What is Oral Morphine?

Oral morphine is a potent prescription drug normally used in treating pain that is classified as moderate to severe. This medication is a narcotic drug and can be habit forming. As such, it is usually prescribed only for patients who cannot get adequate relief from other, less-addictive and potent drugs. In many cases, doctors prescribe oral morphine for patients who need to take pain medication all day and night for an extended period. It may be administered in tablet, capsule, or liquid form, and doses often last for about four hours each.

Oral morphine is a narcotic pain reliever that is taken by mouth; doctors may prescribe it as a liquid or in pill or tablet form. In most cases, oral morphine proves effective in controlling pain that is moderate to severe in intensity. It works by altering the way a patient senses pain as well as the manner in which his body responds to it. Usually, doctors are careful about how they prescribe this medication, as it can be habit forming. In many cases, they use it for patients who will need potent pain relief for a significant period of time.

Though oral morphine may be used for a range of conditions that cause pain, doctors often prescribe it for cancer patients. For example, this medication may be particularly helpful for treating patients who need palliative care. Palliative care is focused on improving the patient's quality of life and keeping him comfortable. Doctors may also prescribe it for keeping patients with terminal conditions comfortable for the final days, weeks, or months of the patient's life.

In most cases, doctors prefer to prescribe the lowest dose of morphine possible for controlling a patient’s pain. For this reason, they often start a patient out on a low dose of oral morphine and then gradually increase his dosage if his pain is not adequately controlled. Patients are typically advised against increasing their dosages without a doctor’s approval.

As is the case with many medications, oral morphine may cause side effects. For example, a person may experience dizziness, drowsiness, inability to focus, and anxiety while taking this medication. Some people may also develop headaches, chills, flu-like symptoms, mood changes, or double vision while they are taking it. Sleep difficulties, nausea, and vomiting are also among the possible side effects of oral morphine use. Additionally, some people lose interest in sex or develop sexual dysfunction symptoms while taking this drug.