This well-known and widely prescribed drug is used to relieve pain, but what are the morphine side effects?
Northpoint Washington, a mental health and substance abuse treatment facility, is here to provide some answers. Our top-notch team of professionals has years of experience helping people like you overcome addiction and get their lives back on track.
Call us at 888.450.2153 to learn more about our morphine addiction treatment program and how we can help you or your loved one recover from this debilitating disease.
What Is Morphine?
Morphine is a pain medication of the opiate class. It is considered to be the prototypical natural opiate and is the parent compound of a large group of natural and semisynthetic opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and heroin.
Morphine is taken orally, rectally, by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, or inhaled via a nebulizer. It was first isolated in 1804 and became commercially available in 1827. Morphine is a controlled substance in most countries, and its use is regulated by law. In the United States, it is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Morphine is a highly addictive substance, and its use often leads to physical dependence and tolerance. Its recreational use became increasingly popular in the middle 19th century, and illegal use became rampant.
How Long Does Morphine Stay in Your System?
One of the questions we get at Northpoint Washington is, “How long does morphine stay in your system?”
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including how much of the drug was taken, how often it was taken, and the user’s metabolism.
On average, morphine can be detected in urine for up to 3 days after the last use. In hair, morphine can be detected for up to 90 days; in saliva, you can detect the drug for up to 4 days; and in blood, morphine can be detected for up to 12 hours.
What Are the Risks of Taking Morphine?
People who abuse morphine can develop a tolerance to the drug, which means they will need to take increasingly larger doses to get the same effect. This can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death.
Not only is morphine abuse dangerous, but it can also lead to dependence and addiction. People addicted to morphine may have trouble quitting independently and need professional help to get sober.
Morphine Side Effects
One of the most common morphine side effects is constipation. Other common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Euphoria
- Elevated blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
Morphine can also interact with other medications, so it is important to always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Morphine overdose is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Symptoms of a morphine overdose include:
- Shallow breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Weak pulse
- Extreme drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Cold and clammy skin
- Paralysis
Recognizing an addiction is never easy, but it is important to seek help if you or someone you love is struggling with a morphine addiction. With professional treatment, it is possible to overcome addiction and lead a healthy, drug-free life.
Northpoint Washington Can Help Get You on the Road to Recovery
If you or someone you love is addicted to morphine, Northpoint Washington can help. Our evidence-based treatment program is designed to help you or your loved one overcome addiction and get your life back on track.
We offer a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes medicated detox, holistic treatment, and group therapy. We also offer a variety of amenities and services to make your stay with us as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Call us today at 888.450.2153 to start your recovery journey.