Morphine
Morphine is a powerful narcotic that’s used to treat acute and chronic pain. This medication numbs the brain and central nervous system (CNS), inhibiting the body’s response to pain. As a result, the morphine-induced patient is unable to sense pain. Although morphine is effective at relieving pain, it’s also highly addictive. Therefore, it should only be used as either a last resort or before or after surgery.
What is Morphine Used to Treat?
Morphine is used to treat a number of ailments, ranging from short-term back pain to cancer. The medication may also be used before or after an invasive surgery. It’s commonly used as part of hospice care because it relieves pain, anxiety, and shortness of breath in dying patients. In addition to masking pain, morphine can also suppress coughing.
This medication is available in tablet, capsule or liquid form. Depending on the severity of one’s pain, he or she may be prescribed either a short-acting or long-acting morphine dosage. A physician will determine the type of morphine that’s best suited to treat a patient’s pain, as well as evaluate any potential morphine side effects.
Deciding if Morphine Is Right for You
If you’re experiencing acute or chronic pain, talk with your physician to see if morphine can treat your condition. To determine if morphine is a suitable treatment, your doctor will examine your medical history and current condition. If your doctor deems morphine the best treatment option, he or she will prescribe an appropriate morphine dosage to calm your pain. When taking this particular medication, be especially mindful of the risks associated with morphine addiction and morphine overdose.