Morphine is a non-synthetic narcotic with a high potential for abuse and is derived from opium. It is used for the treatment of pain.
Morphine is used to treat pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and when other pain medicines did not work well enough or cannot be tolerated. Morphine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
Morphine extended-release capsules and extended-release tablets should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as when recovering from surgery. Do not use this medicine to relieve mild pain, or in situations when non-narcotic medication is effective. This medicine should not be used to treat pain that you only have once in a while or “as needed”.
When morphine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.
This medicine is available only under a restricted distribution program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Tablet
- Capsule, Extended Release, 24 HR
- Solution
- Capsule, Extended Release
How to Use Meperidine HCL
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking meperidine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 3 to 4 hours as needed. You may take this drug with or without food. If you have nausea, it may help to take this drug with food. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Make sure not to confuse the dose of meperidine liquid in milligrams (mg) with the dose in milliliters (mL). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to show you the right way to measure your dose. Mix your dose with one-half glass of water (4 ounces/120 milliliters) and drink right away. Mixing your dose in water before you take it will prevent your mouth from becoming numb.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). In children, the dosage is also based on weight. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed because your risk of side effects may increase. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
Suddenly stopping this medication may cause withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, mental/mood changes (including anxiety, trouble sleeping, thoughts of suicide), watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, muscle aches, or sudden changes in behavior.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of morphine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of morphine oral liquid 20 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) in children and morphine oral liquid 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL in children younger than 2 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of morphine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related lung, liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving morphine.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain pain medications (mixed opioid agonist-antagonists such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine), naltrexone, samidorphan.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is used with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as other opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/”ecstasy,” St. John’s wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Other medications can affect the removal of meperidine from your body, which may affect how meperidine works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), mifepristone, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), ritonavir, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as amylase/lipase tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Naltrexone
- Ozanimod
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Samidorphan
- Selegiline
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abrocitinib
- Acepromazine
- Aclidinium
- Adagrasib
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Alogliptin
- Alprazolam
- Alvimopan
- Amantadine
- Amifampridine
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amiodarone
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amobarbital
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Anileridine
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Asenapine
- Asunaprevir
- Atorvastatin
- Atropine
- Azithromycin
- Baclofen
- Belladonna
- Bemetizide
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benperidol
- Bentazepam
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Benzthiazide
- Benztropine
- Berotralstat
- Biperiden
- Boceprevir
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Esmolol
- Somatostatin
- Yohimbine
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
- Ethanol
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Addison disease (adrenal gland problem) or
- Alcohol abuse, or history of or
- Brain tumor, history of or
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or
- Cor pulmonale (serious heart condition) or
- Depression, history of or
- Drug dependence, especially with narcotics, or history of or
- Enlarged prostate (BPH, prostatic hypertrophy) or
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones or
- Head injuries, history of or
- Heart disease or
- Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or
- Hypovolemia (low blood volume) or
- Increased pressure in the head or
- Kyphoscoliosis (curvature of the spine with breathing problems) or
- Mental health problems, history of or
- Problems with passing urine or
- Stomach or bowel problems (eg, blockage) or
- Trouble swallowing or
- Weakened physical condition—Use with caution. May increase risk for more serious side effects.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
- Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) or
- Seizures, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.
- Lung or breathing problems, severe (eg, asthma, respiratory depression) or
- Stomach or bowel blockage (eg, paralytic ileus)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Proper Use
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent addiction, abuse, and misuse of morphine. This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Avinza® is taken every 24 hours. Kadian® is taken every 12 or 24 hours at the same time each day. Arymo™ ER, Morphabond™ ER, and MS Contin® is taken every 8 or 12 hours.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Morphine extended-release capsules and extended-release tablets should only be used by patients who have already been taking narcotic pain medicines, also called opioids. These patients are called opioid-tolerant. If you are uncertain whether or not you are opioid-tolerant, check with your doctor before using this medicine.
Swallow the extended-release capsules and extended-release tablets whole. Do not crush, break, dissolve, or chew them. Do not use extended-release tablets that are broken.
If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the contents into a small amount of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it right away without chewing. Do not receive this medicine through a nasogastric tube.
While taking the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stool. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Morphine extended-release capsules or tablets work differently from the regular morphine oral solution or tablets, even at the same dose. Do not switch from one brand or form to the other unless your doctor tells you to.
Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—
- The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day is determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Avinza®: The capsule is given every 24 hours.
