Experiencing the Adverse Effects of Morphine

Morphine is a highly potent opiate and acts directly on the central nervous system to relieve pain. For the management of intense pain, there is no other narcotic analgesic that is more effective. Morphine is very addictive when it is compared to other substances, tolerance and physiological dependencies quickly develop. 


Research has also shown that morphine can actually alter the expression of certain genes in human DNA. The drug affects two major groups of genes for proteins involved in mitochondrial respiration and for cytoskeleton related problems. Long-term use can cause severe cases of constipation. 


During the '70s and '80s, evidence showed that people who use morphine for extended periods have an increased risk of infections such as increased pneumonia, TB, and HIV. These studies lead scientists to believe that long-term use of morphine may also affect the immune system. 


The more concerning adverse effects of morphine is the addictiveness. Its abuse potential is among the highest of all drugs known to man. Compared to other narcotic pain relievers such as codeine, hydrocarbon, oxycodone, morphine is considerably more liable for abuse and dependence. Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms can appear after only five days of use. 


Withdrawal symptoms associated with morphine addiction are usually felt shortly before the time of the next scheduled dose, and at times, as early as six to 12 hours after the last administration. Severe psychological dependence is an adverse effect of morphine. Psychological withdrawal from morphine is a long painful process. People often suffer severe depression, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, along with low self-esteem, paranoia, and other psychological disorders. Morphine addicts, along with heroin addicts, have the highest rate of relapse rates of all drug users. 


The adverse effects of morphine can be dangerous, so the drug should only be taken when necessary and when prescribed by your doctor.