Morphine
Also sold as: MST Continus
Prescription neededStrong painkillers (opioids)
Comes as:TabletOral solutionInjection
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
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