Morphine sulfate is a narcotic analgesic or pain reliever that is derived from opium. It is often prescribed to treat short-term acute pain as well as conditions of chronic pain. This drug acts on the central nervous system. Specifically, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain that alters the subjective experience of pain, while also activating the brain’s pleasure system to produce a euphoric state. Individuals using this drug for an extended period need to be monitored for long-term morphine effects.
Severe Constipation
Opioid drugs decrease gastric motility, that is, the movement of digested contents through the intestines. According to Drugs.com, patients taking this drug for a long time likely will experience severe constipation. To reduce this chronic effect, an adequate daily intake of water and high-fiber foods is required along with regular exercise. If this chronic condition becomes worrisome, a pharmacist or physician should be consulted.
Tolerance
A consequence of long-term use of morphine is the likelihood of developing a tolerance to the drug. As explained by DrugFree.org, this means that after an extended period of time, a person's body becomes tolerant of the medication dosage and needs to take more of the medication in order to achieve the same initial effect. This increasing dosage cycle can continue over time with new thresholds of tolerance being met—this results in needing more of the drug to get the original euphoric effect. Soon after this occurs, dependence and addiction may follow.
Dependence
Over time, a patient may psychologically come to depend on the drug for well-being, and believe that the medication is needed to get through the day. Additionally, the body starts needing the drug in order to function: This is physical dependence. The body over-exaggerates the sensation of pain because the drug has been blocking the perception of pain. Neurologically, the National Institute for Drug Abuse explains that dependence develops when neurons or nerve cells get used to the repeated exposure to the medication to the point that neurons in the brain can function normally only when the drug is present. As a result, the absence of the drug produces sensations of severe pain and feeling physically sick, which is the syndrome of withdrawal.
Addiction
Addiction is present when there is compulsive use and drug-seeking behavior despite its harmful effects or consequences. NIDA specifies that it is possible to be dependent on morphine without being addicted to it, and gives the example of a patient with terminal cancer receiving morphine. Specifically, the dependent patient suffers withdrawal if the drug is stopped; however, this individual does not compulsively use morphine, nor is the person addicted. Morphine is an excellent narcotic to ameliorate chronic pain, yet long-term use of this drug requires close medical supervision. This becomes especially important in cases in which the patient has a medical history of chemical dependency or drug abuse.
Member Comments
katiebug5958 October 11
I have been taking morphine for at least a year for chronic back pain. I have experienced several weird or disturbing side effects which may or may not be related to the morphine or may be due to a combination of other drugs used with morphine for other medical problems. Anyway the side effects are (a) extreme sleepiness, causing me to drop plates or cups I am eating or drinking at the time, so the food or drink spills on to the floor. (b) When I sleep I dream and talk out loud. (c) When I am talking to someone and my eyes close, I start talking about some-thing different that makes no sense. (d) I also have problems with my left hand shaking. (e) My memory seems to be failing. Can anyone give me some sort of idea if these things are related to long term use of Morphine.