What is Morphine?
Overview
Morphine is a narcotic medication usually prescribed to treat acute pain. Morphine should not be prescribed lightly as it is highly addictive and dependence and tolerance to the drug can increase dramatically in a short time span. It works by dulling the pain receptors in the brain. Morphine is often used pre-operatively in addition to anesthesia or for the management of chronic pain. Morphine will produce feelings of euphoria, calmness, and sedation.
Morphine Side Effects
The side effects of morphine include:
- shallow breathing
- slowed heart rate
- seizures
- cold/clammy skin
- lightheadedness/confusion
- constipation
- dizziness
- confusion
- insomnia
- rashes
- swelling of the face. throat, or lips
- hives
Any of these symptoms can be very serious and you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience them.
Morphine Addiction
Morphine is an extremely addictive medication and the addiction can often last well beyond the physical need for the medication. Withdrawal from Morphine can be extremely complicated and medically dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms include increased heart rate, sweating, convulsions, irritability, depression, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and cramping.
Like most drugs the addiction to morphine is both physical and psychological. The physical symptoms described above can be extremely painful. The psychological properties of the addiction often leave the user unable to cope with normal daily activities without the drug.
Morphine Treatment
Treatment for Morphine is often done in a rehabilitation facility. The reason for this is that the medical professionals at the facility can lessen the discomfort that exists during the detoxification stage as well as respond to any emergency that may arise during the detoxification process.
Often a less powerful narcotic is used to taper the user off of Morphine. this means a smaller and smaller dose is given daily until the worst of the physical withdrawal has passed. Group or individual therapy is also recommended for someone trying to quit using Morphine.
It is not recommended to try to detox from Morphine without assistance as serious complications can arise while detoxing from Morphine.
Morphine Links
If you would like more information about Morphine use, prevention, or side effect please feel free to visit the following sites:
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