Morphine is a prescription pain medication from the opiate family. For some people, morphine may cause side effects that result in weight loss, such as nausea or reduced appetite. Understanding how morphine causes weight loss allows you to take steps to reduce or prevent this side effect. To avoid dangerous complications, never take morphine that was not prescribed to you by a doctor.
Uses
Morphine is an opiate prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It occurs naturally in the opium poppy and is an ingredient in some synthetic prescription pain medications. It produces its painkilling effects by altering how the brain perceives pain. Other effects include cough suppression and fever reduction. Morphine is available in instant-release and extended-release forms, and may be administered orally or intravenously for its medicinal effects. Occasionally, it may be prescribed for other conditions such as diarrhea, cough or fever.
Side Effects
Weight loss is a possible outcome of morphine use. Medline Plus lists appetite loss, diarrhea, nausea and reduced ability to taste food as potential side effects of morphine. In some cases, these effects can lead to weight loss when taking morphine for extended periods of time. Withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea that sometimes occur when you stop taking morphine can also contribute to weight loss. Other possible side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, mood changes and pupil constriction.
Methods of Application
If you experience significant or unwanted weight loss while taking morphine, talk to your doctor. Together, you can discuss ways to eliminate or reduce side effects contributing to your weight loss. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dose or administration route to prevent further weight loss. In some cases, waiting until after breakfast to take morphine may help prevent missed meals caused by nausea or appetite loss. E Med TV warns that quitting morphine cold turkey can trigger unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, even in people who don't abuse the drug. Seek immediate medical help if you experience troubling side effects, such as shortness of breath or severe drowsiness while taking morphine. These may be signs of overdose.
Considerations
Morphine is a potentially habit-forming narcotic that should be used exactly as directed. It is not meant to be taken as a weight loss aid and can cause serious health problems when abused. Not all patients who take morphine will experience weight loss or other side effects.
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