Opium’s use in pain relief is a long-standing practice. The first people to use opium was at around the time of 3500 B.C. Over time it has been referred to as a cure-all for all ailments.
In 1803 morphine was extracted from opium, making it among the first drugs that were made using the plant. It became popular quickly and was extensively used to treat all kinds of pain relief.
However, one of its negative effects was soon apparent that was dependence. In the American Civil War, this aspect became widely well-known, since many soldiers were diagnosed with dependence on morphine.
Morphine along with other opioids can cause dangerous adverse consequences. They must be recognized and controlled so that patients reap the maximum benefits while taking lower risks.
Let’s have a look at morphine and the effects it has.
Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the CDC estimates that around 11 % of adult residents in United States experience pain every day.
Research has shown that 10-60 percentage of Americans who undergo routine procedures suffer from chronic pain following the procedure. The pain can affect their lives and overall health.
Morphine can be used to relieve acute (immediate) as well as chronic (long-lasting) pain.
But, morphine is not without negative adverse consequences. Doctors take into consideration these issues each when they recommend it. These effects are particularly relevant for patients who have other health issues.
There are four kinds of opioid receptors found in various regions within your body. There are receptors located within the brain the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the spinal cord. The degree to which opioids bind these receptors determines the degree of benefits and the quantity of negative side effects you might suffer.
The brain is the center of activity, and morphine can release the dopamine neurotransmitter. This block pain signals and gives the sensation of pleasure. This is why morphine functions as an effective pain-killer.
Morphine is available in injectable and oral forms. Your doctor determines which one will be prescribed based on severity of pain you’re experiencing and the one that’s the most safe for you.
Presently, there are CDC guidelines for safe and effective treatment to manage chronic pain. These guidelines were developed to reduce the chance of overdose and use of opioids.
Oral oral morphine
Oral morphine comes in immediate-release and longer-acting forms. To treat chronic pain physicians typically prescribe long-acting medications.
Your physician will determine the dosage and formulation that is most appropriate based on many variables like:
Your experience with opioids
the severity and type of the intensity and type of
Your age
other health problems (kidney function and heart or lung issues sleep apnea and low blood pressure seizures, stomach disorders other health conditions (such as stomach problems, heart or lung issues, sleep apn.)
Other medications you’re taking
other variables, like other factors, such as
Injectable morphine
Injectable morphine is an option to:
Injecting the injection under the skin (subcutaneous)
into a muscle (intramuscular)
into the vein (intravenous)
The morphine type is only administered under medical supervision. Your doctor will decide on the appropriate treatment and dosage depending on the severity of your pain and any potential negative side negative effects.
Injectable morphine poses more risk as oral varieties. Your doctor will talk about the risks you face prior to taking the drug.
The effects that you suffer with opioids like morphine are based on factors like dosage, strength, as well as the you are using the drug for.
When you first begin taking morphine, it is possible to be afflicted by negative side reactions. If you notice strange or unusual symptoms, you should keep an eye on these. Talk about the symptoms with your pharmacist, or physician.
potential short-term adverse effects from the drug
nausea and vomiting
constipation
Itching
Loss of appetite
Lower body temperature
trouble with urination
Slow breathing
Sleepiness
changes in heart rate
weak spots
dizziness upon standing up
confusion
Nervousness
erectile dysfunction
Morphine is generally not the first option for people suffering from non-cancer pain that lasts for a long time. The risk of overdose and dependence are very serious. According to CDC 1 out of 4 patients being treated for long-term opioid use develops an addiction to opioids.
The long-term use of morphine can trigger negative side effects in many ways, including affecting your digestive tract and hormones as well as your the immune system.
the potential long-term adverse effects of the drug morphine could have long-term side effects.
Issues that concern the GI tract are:
chronic constipation
poor appetite
reflux
Bloating
stomach pain
dry mouth
weight loss
The hormonal issues can include:
an increase in blood sugar
Menstrual problems
osteoporosis, fracture risk and risk
immune-related conditions, such as the risk of contracting an infection
sexual dysfunction
Tolerance
If you take morphine for an extended period of time, you might require greater dosages or more frequently in order to achieve the same effects of pain relief.
