Understanding the Risks and Side Effects of Using Morphine

Why is it prescribed?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 11 percent 美国的成年人每天都经历痛苦。

Studies show 10 to 60 percent of Americans who undergo common surgeries have chronic pain after their procedure. This pain affects their daily life and wellness.

Morphine is used to ease both acute (immediate) and chronic (long-lasting) pain.

然而,吗啡有严重的副作用。医生s consider these every time they prescribe it. These side effects are especially significant for people with other health concerns.

There are four types of opioid receptors in several areas of your body. Among them are receptors in the brain, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and spinal cord. How strongly opioids bind to these receptors determines the level of benefits versus the number of side effects you may experience.

In the brain, morphine helps release the neurotransmitter dopamine. This blocks pain signals and creates a pleasurable feeling. It’s why morphine works as a pain reliever.

What are the types of morphine?

Morphine is available in oral and injectable forms. Your doctor decides which type to prescribe based on the level of your pain and what’s safest for you.

Today, there are CDC guidelines for safe and effective pain management for chronic pain. These guidelines were specifically developed to help lower the risk of overdose and misuse of opioids.

Oral morphine

Oral morphine is available in both immediate-release and long-acting forms. For chronic pain, doctors generally prescribe long-acting products.

Your doctor will decide which formulation and dosage is best using many factors, such as:

• your history with opioid medications
• the level and type of pain
• your age
• other health conditions (kidney function, heart or lung problems,sleep apnea, low blood pressure, seizures, stomach problems, etc.)
• other medications you’re using
• other factors, such as sensitivity to morphine

Injectable morphine

Injectable morphine is available as a solution that can be:

• injected under the skin (subcutaneous)
• into a muscle (intramuscular)
• into a vein (intravenous)

This type of morphine is only administered with medical supervision. Your doctor will choose your specific treatment and dosage based on your level of pain and the potential side effects.

Injectable morphine has more risks than oral versions. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before starting the medication.

What are the short-term side effects?

The side effects you experience when using opioids like morphine will depend on factors such as dosage, strength, and how long you use the medication.

When you first start taking morphine, you may experience side effects. If you have unusual or new symptoms, be sure to keep track of them. Discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

possible short-term side effects of morphine

• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• itching
• loss of appetite
• lower body temperature
• difficulty urinating
• slow breathing
• sleepiness
• changes in heart rate
• 弱点
• dizziness upon standing up
• confusion
• nervousness
• erectile dysfunction

什么是长期副作用？

Morphine is usually not the first choice for chronic, noncancer pain. The risks of dependence and overdose are a serious concern. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 patients 由阿片类药物治疗谁，长期发展阿片类药物使用障碍。

Long-term morphine use can causeside effectsin several ways by disturbing your GI tract, hormones, and immune system.

possible long-term side effects of morphine

Issues related to the GI tract include:

• chronic constipation
• 胃口不好
• reflux
• bloating
• stomach pain
• dry mouth
• weight loss

Issues related to hormonal changes include:

• increased blood sugar
• problems with menstruation
• osteoporosis and risk of fractures
• immune-related problems, like risk of infection
• sexual dysfunction

Tolerance

If you use morphine for a longer period of time, you may need higher or more frequent doses to get the same pain-relief effects.

Caution

If your body becomes tolerant to morphine, it doesn’t mean you’re tolerant to other opioids. If your doctor switches you to another opioid, they must calculate a new dose to avoid an overdose. Don’t change your dose without talking with your doctor.

Physical dependence

If you use morphine, your body may get used to it. You may be unable to function normally without morphine.

Opioid use disorder

Opioids, like morphine, can create very strong, feel-good feelings. Some people may misuse morphine, like taking more than their prescribed dose, to increase these desired effects.

They may begin to compulsively use the drug, even if it’s harming or interfering with their health, job, or relationships. This is opioid use disorder, or addiction.

CAUTION

Alcohol, marijuana, or othercentral nervous system depressant药物可以增加过量的风险和其他副作用。不喝酒或使用吗啡的同时饮酒或携带其他药物。在开始任何处方药物之前，讨论您使用医生的所有药物和补充剂，包括在柜台上。

Withdrawal symptoms

You can’t suddenly stop taking morphine if you’ve been using it for a while. Withdrawal effects can be serious.

morphine Withdrawal symptoms

• anxiety
• 流鼻涕
• 出汗
• drug cravings
• thoughts of suicide
• 睡眠困难
• 沮丧
• agitation
• body aches
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• cramping
• moodiness
• 注意力不集中

When to see your doctor

If your doctor prescribes you morphine, be sure to tell them if:

• 你的副作用会困扰你太多以继续使用药物
• your pain isn’t better

seek medical care immediately

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if you develop:

• a rash
• fainting
• difficulty breathing
• seizures
• itching
• swelling of your throat, face, or tongue

How are side effects from morphine treated?

One of the most bothersome side effects of using morphine and other opioids isopioid-induced constipation. Research estimates三分之一由于这种副作用，患者可减少药物剂量或使用阿片类药物使用阿片类药物。

Here are some ways to manage opioid-induced constipation:

• Take extra fiber as asupplement.
• Increase the fiber inyour diet.
• 常规运动。
• Drink extra fluids.
• Take laxatives when needed. However, this isn’t always helpful; consult your doctor for advice.
• Take a prescription medication that blocks opioid receptors in the gut, such as:
  • methylnaltrexone (Relistor)
  • lubiprostone (Amitiza)
  • Naloxegol（Movantik）
  • naldemedine (Symproic)

Until you get used to the side effects of morphine:

• Don’t stand up suddenly to avoid dizziness or fainting.
• Avoid driving or doing any tasks that require focus or concentration.

What about overdose?

There are risks to using morphine, including overdose. In some cases, overdose can be fatal.

caution

Call 911 immediately if you suspect a吗啡过量. Signs include slowed breathing, extreme fatigue, and unresponsiveness. Wait with the person until help arrives. Try to keep them awake.

People have a higher risk for overdosing if they:

• are older
• have poor kidney or liver function
• 肺气肿
• have sleep apnea
• use other drugs that increase morphine’s effects, such as benzodiazepines like阿普唑仑（Xanax）

What about Narcan for overdose?

在某些情况下，通过称为NARCAN或EVZIO的药物可以逆转吗啡过量。这些是药物的品牌名称naloxone. It blocks the opioid receptors in the brain.

If you’ve been using morphine for a long time, administering naloxone may cause immediate withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor must manage these symptoms.

If an individual overdoses while using a long-acting type of morphine, they may need multiple doses of naloxone. It may take days for the morphine to clear their body.

过量过量后，即使他们给予纳洛酮，一个人仍可能具有严重并发症。他们可能需要医疗监测一段时间。

The bottom line

Morphine is an effective opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe short- and long-term pain.

Your doctor will discuss the risks versus benefits of using morphine for your individual case.

Talk to your doctor about the side effects of using morphine, including overdose. Have a family member or friend learn the signs of overdose and what to do in case of one. It’s a good idea to have naloxone on hand in case of emergency.