Search

Glossary

Definition of medical terms used on the web.

Morphine


Drug widely used in therapy against pain. This is very powerful analgesic with no therapeutic ceiling (i.e., the dose can be increased provided the aim is to eliminate pain). You must follow strictly the prescription and advice of your doctor for its administration.

There are false beliefs about morphine:

If you take morphine, it does not mean that “there is no longer anything that can be done your disease” or that “the end is near.” You take morphine or some derivative because no analgesic used before was effective. When your condition improves, you will stop taking it.

Morphine “create lifelong dependence.” This is not true, though, morphine, like many other drugs (corticosteroids, antidepressants, etc.), needs to be withdrawn gradually to avoid undesirable side effects.

“Morphine makes you feel groggy or drowsy.” In this case, perhaps your doctor should readjust the dose, but not discontinue the medication.

It is true that morphine has certain side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, and so forth, but in any case, its therapeutic effects are larger. Your doctor will warn you about these side effects, and if they occur, he/she will make the appropriate recommendations.