- Kadian®: The capsule is given every 12 or 24 hours.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Adults—
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—15 milligrams (mg) every 8 or 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (solution):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—10 to 20 milligrams (mg) every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children 2 years of age and older—At first, 0.15 to 0.3 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
- Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—15 to 30 milligrams (mg) every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children weighing 50 kilograms (kg) or more—15 mg every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children weighing less than 50 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For moderate to severe pain:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Morphine can cause serious unwanted effects if taken by adults, children, or pets who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.
Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, isocarboxazid [Marplan®], linezolid [Zyvox®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]) within the past 14 days.
This medicine may cause sleep-related breathing problems (eg, sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia). Your doctor may decrease your dose if you have sleep apnea while using this medicine.
If a nursing mother is an ultra-rapid metabolizer of morphine, it could lead to an overdose in the nursing baby and cause very serious side effects.
For nursing mothers using this medicine:
- Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about taking this medicine or about how it may affect your baby.
- Call your doctor if you become extremely tired and have difficulty caring for your baby.
- Your baby should generally nurse every 2 to 3 hours and should not sleep more than 4 hours at a time.
- Check with your doctor, hospital emergency room, or local emergency services (eg, “call 9-1-1”) immediately if your baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, difficulty breathing, or limpness. These may be symptoms of an overdose and need immediate medical attention.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are medicines that slow down the nervous system, which may cause drowsiness or make you less alert. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, other prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. This effect may last for a few days after you stop using this medicine. Check with your doctor before taking any of these medicines while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose.
This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness.
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, confused, or disoriented. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Using narcotics for a long time can cause severe constipation. To prevent this, your doctor may direct you to take laxatives, drink a lot of fluids, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, because continuing constipation can lead to more serious problems.
This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
If you have been using this medicine regularly for several weeks or longer, do not change your dose or suddenly stop using it without checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, including stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, or trouble sleeping.
If you think you have, or someone else has, taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Your doctor may also give naloxone to treat an overdose. Signs of an overdose include: seizures, difficulty or trouble breathing, irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing, pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, pinpoint pupils of the eyes.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome in your newborn baby. Check with your doctor right away if your baby has an abnormal sleep pattern, diarrhea, a high-pitched cry, irritability, shakiness or tremors, weight loss, vomiting, or fails to gain weight. Tell your doctor right away if you think you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
Call your doctor right away if you have worsening of pain, increased sensitivity to pain, or new pain after taking this medicine. These may be symptoms of opioid-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia.
Using too much of this medicine may cause infertility (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect the serotonin levels in your body.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Blurred vision
- bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
- change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
- chest pain or discomfort
- chills
- confusion
- cough
- decreased urination
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fainting
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- headache
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- increased sweating
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- severe constipation
- severe vomiting
- shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- slow heartbeat
- stomach pain
- sweating
- vomiting
Incidence not known
- Agitation
- black, tarry stools
- chest tightness
- cold, clammy skin
- darkening of the skin
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
- feeling of warmth or heat
- fever
- flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
- increased sensitivity to pain
- irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
- lightheadedness
- loss of consciousness
- low blood pressure or pulse
- mental depression
- overactive reflexes
- painful urination
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- pale skin
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- poor coordination
- pounding in the ears
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- restlessness
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- shivering
- talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
- twitching
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- very slow heartbeat
- worsening of pain
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
- Constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils (black part of the eye)
- decreased awareness or responsiveness
- extreme drowsiness
- fever
- increased blood pressure
- increased thirst
- lower back or side pain
- muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness
- no muscle tone or movement
- severe sleepiness
- swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
- weight gain
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Cramps
- difficulty having a bowel movement
- drowsiness
- false or unusual sense of well-being
- relaxed and calm feeling
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- weight loss
Less common
- Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
- bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
- change in vision
- dry mouth
- floating feeling
- halos around lights
- heartburn or indigestion
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- muscle stiffness or tightness
- night blindness
- overbright appearance of lights
- problems with muscle control
- stomach discomfort or upset
- trouble sleeping
- uncontrolled eye movements
Incidence not known
- Abnormal dreams
- change in walking and balance
- change or problem with discharge of semen
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- confusion as to time, place, or person
- false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
- poor insight and judgment
- problems with memory or speech
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- sensation of spinning
- trouble recognizing objects
- trouble thinking and planning
- trouble walking
- unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Brand Name
Arymo ER
AVINza
Kadian
Kadian ER
Morphabond
Morphabond ER
MS Contin
Oramorph SR
Roxanol
Roxanol-T
What Are Morphine Abuse, Morphine Abuse Treatment and Preventation ?
