What is morphine?
Morphine belongs to a group of drugs
known as opiates. Morphine is derived from raw opium from the poppy
plant. Morphine is a painkilling drug and is one of the most
effective drugs known for pain relief so is mostly used to treat moderate
to severe pain and severe coughs. Morphine can also be used to ease
pain before, during and after operations.
What does morphine look like?
Morphine can usually
be found in tablet form, a syrup, injection or as a suppository form.
How is morphine taken?
Morphine is usually taken orally via a syrup, tablet or
capsule, however, it can come in an injectable form.
What are the immediate effects of taking morphine?
Morphine will provide relief from pain and gives the patient
a sense of wellbeing. Opiates in general slow down breathing, heart
rate and brain activity and as a result the body's tolerance to pain
is increased. Morphine also suppresses the cough reflex which is why
it is used to treat severe coughs. Morphine does have side-effects,
two of the most common are constipation and nausea and with higher doses of morphine, additional drugs to relieve
or prevent these symptoms may be needed.
What are the long-term effects of
taking morphine?
When morphine is prescribed by a doctor for the treatment
of pain and are taken in the prescribed dosage, they are safe and there
is little chance of addiction. However, when morphine is not used for
medical uses and is abused by being taken in excessive doses, addiction
can result and so you should never stop taking it suddenly. If you stop
taking the drug suddenly withdrawal symptoms can occur. The severity
of the symptoms will depend on the amount of drug taken and for how
long. Withdrawal symptoms may include uneasiness, diarrhoea,
abdominal cramps, nausea, chills and insomnia.
What class of drug is morphine?
Morphine is a class A drug, it is only legal for a person
to possess morphine if it has been prescribed for that individual. The
maximum sentence for unlawful possession is 7 years imprisonment and
a fine. The maximum sentence for supplying is life imprisonment and
a fine.
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