Caution
If your body is tolerant to morphine but it does not mean that you are tolerant of other opioids. If your physician switches you to another opioid they’ll have to calculate a different dose to prevent overdose. Do not change your dose without speaking to your doctor.
Physical dependence
If you are taking morphine, your body could become accustomed to it. It is possible that you will not be able to perform normally without the morphine.
Opioid use disorder
Opioids, such as morphine, can cause very intense and positive emotions. People who abuse morphine may experience a negative effect and take more than the prescribed dosage to enhance the effects they want to achieve.
They might begin to habitually take the drug regardless of whether it’s damaging or hindering their health, work or relationships. This is known as opioid dependence or abuse.
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CAUTION
Cannabis, alcohol, and other central nervous system depressants could increase the risk of overdose , as well as the risk of other side consequences. Do not drink alcohol or consume other substances while taking morphine. Discuss all supplements and medications you are taking with your physician, including those that are available over the counter, prior to you begin any prescription medication.
Symptoms of withdrawal
It’s impossible to suddenly stop using morphine, even if you’ve used for some time. Effects of withdrawal can be very serious.
Morphine withdrawal symptoms
anxiety
nose that is runny
sweating
addiction to drugs
Thoughts of suicide
trouble sleeping
depression
The agitation
The body is aching
nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
cramping
moodiness
Lack of concentration
If your physician prescribes you morphine, make certain to inform them when:
Your side effects are causing you to much to keep with the medicine.
the pain you’re experiencing isn’t getting going to get
Seek medical attention immediately
Contact your doctor or seek medical attention promptly if you experience:
A messy
fainting
trouble breathing
seizures
Itching
the swelling of your face, throat, or your tongue
A major and gruesome negative side effects associated with morphine or other opioids is constipation caused by opioids. Studies suggest that one third of patients decrease their dosage or quit taking opioids completely due to constipation.
Here are some suggestions to control constipation caused by opioids:
Get additional fiber to supplement your diet.
Add more fiber to your diet.
Get regular exercise.
Drink extra fluids.
Use laxatives as needed. But, it’s not always effective; consult your physician to get advice.
Use a prescription drug that block opioid receptors in your stomach, for example:
Methylnaltrexone (Relistor)
lubiprostone (Amitiza)
naloxegol (Movantik)
naldemedine (Symproic)
As you become accustomed to the adverse effects of morphine
Do not stand suddenly to prevent fainting or dizziness.
Avoid driving, or performing any task that requires concentration or focus.
There are some risks associated with using morphine, such as overdose. In certain instances, an overdoses can lead to fatality.
Beware!
Make sure to call 911 right away in the event that you suspect an overdose of morphine. The signs include slow breathing, severe fatigue and lack of response. Stay with the patient until assistance arrives. Make sure they are alert.
There is a greater chance of overdosing if:
are old
are suffering from poor liver or kidney function.
Have Emphysema
Have sleep with apnea
Other drugs can also increase the effects of morphine. For instance, alprazolam, a benzodiazepine (Xanax)
In some instances an overdose of morphine may be reversed using a medication known as Narcan and Evzio. These are brand names for the drug called naloxone. It blocks the opioid receptors within the brain.
If you’ve used morphine for a prolonged period administering naloxone can result in immediate withdrawal symptoms. The doctor should be able to manage these symptoms.
If someone is taking an overdose with a long-acting form of morphine might require multiple doses of naloxone. It could take several days for the morphine’s effects to disappear from the body.
Following an overdose, someone might still suffer serious consequences even after being given Naloxone. It is possible that they will require medical supervision for a time.
Morphine can be a powerful opioid medication that is used to treat severe to moderate acute and chronic pain.
Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of using morphine in the specific case.
Discuss with your physician the adverse effects of morphine, which includes overdose. A family member or friend know the signs of an overdose, as well as what you should do in the case of one. It’s always a good idea to keep naloxone in your possession in the event of an need in an emergency.