Morphine is a naturally occurring substance in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It was first isolated in 1804 by the German pharmacist Friedrich Wilhelm Adam Sertürner, who named it "morphium" after Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams. Its extensive use during the American Civil War resulted in over 400,000 sufferers from the "soldier's disease" (addiction) . It is a potent narcotic analgesic, and it’s primary clinical use is recommended by the World Health Organization in the management of moderate-to-severe cancer pain. After heroin, morphine has the greatest dependence liability of the narcotic analgesics in common use. It effects impair mental and physical performance, relieves fear and anxiety, and produces euphoria. Substitution of Morphine addiction for alcohol addiction was considered beneficial by some physicians because alcohol is more destructive to the body and is more likely to trigger antisocial behaviour.
Morphine sold under these brand names
•Kadian® •MS Contin® •Oramorph® SR •Roxanol® •Roxanol®-T Avinza®
The information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') –
1-Morphine is not for treating pain just after surgery unless you were already taking it before the surgery and your body is tolerant to it.
2-We shall always talk to the doctor if not sure about opioid tolerance.
3-This medicine should never be given to someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.
4- It is very dangerous to drink alcohol while you are using morphine it may cause death when alcohol is combined with morphine.
5- Do not stop taking morphine suddenly, because it causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
6- Do not use morphine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine (examples include codeine, methadone, Oxycontin, Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, and many others).
7- Morphine may be harmful to an unborn baby and even when you breast feed because it can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
8- An overdose of morphine can be fatal.
9- Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release TABLET. Swallow the pill whole. It will release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
10-Serious side effects of morphine are shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, cold, clammy skin and fainting.
11- Less serious morphine side effects are constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite , headache and anxiety.
12- Avoid taking morphine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or within the past 14 days.
