked with an improved quality of living for those with the condition. It is vital to only use morphine as directed by your doctor. It is important that people who use morphine follow their doctor's advice and do not exceed the prescribed dose..