Morphine relieves moderate to severe pain for patients by changing the way the body senses pain. Doctors administer the drug for people who experience pain lasting longer than a few days. Morphine belongs to a class of drugs called opiates or narcotics. Its ability to relieve pain helps in medical situations, but the highly addictive drug has been used illegally and caused serious problems for people who become dependent on it.
Monitor
Doctors monitor patients closely during use of the drug. They advise caretakers or relatives to pay close attention to people on morphine. The medication should be kept in a secure place. No one else should take the medication, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Patients need to take the correct dosage to avoid harmful side effects or the possibility of addiction.
Effects
Morphine can cause a variety of negative side effects. Minor or serious effects can result. Patients need to tell the doctor whenever symptoms become severe or do not go away. According to MedlinePlus, side effects can include dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness or weakness. Nausea, vomiting, constipation and loss of appetite might occur in some patients. Agitation, nervousness, mood changes, confusion and insomnia can result. Other possible symptoms include stiff muscles, shaking, double vision, uncontrollable eye movements, chills, flu-like effects or sexual dysfunction.
Dangerous Effects
Serious side effects need immediate medical attention. Slow, shallow breathing or purplish color to the skin can occur. Rash, itching, tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing and swelling in the extremities affect some people. Fainting, hallucinations and seizures can result.
Addiction
Morphine, which is synthesized into heroin for illicit purposes, can cause physical and psychological addiction, according to Narconon. The drug brings about a feeling of euphoria, making it attractive to people who are easily addicted. The drug acts on the brain to reduce the level of a person's thinking. Withdrawal from morphine can cause painful symptoms and increase the desire for more of the drug. The powerful effects of morphine can affect babies born to women who use the drug, causing infants to go through withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxification
Getting off morphine involves doctors administering methadone or other depressants to slowly ease people off the drug during the detoxification process. In some cases, this is not successful and might cause addiction to the replacement drugs. Some medical professionals advise going through the detoxification phase without substitute drugs. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea, chills, sweating, tearing and fatigue that can last for several days. Detoxification often takes place in safe medical environments, such as a rehab facility or hospital.
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