Morphine
Morphine is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It is used to
treat moderate-to-severe pain. Morphine, the principal active agent in opium,
is a powerful opioid analgesic drug. Like other opiates, morphine acts directly
on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain, and at synapses of the
arcuate nucleus, in particular.
Morphine History and Addiction
Morphine was first isolated in 1804 by the
German pharmacist Friedrich Wilhelm Adam Sertürner, who named it "morphium" after Morpheus, the
Greek god of dreams. But it was not until the development of the hypodermic
needle (1853) that its use spread. It was used for pain relief, and as a "cure" for
opium and alcohol addiction.
Its extensive use during the American Civil War resulted in over 400,000 sufferers
from the "soldier's disease" (addiction), though some believe this
to be erroneous. Heroin (diacetylmorphine) was derived from morphine in 1874.
As with other drugs, its possession without a prescription was criminalized
in the US by the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of 1914. Morphine is usually highly
addictive when compared to other substances. Tolerance as well as physical
and psychological dependence develops quickly in Morphine users. Patients on
morphine often report insomnia and nightmares.
Withdrawal from morphine causes nausea, tearing, yawning, chills, and sweating
lasting up to three days. Morphine crosses the placental barrier, and babies
born to morphine-using mothers go through withdrawal. Today morphine is used
medicinally for severe pain, cough suppression, and sometimes before surgery.
It is seldom used illicitly except by doctors and other medical personnel who
have access to the drug. It is injected, taken orally or inhaled, or taken
through rectal suppositories.
Morphine Side Effects
Side effects of Morphine include impairment of mental performance, euphoria,
drowsiness, lethargy, and blurred vision. It also decreases hunger, inhibits
the cough reflex, and produces constipation. Symptoms of a morphine overdose
include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness,
coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- slow, weak breathing;
- seizures;
- cold, clammy skin;
- severe weakness or dizziness; or
- unconsciousness.
- constipation;
- dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
- dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
- muscle twitches;
- sweating;
- itching;
- decreased urination; or
- decreased sex drive.