Morphine is one of the strongest painkillers in the world, often prescribed to people who are experiencing discomfort after a surgical procedure or some type of serious injury or illness.

Even though morphine is only supposed to be used when prescribed by a doctor, there are people who abuse this drug on their own.

Morphine overdose is a serious concern among those who take this drug without medical supervision. In the most severe of cases, this can lead to death.

Do you suspect that a loved one is abusing morphine? If so, you need to become familiar with this drug, including the many brand names. This will allow you to pinpoint if somebody is talking about the drug in your presence.

The most common morphine brand names include:

• Roxanol
• Morphine Sulfate ER
• Kadian
• MS Contin

Regardless of what you call this drug, nothing changes the fact that it is a widely prescribed painkiller that has been proven effective over the years.

Morphine Side Effects

The use of morphine can lead to side effects, both when using the drug as prescribed or in an illegal manner.

It is important to be aware of the side effects associated with all types of morphine, including the brand names above. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Tingling, burning, numbing, or crawling feelings
• Cough
• Vomiting and nausea
• Pounding in the ears
• Shakiness in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating or chills

The Development of a Dependency

Morphine dependency can develop if a person takes the drug for too long. This includes when somebody is prescribed it for the relief of pain. Of course, the same holds true for people who illegally obtain and abuse the medication.

All types of morphine, including the brand names listed above, have the ability to lead to dependency. If this happens, a person will find that they are addicted to the drug, needing it to feel good both physically and mentally. The risk with this, along with prolonged use, is overdose. This is due to the fact that it will take more of the drug to achieve the previous result, which in this case is reduced pain.

Before taking any type of morphine, it is important to understand the benefits as well as the potential drawbacks. It may help reduce pain, but taking too much can lead to dependency. Furthermore, taking this drug in a manner not consistent with medical instructions can lead to a lethal overdose.