Morphine is an analgesic drug used to treat moderate to severe pain; it belongs to a class of medications called opioid analgesics. Morphine works by changing how the brain responds to pain, and it can be used by adults and children in recommended doses.
Dosage
The exact dosage for morphine should prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist depending on your condition and degree of pain. The drug is to be taken by mouth, with or without food, but if you experience nausea, it is best to take it with food. Never take morphine in higher or lower doses than recommended, and do not share the medication with other people.
Do not crush, chew, break or dissolve the extended-release tablet or capsule. Ensure you swallow it whole, and if you use the liquid form, ensure the measurement is accurate.
Side Effects of Morphine
The signs of an allergic reaction to morphine include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, throat, lips or tongue.
The common side effects of morphine include:
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Lightheadedness.
- Sweating.
- Drowsiness.
- Anxiety.
- Stomach pain.
- Tiredness.
- Gas.
- Feeling extreme happiness or sadness.
- Low oxygen levels or shortness of breath.
- Weak pulse, slow heart rate, slow breathing, or fainting.
- Fast-pounding heartbeats and chest pain.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Craving salty foods.
- Skin discolouration.
This drug has many possible side effects, but you may experience only a few of them depending on your body; however, if you have severe side effects, get emergency medical attention and stop using the medication till further directives from your doctor.
Precautions
Before taking morphine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any opioid drug. Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if it has to do with brain disorders, kidney problems, breathing problems, mental/mood disorders, substance use disorders, GIT problems and liver problems.
This drug may make you dizzy; do not drive or operate machinery after taking it. Also, avoid alcohol and let your doctor know before taking any other drug. During pregnancy, this drug may harm an unborn baby, and for breastfeeding mothers, it may cause undesirable effects on an infant.
