Morphine

By: Jesus Arellano

What is morphine?
an analgesic and narcotic drug obtained from opium and used
medicinally to relieve pain.

Where did Morphine come from?

Morphine was first isolated between 1803 and 1805 by

Friedrich Sertrner. This is generally believed to be the first
isolation of an active ingredient from a plant.
Merck began marketing it commercially in 1827
Morphine was more widely used after the invention of the
hypodermic syringe in 18531855. Sertrner originally named
the substance morphium after the Greek god of dreams,
(Morpheus as it has a tendency to cause sleep).

Why is it prescribed?

Morphine is prescribed to treat severe pain.

You may be prescribed morphine to take regularly, or only when

it is needed for pain relief.

Make sure you know which is right for you.

How can Morphine be used?

Morphine can be taken as a liquid by mouth, as quick-acting

tablets, or as slow-release tablets and capsules.

It is also available as an injection. Morphine is commonly given

by injection in hospitals following surgical operations .

How to take Morphine

Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside

your pack.
The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about
the specific brand of morphine you have been prescribed, and a
full list of the side-effects which you may experience from
taking it.

Continued

Take morphine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Depending

on the reason you are taking it, your doctor may advise that
you take regular doses or only when you need it for pain relief.
Make sure you know whats right for you.
Slow-release tablets of morphine should be swallowed whole
with a drink of water - do not break or crush the tablets.

Slow-release capsules can generally either be swallowed whole,

or alternatively, opened and the contents sprinkled on to soft
food such as yogurt
You can take Morphine before or after food
If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose when it is due
and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to
make up for a forgotten dose.

Before taking Morphine

before you start taking morphine, it is important that your

doctor knows.
If you have a heart condition or heart rhythm problems.
If you have prostate problems or any difficulties passing urine.
If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
If you have liver or kidney problems.

Continued

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

If you recently had a severe head injury

If you have ever been dependent on drugs or alcohol.

Common Morphine side-effects

Feeling or being sick

Shallow breathing

Feeling dizzy, Sleepy or drowsy

Constipation
Dry mouth
Rash
Mood changes
Sweating

Withdrawal Effects

Morphine withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, especially for

heavy users. Symptoms vary in intensity depending on the
users tolerance, overall health and metabolism, as well as the
frequency and duration of drug use.

In general, those who take high doses of morphine and abuse

the drug for an extended period of time will experience more
severe symptoms

What is Morphine Withdrawal?

When morphine is abused, it stimulates the brains reward

system. This motivates the user to abuse the drug time and
time again, which can lead to tolerance and dependence. Once
a dependence to morphine has developed, the user will have to
keep using the drug to feel normal.

Some Symptoms of Withdrawal

Agitation
Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Disorientation
Insomnia

Duration of Withdrawal

The length of the withdrawal process is different for every

morphine user. Symptoms of withdrawal can begin as early as 6
hours after the last dose.

Morphine Withdrawal Timeline

First 6-14 hours- Symptoms usually present within six to 14

hours after quitting the drug. Anxiety, mood swings and drug
cravings are often the first to present.

15-48 hours- Flu-like symptoms, such as sweating, chills,

muscle aches, fever and runny nose, begin shortly after the
first round of symptoms. Nausea and vomiting may begin
towards the end of this time.

Days 3-5- most physical symptoms begin to fade. Muscle aches

start to curb, along with feelings of nausea. Psychological
symptoms usually persist.

Days 6+ : While most physical symptoms have subsided,

anxiety, irritability, depression and drug cravings may continue
for several weeks to months.

Treatment for Morphine Addiction

People addicted to morphine often have a very difficult time

getting sober on their own as the withdrawal symptoms can be
quite stressful. Getting help at a drug treatment facility can
increase the users chance of achieving sobriety.

Citations

@AddictionCenter. "Morphine Withdrawal and Detox - Addiction

Center." Addiction Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2016.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/painkillers/morphine/withdrawaldetox/
De Lange, Catherine. "Drug Allows Morphine to Relieve Pain without
Addiction." New Scientist. Daily News, 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 08 Nov.
2016. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22176-drug-allowsmorphine-to-relieve-pain-without-addiction/
: Collison, Ana. "Morphine for pain relief ." Science News Magazine of
the Society for Science & Public. N.p., 30 May 2012. Web. 08 Nov.
2016. http://patient.info/medicine/morphine-for-pain-relief