ABOUT MORPHINE

Morphine is prescribed to treat pain and shortness of breath.

The most common side-effects are constipation, drowsiness and feeling sick. Your will be prescribed medicines to take with morphine to help with some of these side-effects.

Type of medicine	Strong opioid painkiller
Used for	Pain relief and shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing
Also called	Oramorph®; Sevredol®; Filnarine®; Morphgesic®; MST Continus®; MXL®; Zomorph®
Available as	Tablets, slow-release tablets and capsules, oral liquid medicine, sachets, and injection
Common morphine side-effects	What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling or being sick	Stick to simple meals - avoid rich or spicy foods. Also, try taking your doses after food, as this may help to protect your stomach
Shallow breathing	Let your hospice nurse know about this
Feeling dizzy, sleepy or drowsy	If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol
Constipation	You will be placed on a bowel management program.  If you are experiencing difficulties, talk with your hospice nurse
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets
Other common side-effects include: feeling confused or disorientated, itching, sweating, mood changes, disturbed sleep, headache, difficulties passing urine, flushing, and rash	If any of these become troublesome, speak with your hospice nurse

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist. Retrieved from: http://patient.info/medicine/morphine-for-pain-relief Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.  If you have questions or need help, please contact your Hospice Team.