Sign inBefore taking morphine
Before taking morphine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver, kidney or prostate problems.
- If you have heart rhythm problems.
- If you have breathing problems, such as asthma.
- If you have low blood pressure.
- If you have thyroid problems.
- If you suffer from convulsions.
- If you have a problem in your bile duct.
- If you have been constipated for more than a week or have an inflammatory bowel problem.
- If you have phaeochromocytoma or other adrenal gland problem.
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disorder).
- If you have recently suffered a serious head injury.
- If you have ever had a problem with drug addiction.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take morphine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take morphine exactly as you have been directed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
- If you have been given capsules, they can be swallowed whole, or opened and the contents sprinkled onto soft food such as yogurt.
- Depending on the reason that you are taking morphine, your doctor may advise that you take it regularly or only when you need it for pain relief. Make sure you know which is right for you.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not drink alcohol with morphine as this will increase the side-effects of dizziness and drowsiness.
- Taking morphine regularly for a long time can lead to your body becoming dependent on it, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop taking it. If you are concerned about this, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you are planning a trip abroad you are advised to carry a letter with you from your doctor because morphine is a controlled drug. If you plan to travel for more than 3 months, you must check with the Home Office before you travel as you will need to apply in writing for a licence to take morphine with you.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking morphine.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with morphine.
Can morphine cause problems ?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | This usually passes after a few days, but let your doctor know if it continues. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to ease the sickness |
| Drowsiness, difficulties with vision | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see clearly |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If this continues your doctor may prescribe a laxative for you |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets |
| Dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position | Getting up slowly should help |
| Other side-effects include: palpitations, swollen legs or ankles, mood changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, headache, sexual difficulties, difficulty passing urine, sweating, rash, and itching | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store morphine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)