Morphine is a highly addictive narcotic pain killer made from opium. This opioid works on receptors in the nervous system where it can stimulate molecular changes in cell membranes to relieve pain and slow breathing. A typical dose would be 3 to 7mg of morphine taken intravenously with much higher doses given orally. The side effects of an acute overdose of morphine can include death.
Depressed Respiration
Morphine depresses respiration even in normal doses. But an overdose of morphine can cause breathing to stop completely and result in death. According to Drugs.com, an overdose of morphine can cause breathing to become so shallow it stops. Doses must be carefully controlled and monitored in frail patients, those with breathing problems and those with extra sensitivity to opioids.
Asthma Attack
Even if too much morphine doesn't cause respiratory failure, it can cause an asthma attack for those who suffer from severe bronchial asthma. The RxList website warns that morphine shouldn't be given to those with acute bronchial asthma unless there is equipment at hand for emergency resuscitation.
Fainting, Weakness
A morphine overdose can cause fainting, weakness and confusion. A lowered body temperature, clammy feeling skin and extreme lethargy and weak pulse are all side effects of morphine overdose, according to Drugs.com.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Morphine overdose is likely to cause gastrointestinal upset. According to the RxList website, about 10 percent of those who took too much morphine suffered vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea.
Toleration of Gradual Overdose
An overdose that would prove fatal can result in few side effects if it builds up over time. According to Dr. Joanne Lynn from George Washington University School of Medicine, overdoses that would stop respiration and cause death have been routinely tolerated by patients when the increase in dosage was gradual. A July 23, 1997, article in The New York Times reported on patients who were given 10 times the normal dose of morphine with little respiratory effect.
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