Morphin the "rumors" and the truth

Article by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Phi Yen - Department of Oncology and Hematology - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

As a drug in the group of opioid analgesics, Morphine is commonly prescribed for treatment. Using the wrong medicine can lead to many health risks.

1. Morphine is an “addictive” drug.

Fact: Morphine is a powerful pain reliever that acts from the central nervous system. When pain is severe and persistent, you need a strong pain reliever to prevent physical and emotional pain. The need for pain medication will decrease as the wound or other damage to the body heals.
But in some situations, the damage leaves sequelae or the serious condition does not improve, you need to take pain relievers such as Morphine for a long time. At that time, the body begins to show signs of "dependence" on the drug Morphine. This phenomenon is medically known as “physical dependence”.
Morphine "addiction" is a condition in which a patient has no injury or disease but has used Morphine for a long time for the purpose of achieving a feeling of "high" mentally. This phenomenon is medically known as “mental dependence”
Thus, taking Morphine as directed by a doctor to relieve symptoms of illness, such as reducing pain, is a legitimate need.

2. Morphine is a drug that “causes respiratory failure”

Fact: All drugs have a starting dose. The starting dose of Morphine is 5 mg orally or 2 mg parenterally for adults. The dose of Morphine will be gradually increased, corresponding to the pain level of the patient until the pain relief effect is achieved.
Respiratory depression occurs only with sudden high doses. Therefore, Morphine is always used according to the principle of small doses and gradually increased according to the severity of the disease. The patient will always be asked to monitor the breathing rate. If the respiratory rate is less than 12 breaths per minute, Naloxone should be used.

3. Only use Morphin when "Severe illness, near death"

Truth: All diseases and with any stage of illness are painful to varying degrees. Morphine is indicated for the purpose of fast and strong pain relief to help patients have a better quality of life such as good pain relief to eat, sleep well, communicate well with friends and relatives. From there, the patient will quickly recover to return to the previous life.

4. Using Morphin "Injected is more effective in pain relief than oral"

Fact: The pain reduction effect of Morphine by oral or injectable is the same when converting the drug dose, the rate is 1/3. 1mg of morphine injected is as effective as 3mg of morphine orally.
In terms of time to achieve pain relief effect, injectable Morphine is faster than oral. So it always feels more effective. But taking morphine orally gives longer pain relief.

5. Using Morphin “Gives hallucinations, confusion”

Fact: This is a side effect of Morphine when used in high doses or in weak patients with liver and kidney metabolic disorders
When used in small doses, gradually increase the dose, this condition will decrease. after 3 to 5 days. It should be distinguished from sedation when the patient has good pain relief and sleep.
To use Morphine safely and avoid unwanted risks, patients need to consult with their primary treatment doctor. Also, always follow your doctor's prescriptions.

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