Morphine Pills
Morphine is known around the world as a drug for pain management. What some may not know is that the drug occurs naturally in opium poppy plants. That discovery was made at the beginning of the 19th century.
Since then, morphine has been the go-to choice for physicians looking to address pain associated with injuries, surgeries and long-term ailments. In addition to its medicinal usage, morphine is the precursor from which other painkillers like codeine or oxycodone are derived. So, whether it is for tooth pain or the chronic pain management of cancer patients, morphine has been an integral drug in health care.
Morphine is part of the group of drugs known as opioids. Morphine is the first opioid of them all — laying the groundwork for centuries of effective pain relief. Even when taken as prescribed, opioids can have dangerous repercussions. Dependence and substance use disorders can develop if people are not careful. These consequences are exacerbated by recreational use. According to the CDC, thousands of individuals overdose on morphine each year.
No matter the form it may take, morphine is a drug that has associated risks and benefits. These two traits never seem to be mutually exclusive and there will almost always be some overlap, so a thorough understanding of what one may be getting themselves into is a vital first step.

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Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700Some morphine pills will be of the extended- or sustained-release variety, while others being immediate-release. The main difference here comes down to time. Extended- and sustained-release morphine creates a steady release of the medication over the course of several hours. As such, these forms only need to be taken a few times every 24 hours. Immediate-release morphine can be administered more frequently.
In general, a patient unaccustomed to opioids will be prescribed less potent pills and directed to take the meds once or twice daily. Alternatively, those with an aforementioned tolerance may be prescribed 200 milligrams to adequately tackle their pain symptoms.
More serious and potentially life-threatening side effects such as respiratory depression may also occur, though much less frequently. Symptoms and disorders can arise in any number of regions in the body:
- Cardiovascular system disorders
- Gastrointestinal system disorders
- Nervous system disorders (including those related to the eyes)
- Renal system disorders
- Integumentary system disorders
- Musculoskeletal system disorders
- Reproductive system disorders
- Respiratory system disorders
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Always consult with a medical professional to better understand the related hazards and seek medical attention if any side effects may be indicative of an overdose.
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Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700