Morphine belongs to a class of medications known as opioid pain relievers. These drugs work by stimulating parts of the brain, suppressing sensations of pain and instead generating a feeling of pleasure. These medications are typically used for severe or chronic pain because of the side effects that they can cause, particularly if taken in larger than recommended doses.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Patients taking 60 mg of morphine may experience some mild gastrointestinal problems; Drugs.com notes the most prominent of which is constipation. Morphine and other opioid pain relievers reduce the rate at which the gastrointestinal system pushes digested food through the intestine, which can result in fecal matter not being easily excreted. Patients taking morphine may also experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Neurological Effects
Morphine has a potent effect on the central nervous system, which is the mechanism by which it relieves pain. Consumption of morphine can result in patients experiencing an unusual feeling of pleasure, also known as euphoria. Morphine can also cause dizziness, light-headedness and anxiety. Morphine use can also cause drowsiness or sleeplessness. More severe neurological side effects include confusion, problems with muscle coordination and hallucinations. Patients can also experience seizures as a result of taking morphine.
Skin
Morphine can also cause an itchy rash to develop on the skin, RxList notes. Patients may also experience localized swelling and increased sweating when taking morphine.
Allergies
Some patients are allergic to morphine, Drugs.com explains. This can result in hives and swelling of the face, hands, lips and tongue. More severe allergic reactions can result in swelling of the throat, making swallowing or breathing difficult. Allergic reactions are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment.
Cardiovascular Depression
One of the most serious risks of taking morphine is depression of the cardiovascular system. One of the effects of morphine is that it reduces signaling within the brain, which can cause depression of the nerve signals that regulate heart rate and breathing. Consequently, patients taking morphine can have a slowed breathing rate and a greatly reduced heart rate, RxList states. This can cause low blood pressure, resulting in diminished blood circulation throughout the body. In severe cases, patients can stop breathing and go into a coma.
Dependence
Morphine, like all opioid pain relievers, carries with it a strong risk of physical dependence. With sustained use the brain will become accustomed to the effects of morphine. Not only does this lead to patients experiencing withdrawal when they stop taking morphine, it also causes tolerance to the drug, which means patients must take more and more morphine for it to have an effect. It is important to avoid increasing the dosage or frequency with which morphine is taken, particularly if it has been prescribed for long-term use.
Member Comments