Time release morphine, known as extended release morphine, is prescribed for chronic moderate to severe pain. It provides continuous pain relief around the clock when taken as directed. It can cause several side effects. Always notify your doctor of serious or bothersome reactions.
Extended release tablets and capsules must never be crushed, chewed or broken due to the risk of overdose or death from rapid release of medication, warns the National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus. These medications are designed to release morphine slowly over a period of 12 or more hours.
Constipation
Constipation is a common side effect of morphine. This side effect continues throughout treatment and can be prevented by taking a laxative as recommended by a doctor or nurse. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and bran is helpful. If the bowels have not moved within two days, a doctor should be consulted.
Sedation, Dizziness and Lightheadedness
Morphine is a central nervous system depressant that can cause sedation. Signs of sedation include drowsiness, dizziness, sleepiness and lightheadedness. This side effect usually occurs during the first three to five days of treatment, notes the American Cancer Society. If it persists, a doctor should be alerted. Caution should be used when getting up from a chair of bed and operation of dangerous machinery should be avoided.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea can be common during the first week of treatment. If you are unable to eat or drink or if the nausea is accompanied by vomiting, a doctor should be notified. According to an October 2006 article in the journal "American Family Physician," nausea occurs in approximately 25 percent of patients. For those patients, a medication to reduce nausea will be needed.
Slow or Shallow Breathing
Slow or shallow breathing, known as respiratory depression, is the most dangerous side effect of morphine. Elderly people and those with lung disease have an elevated risk of this side effect and should be closely monitored. Breathing can become too slow or shallow to get enough oxygen. Some patients may stop breathing altogether.
Disorientation and Delirium
Confusion, disorientation and delirium can occur with morphine use. The presence of advanced illness, dehydration and infection can worsen these reactions. These are serious side effects that should be reported to a doctor immediately. Medication may be needed to control these symptoms.
Tolerance and Physical Dependence
Tolerance occurs when the effects of morphine are diminished over time. The physician may have to increase the dose to achieve the same effect. Physical dependence can occur with morphine use. If morphine is discontinued or if doses are missed or reduced, withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness and increased blood pressure. A doctor should be notified about these side effects.
Tolerance and physical dependence are not the same as addiction, which is defined as compulsive use of a drug despite harmful consequences such as the inability to meet obligations related to work or family.
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