Morphine / morphine

Due to its strong analgesic, antitussive and psychotropic properties, morphine is used to treat severe pain in emergency and palliative care.

Due to its depressant and sedative effect, the active substance is also misused as a euphoric intoxicant. In the context of opioid agonist therapy, morphine is used as a substitute for opiate/heroin addiction.

Onset of effect

Injected: after seconds
Swallowed: after approx. 20 minutes (for sustained release tablets after 1 - 1.5 hours)

Duration of action

approx. 3 - 6 hours

Swallowed:

Light: 5 - 10 mg
Medium: 15 - 20 mg
Strong: over 25 mg

When consuming for the first time, low doses should be used, as the risk of respiratory arrest is increased.

Risks

Gastrointestinal complaints such as constipation are common side effects after taking opiates. Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, sweating, skin rashes, itching, dizziness, headaches and fatigue are other common complaints. On the psychological level, confusion, nightmares and hallucinations may occur. Rather rarely, there is a drop in blood pressure, breathing difficulties and allergic reactions.

Overdose

Overdoses with morphine are life-threatening, as the substance has a strong respiratory depressant effect (worsening breathing) even in low doses, which can lead to respiratory arrest and coma. Oral consumption of 0.3 - 1.5 g and intravenous consumption of 100 mg can lead to a fatal overdose. In opioid addicts, the lethal dose can be significantly higher. An overdose is treated by taking naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

Long-term risks/consequences

The consumption of morphine can lead to physical and psychological dependence after only a short time. Tolerance builds up quickly, which is why higher and higher doses have to be consumed. Strong withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, depression, insomnia, sweating, cold shivers, vomiting, diarrhoea and painful cramps may occur. Like all opiates, morphine can lead to chronic constipation.

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• Opiates are highly effective drugs that should only be used for a limited time and, at best, with a doctor's supervision.
• Start with a low dose and wait for the effect and tolerance before adding more.
• After a period of abstinence, use a much lower dose! The usual dose before the abstinence phase can otherwise quickly have life-threatening consequences.
• If you inject opiates, dose even more carefully, as the range between desired effect (rush) and dangerous overdose is even more difficult to assess. Avoid injecting opiates; the risk of overdose is particularly high. Always use new (clean and sterile) syringe material! Never exchange syringes, filters, water, disinfection swabs to avoid transmission of hepatitis and HIV.
• Do not rely on dosage information from colleagues who regularly use opiates. Due to habituation or dependence, their doses are significantly higher and can be fatal for new users.
• Take longer breaks (at least several days) between consumption.
• Refrain from citrus fruits (especially grapefruit) before or during consumption. The combination can lead to an increase in the effect of the opiate and/or respiratory depression