Injecting Morphine | Effects, Dangers, & Interactions

Belonging to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics, morphine can enter the body via intravenous administration. Morphine is likely injected into the body to assist those suffering from severe pain.

Unfortunately, this medication can also be abused by those who enjoy the effects of morphine. A person may experience euphoria and heavy sedation when using morphine, which is one of the many reasons a person may participate in this form of drug abuse.

These effects are caused because morphine targets the brain and spinal cord in addition to the central nervous system (CNS).

Both you and your potential caregiver should understand that a morphine sulfate injection must be administered carefully, as some vials contain only a single-dose of the drug. Those who participate in illicit drug injections may experience adverse reactions.

Effects Of Injecting Morphine

There can be a variety of effects of morphine due to the fact that the drug is available in a number of dosage forms. If your local doctor in Ohio prescribes you a certain dose of morphine, be sure to remain on the prescribed dose. Taking more of the drug can lead to a serious overdose.

Common Side Effects

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a number of common side effects may take place when a person injects morphine. Some of these may include:

• constipation
• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• sedation
• vomiting
• dizziness
• nausea
• headache

Some of these morphine side effects can be quite severe such as constipation, which may require the use of laxatives. In addition to this, urinary retention may occur.

Long-Term Side Effects

Although morphine injection can be used long-term to provide pain relief, it can also be abused. Those who build up a tolerance to the drug may require more of it to assist with the chronic pain.

In addition to this, the administration of morphine intravenously can lead to infections at the injection site. Blood clots and collapsed veins can also occur.

Those who inject morphine long-term may develop skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. Also, those who share needles and inject other drugs can more easily develop a disease such as hepatitis C or HIV.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who abuse morphine may develop withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop the drug. Some of the withdrawal symptoms one can experience include:

• stomach cramps
• anxiety
• sweating
• chills
• fast heartbeat
• runny nose
• yawning
• loss of appetite

Dangers Of Injecting Morphine

When it comes to intravenously injecting morphine, there are a number of dangers to be aware of. Ohioans should know the dangers of morphine injections and the various health problems which can arise from abusing this drug.

Morphine Overdose

Injecting morphine without a prescription increases the risk of overdose. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), some of the symptoms of a morphine overdose may include:

• cold and clammy skin
• low blood pressure
• slow pulse rate
• sleepiness
• slowed breathing or respiratory depression
• coma
• death

If you suspect a morphine overdose has taken place, contact 911 immediately. Healthcare professionals can administer naloxone, a medication used to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Worsened Health Conditions

Concentrations of morphine may be present in the breast milk of women who are nursing. Those who are breast-feeding should avoid morphine as this dangerous drug can cause health problems for the baby.

Since morphine can cause severe constipation, those who suffer from paralytic ileus, a certain condition in which digested food has difficulty moving through the intestines, it may not be recommended by your doctor due to the possible health concerns.

Those who suffer from breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should avoid morphine due to dangerous respiratory depression which can occur. If you have ever had a head injury, mention this to your doctor as well.

Speak to your local Ohio primary healthcare provider to determine if morphine is the medication that best fits your needs, and be sure to mention any medications you currently take.

Polydrug Abuse

When using morphine, whether legal or illicit, combining this medication with others can increase the side effects one experiences and can lead to serious harm.

For instance, some of the medications to avoid include:

• supplements
• benzodiazepines
• muscle relaxants
• certain selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as escitalopram (Lexapro)
• opiate medications
• certain opioid agonist/antagonist drugs
• alcohol
• specific medications such as cimetidine (Tagamet) and cyclobenzaprine (Amrix)

Any type of CNS depressant should be avoided while taking morphine. Life-threatening concerns such as respiratory depression, hypotension, and other issues may occur. Speak with your healthcare provider regarding the prescription drugs or non-prescription drugs you take.

Opioid Addiction Treatment In Ohio

If you or a loved one live with morphine addiction, consider finding a treatment center in Ohio. At Ohio Recovery Center, we provide a number of inpatient treatment options, including detox and medication-assisted treatment, to assist you. 

To learn more, please contact us today.