How to use morphine oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking morphine 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. 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. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how to check or measure the dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take the medication more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
Pain medications work best if they are used when the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
If you have ongoing pain (such as due to cancer), your doctor may direct you to also take long-acting opioid medications. In that case, this medication might be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only as needed. Other pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may also be prescribed with this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using morphine safely with other drugs.
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.
Tell your doctor if your pain does not get better or if it gets worse.
In addition to much needed effects, there are many unwanted side effects associated with morphine. In case you experience any of these side effects, you need to call your medical help immediately. Let us learn about the side effects that you may experience while using Morphine
the Side Effects that You may Experience while Using Morphine
Major Side effects that need immediate medical attentions are
Less Common
- blurred vision
- confusion
- cough
- fainting
- decreased urination
- headache
- appetite loss
- increased sweating
- irregular, pounding, fast pulse or heartbeat
- skin rash, itching or hives
- nervousness
- breathlessness
- severe vomiting
- severe constipation
- shakiness in feet, hands or legs
- slow heartbeat
- chills or sweating
- wheezing
- faintness, dizziness or light-headedness while rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position
- numbness, prickling, burning, crawling and itching or tingling feelings
- stomach or abdominal pain
Occurrence not known
- clammy or cold skin
- feeling of heat or warmth
- tarry, black stools
- painful urination
- light-headedness
- irregular, pounding, fast pulse or heartbeat
- pale skin
- unconsciousness
- blue or pale lips, skin or fingernails
- unsteady walk or shakiness
- redness or flushing of skin, especially on neck and face
- low pulse or blood pressure
- slow heartbeat
- trembling, unsteadiness or problems in muscle coordination or control
Symptoms of overdose– if these symptoms persist, call your doctor immediately
- fever
- extreme drowsiness
- pinpoint, constricted or small pupils
- increased thirst
- increased BP
- muscle stiffness or pain
- lower side or back pain
- muscle spasms or cramps
- severe sleepiness
- swelling of lower legs, fingers or face
- weight gain
- mo muscle movement or muscle tone
Minor side effects- Morphine
Some minor side effects that occur as a result of morphine go away with time as your body gets used to the medication. These minor side effects do not need medical attention, but if these side effects last for longer period, then you need to discuss with your doctor.
More Common
- drowsiness
- cramps
- calm feeling
- false sense of feeling well
- weight loss
- problems with bowel movement
Less common
- agitation
- dry mouth
- vision changes
- unusual, bad or unpleasant taste
- floating feeling
- face is hot or warm to touch
- loss in sexual drive, desire, ability or performance
- night blindness
- indigestion or heartburn
- missed, irregular or absent menstrual periods
- skin rash
- sleeping problems
- skin redness
- muscle control problems
- stomach pain, upset or discomfort
- eye movement not in control
- muscle tightness or stiffness
Occurrence not known
- abnormal dreams
- delusions
- confusion regarding person, place or time
- general feeling of illness or discomfort
- memory problems
- spinning sensation
- unusual restlessness, nervousness or excitement
- holding some false beliefs
- unsteadiness or clumsiness
The side effects can be severe at times, do not ignore any unusual symptoms that indicate some serious side effects and seek medical help immediately.
Pain Medications, Pain Relief, and Pain Management
