Morphine
Morphine is an extremely powerful drug that contains an opioids analgesic medication and is the active agent in opium. It is interesting to note that the word “morphine” comes from the Greek god Morpheus, who was the god of dreams and sleep. That is exactly what patients get when they take morphine. Morphine quickly acts on the central nervous system and stops pain and causes drowsiness. When prescribed by a doctor, this medication can also be used to decrease hunger, and stop coughing.
As the very name suggests, morphine does cause the patient to become sleepy. Because it is a derivate of opium, it is highly addictive and should only be used with extreme caution and care and of course, under the advice and direction of a health care provider. It should never be used over a long period of time. When a patient takes morphine, even as prescribed, it can cause nightmares and even hallucinations.
There are many uses for morphine and it can be quite beneficial when used in the right way. The most likely use of morphine is in the hospital where the patient can be monitored. It can be used intravenously and in epidural injections. It comes in oral elixirs, too. Doctors often use morphine in the hospital after surgery or after a person has a severe trauma. It is also commonly used for cancer patients and for patients that are experiencing painful kidney stones. When a person has a severe cough or breathlessness due to respiratory failure, morphine is also prescribed.
In the United States, morphine is considered a controlled substance and can only be obtained with a written prescription. Doctors and pharmacists alike carefully monitor patients taking these drugs help make certain that he or she does not become addicted. Morphine is a popular drug that is used illegally. Those who take morphine illegally often take the drugs orally (in tablet form) or crush and inject the drugs or crush and inhale the medication. Taking morphine causes a person to experience a euphoria-like state and some report a general sense of well being. However, it is never safe to use this when not being carefully monitored.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
