Effects of Morphine

Morphine is an extremely potent analgesic medication, prescribed for patients with severe chronic pain.  Because this medication is so potent, it must be taken with caution.  The effects of this medication intensify quickly, when misused or overused.  If the medication is taken as directed, the effects of the medication will be minimal, except for its pain relieving attributes.  There are some effects that are associated only with proper use and some that are only associated with overuse and abuse.

Besides its impressive pain relieving qualities, one of the most common effects from morphine has been described as a feeling of euphoria.  This euphoric state is one of the main reasons people overuse this medication and become addicted.  Another effect felt from morphine is sedation.  It is common to feel sleepy or drowsy while taking this medication.  The other most common feeling from taking morphine is relaxation.  These three effects of morphine are what people form a habit towards.

Side Effects of Morphine

Morphine is a strong narcotic analgesic that has been found to have a highly habit-forming nature and a long list of possible side effects.  These symptoms can happen even with proper use of the medication.  The possible side effects of taking morphine include dizziness, problems breathing, rash and/or hives, a lowered libido, no appetite, weakness and fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness and irregular menstrual cycle.  If you experience any one or a combination of these side effects while taking morphine, you should consult with your doctor to decide if morphine is right for you.  There may be a medication out there that is better suited to your needs, one that may not cause you to have any adverse reactions.

Morphine Warnings

Due to its strength and chemical make-up, morphine has several drug warnings as well as implications for use.  The first and most important warning for morphine is the importance of reading and following all of the warnings and precautions associated with the medication.  Opiates can cause a myriad of adverse drug interactions, and should not be taken in conjunction with many medications.  Another warning that is very important is the risk of suffering from respiratory depression.  This risk is usually associated with elderly and disabled patients, but can be a concern for anyone.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should take morphine with extreme caution.  If you are taking any other nervous system depressants, you need to be careful, because the combination of medications can be fatal.  Nervous system depressants include other opiates, hypnotics, general anesthetics, sedatives, tranquilizers and alcohol.  If you have been addicted to any other substances, including alcohol, you are urged not to take any opiate medication, as the chance of addiction is strong.

The other major implications for use are categorized as tolerance, addiction, overdose and withdrawal.  It is possible to form a dependency towards morphine, which can then lead to tolerance and addiction.  Once an addiction goes untreated, there is a strong chance that the patient can experience overdose or withdrawal.