Morphine abuse refers to the misuse of the opioid drug morphine, often taken in higher doses than prescribed or used recreationally to achieve feelings of euphoria or relaxation. Morphine is a powerful opioid analgesic that is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, but its potential for addiction, dependence, and misuse makes it prone to abuse.
What Is Morphine Abuse?
Morphine abuse occurs when someone:
- Takes more morphine than prescribed, either in dosage or frequency.
- Uses morphine without a prescription for recreational purposes.
- Manipulates the drug (crushing, dissolving, snorting, or injecting it) to enhance its effects.
- Continues to use morphine despite negative consequences like legal or health problems.
Signs of Morphine Abuse:
- Increased tolerance: Needing higher doses to feel the same pain relief or euphoric effects.
- Behavioral changes: Lying about drug use, avoiding responsibilities, or neglecting personal and professional obligations.
- Physical signs: Pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, confusion, or shallow breathing.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using morphine, such as muscle aches, irritability, anxiety, sweating, and nausea.
Consequences of Morphine Abuse:
- Addiction: Physical and psychological dependence on the drug.
- Overdose: High doses can slow or stop breathing, leading to coma, brain damage, or death.
- Health issues: Long-term abuse can result in liver and kidney damage, respiratory issues, and weakened immune function.
- Social and psychological effects: Strained relationships, financial problems, and mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Treatment for Morphine Abuse:
Treating morphine abuse typically involves a multi-step approach combining medical care, behavioral therapy, and long-term support. Here’s an outline of the treatment process:
- Medical Detoxification:
- Detox is often the first step, during which morphine is gradually cleared from the body under medical supervision.
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, restlessness, nausea, and muscle pain, can be managed with medications.
- Medical supervision is important, especially in severe cases, to ensure a safe detox process.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):
- MAT uses FDA-approved medications to manage cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse.
- Methadone: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal.
- Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids and prevents misuse.
- MAT is often combined with therapy for long-term recovery.
- MAT uses FDA-approved medications to manage cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse.
- Behavioral Therapy and Counseling:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors that lead to drug abuse.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Encourages individuals to find internal motivation to change their substance use.
- Group therapy and support groups (like Narcotics Anonymous) provide emotional support and help maintain sobriety.
- Inpatient Rehabilitation:
- In severe cases of morphine addiction, inpatient rehab may be necessary. Patients live in a treatment facility where they receive intensive therapy, medical care, and support in a structured environment.
- Outpatient Treatment:
- Individuals who do not require 24-hour supervision may benefit from outpatient programs. These programs offer flexibility for patients to continue working or fulfilling other responsibilities while attending therapy sessions.
- Aftercare and Relapse Prevention:
- Long-term recovery involves ongoing support through outpatient care, continued therapy, and participation in support groups.
- Relapse prevention strategies, including recognizing triggers, managing stress, and building healthy coping mechanisms, are key to maintaining sobriety.
Prevention of Morphine Abuse:
Preventing morphine abuse requires a combination of responsible prescribing practices, education, and monitoring. Here are some strategies for prevention:
- Responsible Prescribing:
- Healthcare providers should prescribe the lowest effective dose of morphine for the shortest time possible.
- Patients should be regularly monitored for signs of misuse or dependence.
- Patient Education:
- Patients should be informed about the risks of opioid addiction and proper medication use.
- They should understand the importance of following dosing instructions and the dangers of mixing morphine with other substances like alcohol or sedatives.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs):
- These programs help track prescriptions for controlled substances like morphine and can detect patterns of abuse or “doctor shopping.”
- Secure Storage and Proper Disposal:
- Keep morphine in a secure location out of reach of others (especially children and teens).
- Unused or expired morphine should be properly disposed of through drug take-back programs to prevent accidental misuse.
- Non-Opioid Alternatives:
- Whenever possible, healthcare providers should explore non-opioid pain management options, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or alternative treatments.
- Screening and Early Intervention:
- Patients with a history of substance abuse or mental health issues should be closely monitored if prescribed opioids.
- Early intervention, such as counseling or therapy, can prevent misuse from escalating into full-blown addiction.
Preventing and treating morphine abuse requires collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, and support systems to ensure that individuals receive the care and resources needed for safe use and recovery.