Morphine
Morphine is an opioid analgesic derived from the opium poppy, primarily used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. The substance was first isolated between 1803 and 1805 by Friedrich Sertürner, a German pharmacist. Sertürner’s work marked the first successful isolation of an active ingredient from a plant, making morphine the first opioid to be extracted from opium resin.
Also called:
How you might feel
Significant pain relief, euphoria, and a sense of well-being are commonly reported, often accompanied by drowsiness or lethargy.
Effects on your body
Besides its analgesic effects, morphine can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression.
How long it takes to work
Almost immediate for intravenous injections; 30 minutes to an hour for oral forms.
How long the effects last
4-6 hours for immediate-release forms; up to 12 hours for extended-release tablets.
Common risks
Risk of overdose, respiratory depression, and long-term issues like tolerance and dependence.
Overview
Morphine is an opioid analgesic derived from the opium poppy, primarily used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. The substance was first isolated between 1803 and 1805 by Friedrich Sertürner, a German pharmacist. Sertürner’s work marked the first successful isolation of an active ingredient from a plant, making morphine the first opioid to be extracted from opium resin.6
Morphine exerts its effects by interacting with the μ-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. When it binds to these receptors, it inhibits the release of neurotransmitters like substance P, leading to a decrease in the perception of pain.3 It has a wide range of applications, including in managing post-surgical pain, cancer pain, and myocardial infarction.5
However, morphine also comes with a range of adverse effects, including respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.4 One of the most serious risks associated with morphine use is its potential for abuse and addiction.1 This has led to stringent regulations concerning its prescription and distribution. For instance, in the United States, morphine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating its high potential for abuse.2
Despite the associated risks, morphine continues to play a crucial role in modern medicine for pain management. At the same time, its potential for abuse and dependency remains an area of ongoing research and clinical concern.
How it looks, tastes and smells
Appearance
Morphine commonly appears as a white, crystalline powder that is water-soluble. It may also be found in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and injectable preparations in medical settings. Some formulations, like extended-release tablets, may be colour-coded or have specific coatings to distinguish them.3,8
Tastе
The pure form of morphine is generally considered to have a slightly bitter taste. However, taste is often not a primary concern in medical settings, as morphine is typically administered via injection or in oral formulations that may contain other ingredients.7
Smell
Pure morphine is odourless. When formulated into various medical preparations, smell is usually not a significant factor since the drug is most commonly used in settings where the odour is not considered.4
Dosage
The dosage of morphine can vary significantly based on the specific medical condition being treated, the patient’s age, body weight, and previous exposure to opioids. It’s crucial that morphine is taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, and self-adjustment of the dose can be dangerous.
- Minimum to Feel Something (mg):
The lowest effective dose of morphine is generally around 5-15 mg for immediate-release oral tablets for adults, although a healthcare provider should determine the smallest effective dose.8 - Low Dose:
Low doses range between 15-30 mg for immediate-release oral tablets. For extended-release forms, it can be as low as 15 mg every 12 hours.8 - Common Dose:
A common therapeutic dose for moderate to severe pain in adults is often between 30-60 mg for immediate-release forms and can go up to 100 mg for extended-release tablets, taken every 8 to 12 hours.4 - High Dose:
Doses above 100 mg are considered high and are generally reserved for patients with severe pain who have already developed some level of tolerance to opioids. Such doses should be administered under close medical supervision to prevent adverse effects like respiratory depression.8
Notes on What May Happen When Exceeding High Dose:
Exceeding the recommended high dose of morphine can lead to severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and even death. Overdose symptoms may also include pinpoint pupils, low blood pressure, and heart failure.4,7
How you might feel
Users report feeling significant pain relief, euphoria, and a sense of well-being. However, these effects are accompanied by drowsiness, lethargy, and sometimes a decreased sense of awareness.1,4
How long it takes to work
The onset of morphine’s effects can vary depending on the route of administration. For intravenous administration, the effects can be felt almost immediately. For oral forms, it generally takes about 30 minutes to an hour.7
How long the effects last
The duration of morphine’s effects depends on the formulation. Immediate-release forms may last 4-6 hours, while extended-release forms can last up to 12 hours.
Common risks
In addition to the risks of overdose and respiratory depression, morphine can cause constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and heightened sensitivity to pain.4,5
Addiction
Morphine has a high potential for abuse and addiction, especially if it is taken in a manner not prescribed by a healthcare provider. Chronic use can lead to physical dependence and a range of social and mental health problems.1
The Law in the UK
In the United Kingdom, morphine is categorised as a Class A controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means the drug is deemed to have a high potential for abuse and can only be legally possessed, distributed, or produced with a valid prescription. The penalties for unlawful possession can be severe, including up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying or producing a Class A drug such as morphine can result in a life sentence, in addition to an unlimited fine. 2
Furthermore, driving under the influence of morphine is also illegal in the UK. According to the UK Government’s guidelines on drug-driving, operating a vehicle with certain levels of specified drugs, including morphine, in one’s blood is an offence. Conviction on such charges could result in a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to six months of imprisonment.9
Mixing Drugs
Mixing morphine with other drugs can lead to dangerous interactions and significantly increase the risk of adverse effects, including overdose. Combining morphine with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids can amplify the depressant effects, leading to severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and even death.2
Another risky combination involves mixing morphine with stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines. While the stimulant may mask some depressant effects of morphine, it does not reduce the risk of overdose and can put extreme stress on the heart.3
Additionally, taking morphine with certain antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by agitation, hallucinations, and rapid heart rate.8
References
- Addiction Center. (n.d.). Morphine Addiction and Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/opiates/morphine/
- DEA. (2020). Morphine [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Morphine-2020.pdf
- DrugBank. (n.d.). Morphine. Retrieved from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00295
- Healthdirect. (n.d.). Morphine. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/morphine
- NCBI. (2020). Opioid Analgesics. In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526115/
- TMC. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions on Morphine [PDF]. Retrieved from https://tmc.gov.in/ncg/images/Frequently_Asked_Questions_on_Morphine.pdf
- MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Morphine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682133.html
- Medscape. (n.d.). Morphine (Rx). Retrieved from https://reference.medscape.com/drug/ms-contin-astramorph-morphine-343319
- GOV.UK. (n.d.). Drug driving law. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law
What people ask
Morphine is an opioid analgesic used primarily for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It’s also used in some cases to treat shortness of breath.
Morphine can be taken in various forms, including injectable solutions, tablets, capsules, and suppositories. The method of administration often depends on the medical condition being treated and the healthcare setting.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. More serious side effects can include respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and risk of overdose.
The time it takes to feel the effects of morphine varies depending on how it’s administered. Intravenous injections can result in almost immediate effects, while oral forms may take 30 minutes to an hour.
Immediate-release forms of morphine typically last 4-6 hours, while extended-release forms can last up to 12 hours.
Apart from the risk of overdose and respiratory depression, long-term use can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and even increased sensitivity to pain.
Yes, morphine has a high potential for addiction, especially if not taken as prescribed. Prolonged use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence.
In the UK, morphine is a Class A drug, which means it’s illegal to possess, produce, or distribute it without a prescription.
Mixing morphine with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines can be extremely dangerous and increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
An overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Symptoms can include severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help right away.