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What are the Benefits of Using Morphine Tablets?

Angela Crout-Mitchell
Angela Crout-Mitchell

The most well known benefit to taking morphine tablets as prescribed by a doctor is the drug's ability to reduce or eliminate moderate to severe pain. There are several forms of morphine, including versions designed to be introduced to the body through an IV, oral capsules, and tablets. The prescribing doctor will determine which form is most effective for the patient's needs. Oral versions are most often prescribed for out patient needs, and the the liquid form is normally used in a hospital or hospice setting. When taking morphine, the patient should be aware of how morphine affects the body, information on the chemical make up of the substance, as well as potential side effects and contraindications.

Morphine tablets, and other morphine products, belong to a group of narcotic painkillers used for a variety of purposes. The main function of morphine is to dull the pain receptors located in the brain which lessens or removes the sensation of pain for the patient for a short time. This drug is fast acting and very effective for most people. It is most commonly used following surgical procedures, after traumatic injury, and for some terminally ill patients, such as those with aggressive forms of cancer. Morphine is also prescribed in oral forms for recovering from surgery and other serious procedures.

Morphine is derived from the opium poppy.
Morphine is derived from the opium poppy.

While taking morphine tablets or capsules, it is important that the patient is adequately prepared for the effects of morphine. Morphine pills are not as fast acting as their IV versions but most people respond relatively quickly to the narcotic effects of the medication. People taking oral morphine are advised to not drive, operate any type of sharp equipment, and are encouraged to remain stationary as much as possible. This type of drug may induce drowsiness as well as disconnected sensations and slow thought processes, all of which are normal side effects. Most medical experts recommend that the patient is not left alone while taking morphine.

Unlike injections, morphine tablets are easy to take at home.
Unlike injections, morphine tablets are easy to take at home.

Not every patient benefits from taking morphine tablets and may require a different pain killing medication. People with kidney or liver disease are often not eligible to take oral morphine medicines. Those patients who suffer from mental illness or drug and alcohol addictions are advised to avoid this medication as well. Morphine does not mix well with some other prescription drugs including MAO inhibitors, sedatives, and muscle relaxers. Patients should also be educated on the potential for morphine addiction, especially with extended use.

Discussion Comments

anon338396

I have been taking morphine sulfate for almost five years now. I started at 15mg and now am up to 30mg immediate release tablets for the past one and a half years. Through years of living with pain this is the only thing that works. I take 60mg every six hours.

turquoise

@ddljohn-- What you said is so true! Everyone is different when it comes to medication. My sister can take the recommended dose of anything without problems. But I, for some reason, am very sensitive to medication and will always have terrible side effects.

I use morphine sulfate tablets from time to time and I always break the tablets into half or quarters when I do. I cannot take the full dose because it's just too much for me. A smaller dose is still effective but doesn't have the side effects. This is definitely one of the benefits of tablets. It's not possible to break capsules into smaller doses.

ddljohn

@burcinc-- You know that there are morphine extended release tablets right? You can ask your doctor to make the necessary change to your prescription if that's not what you have right now.

That's actually one of the benefits of morphine tablets. They come in different doses and with the option of modified release. Everyone reacts to medicines a bit differently and that's why these options are out there.

Extended release will release the drug into your blood stream slowly over time so that the effects can last longer. I'm pretty sure that if you just switch to extended release tablets, it will resolve it for you. You will be able to take it 10 minutes late without having the pain come back.

burcinc

My doctor has prescribed morphine tablets for my arthritis pain. I've been taking them for three days and I have had immense relief from the pain. I used to wake up in agony every morning and now I don't which I'm really happy about.

The one thing I have to pay attention to is to make sure to take them every 12 hours to the T. Otherwise, the affect wears off pretty quickly and the pain comes back. If I take them on time, I don't have any problems.

Of course there are some morphine tablet side effects. I'm especially experiencing drowsiness and that "out of it" feeling. I haven't driven since I started taking them either. I don't think I will be able to give the appropriate reflexes in traffic.

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    • Morphine is derived from the opium poppy.
      By: peteri
      Morphine is derived from the opium poppy.
    • Unlike injections, morphine tablets are easy to take at home.
      By: Tsuboya
      Unlike injections, morphine tablets are easy to take at home.
    • Morphine tablets do not mix well with other prescription medications, including MAO inhibitors.
      By: Rob Byron
      Morphine tablets do not mix well with other prescription medications, including MAO inhibitors.