Morphine

Morphine is a strong opioid medicine only available with a prescription from your doctor.

Morphine works directly on opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It reduces feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body.

Morphine comes in different dosages and forms, including:

• tablets
• capsules
• oral liquid
• injection

Some formulations work immediately, while others work more slowly. All formulations of morphine are only available with a prescription from your doctor.

All opioids, including morphine, can have side effects that include life-threatening breathing problems. The chance of these is higher:

• when you first take morphine
• after a dosage increase
• if you are older
• if you have an existing lung problem

Other side effects of morphine are similar to those of other opioids, and include:

• constipation
• headache or dizziness
• fatigue or drowsiness (especially right after a dose)
• loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

Morphine affects everyone differently — you may have all, some or none of these side effects. If your pain is not well managed while taking morphine, or if you notice morphine is making you feel unwell, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

Always take medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Morphine is a strong pain relief medicine and can cause life-threatening breathing problems.

Morphine may make it difficult for you to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you have recently started taking an opioid medicine, or changed the dosage, you may be more likely to have an accident. Ask your doctor whether it is legal for you to drive while taking morphine. Also contact your car insurer, as you may not be covered for accidents that occur while you are taking morphine.

If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor will need to adjust your dosage of morphine.

There are other factors that may limit your use of morphine — for example, if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that can cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines.

Your doctor is the best person to advise you on whether morphine is the right medicine for you, how much you need and how long to take it for. Your doctor will also guide you on when and how to stop taking morphine.

Opioid tolerance and dependence

If you use opioid medicines, you may also develop tolerance. This means that you may need to take larger amounts of the opioid to get the same effect. The chance of side effects also increases with a higher dose.

It's also possible to become dependent on morphine, even if you take it exactly as prescribed and only for a short time. Your doctor will monitor how you use morphine to reduce your chance of harm, including through misuse, abuse and addiction.

If you are concerned that you are becoming addicted to or dependent on morphine let your doctor know so that you can get help. You can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) for 24/7 support and treatment information.

The dose and frequency of morphine you should take will vary depending on your circumstances.

It is important to follow the directions that your doctor or pharmacist gives you.

Your doctor will write the recommended dosage on your prescription.

Always take medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never give someone else a medicine prescribed for you or take a medicine prescribed for someone else.

If you have been taking morphine for more than a short while, it is also important not to suddenly stop taking the medicine. You should gradually reduce the amount you are taking — under the care of your doctor. This will help to reduce your chance of withdrawal symptoms.

How do I dispose of medicines safely?

It's important you dispose of unwanted opioid medicines safely. Unused medicines can be returned to any pharmacy. Don't keep unused morphine 'just in case', as this can lead to dangerous or inappropriate use.

Keep morphine out of reach of children and pets. Never throw medicines into a garbage bin or flush them down the toilet, as this can be dangerous to others and harmful to the environment.

If your pain is not well controlled with morphine, or you have any unexpected or unwanted side effects, see your doctor.

Asking about your treatment or medicine is important to help you understand your options. Here's a guide to questions you should ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medicine.

• Visit the Safe Opioid Use website to learn more about using opioids safely and creating your own opioid safety plan.
• The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has translated their guide to using medicines safely into many community languages.
• The Pain Management Network has chronic pain management information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

See also this list of medicines that contain morphine to read the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet for the brand prescribed. You can also:

• Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to talk about the medicines you are taking for your pain.
• Discuss your pain on the Pain Link helpline (1300 340 357) which is staffed by volunteers with personal experience of chronic pain.
• Go to Painaustralia to find pain services and programs in your area.
• Learn more about prescription opioids on the Choosing Wisely