Morphine sulfate is a narcotic type pain reliever approved to treat moderate to severe pain and is mostly used for chronic pain conditions. Though other forms of morphine are available as fast-release formulations, morphine sulfate is the form of the medication in most controlled-release formulations. Controlled release medications may offer advantages in pain control but still have a number of important side effects, some of which may be serious.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of morphine sulfate tabs include digestive changes such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. As the patient becomes accustomed to the medication, these effects may subside. Constipation is also common with opiate use, but this effect will not usually go away and may increase in severity with chronic use. Some patients may experience a feeling of warmth along with sweating, tingling and flushing of the skin. Mental changes such as dizziness, anxiety, memory problems and depression are also common along with changes in sleep patterns including drowsiness or insomnia. If side effects become more severe or become bothersome, the physician should be consulted as the dose may need adjustment or a different medication may be needed.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of morphine sulfate tabs are often related to taking the medication in doses that are too high for the patient. Opiates such as morphine pose a significant risk of overdose, whether intentional or accidental. Serious side effects may include depressed breathing resulting in slowed or shallow breathing along with slow heartbeats. Feelings of lightheadedness, fainting, confusion and seizures have resulted from high doses of morphine sulfate. Cold, clammy skin may also result. Any of these conditions, particularly loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing, indicate a need for immediate medical attention.
Potential for Dependence
Opiate type medications such as morphine sulfate are highly controlled medications because they pose a significant risk for abuse and dependence leading to addiction. While appropriate chronic use of prescription pain medication does not necessarily indicate a potential for abuse, many patients become physically dependent upon the medication and must undergo a significant withdrawal period when changing or discontinuing the medication. Symptoms of withdrawal may include severe pain, a flu-like condition, nausea, diarrhea, sweating and severe anxiety. Symptoms of withdrawal may warrant medical attention.
Contraindications
Some patients are allergic to opiate type pain relievers including morphine sulfate. Morphine should not be taken if any indication of hypersensitivity to opiates has been shown including rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips or difficulty breathing. Some people with chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as paralytic ileus and some with respiratory conditions such as asthma will not be able to take morphine sulfate. As morphine is a central nervous system depressant, it should be used with caution if other depressant medications are taken such as anti-anxiety medications. The prescribing physician should be informed of all medications being taken.
Member Comments