Morphine
Also sold as: MST Continus
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor and adjusted to the pain. Usually given for severe pain in hospital, or as tablets or liquid for cancer pain under a doctor. Never change the dose yourself.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- itching
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- slow or shallow breathing
- very small pupils with extreme sleepiness
- low blood pressure
- confusion
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Severe breathing problems or an acute asthma attack
- Head injury
- Bowel blockage
- Taking other sedatives such as diazepam (use with caution)
- History of drug addiction (only under close supervision)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious9 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Alprazolam
Together they can cause deep sedation, slowed breathing and death.
- Clonazepam
Together they can cause deep sedation, slowed breathing and death.
- Diazepam
Together they can cause deep sleepiness and dangerously slow breathing.
- Gabapentin
Raises the risk of drowsiness and slow breathing.
- Lorazepam
Together they can cause deep sedation, slowed breathing and death.
- Midazolam
Together they can cause deep sedation and dangerously slow breathing.
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- Naloxone
Naloxone reverses the effects of morphine, including pain relief.
- Pregabalin
Together they increase sedation and the risk of slowed breathing.
- Promethazine
Combined use can cause deep sedation and dangerously slowed breathing.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Diphenhydramine
Combined use increases drowsiness and the risk of slowed breathing.