Morphine pour soulager la douleur

About morphine

What is morphine used for?

Morphine is a strong opioid painkiller that is used to treat severe or long-term (chronic) pain when weaker painkillers are not effective.

It is most commonly used for pain after surgery, serious injury, or in conditions such as cancer-related pain.

Morphine works by acting on the brain and nervous system to reduce how much pain you feel.

What is morphine available as?

Morphine is available in several forms, including:

• Liquid or tablets taken by mouth.

• Slow-release tablets or capsules for long-lasting pain relief.

• Injections, which are often used in hospitals, especially after surgery.

There are different brands of oral morphine, and they are not all absorbed by the body in the same way. Once you start taking one brand, you should continue with the same one unless your doctor advises a change.

Side effects of morphine

Common side effects of morphine include:

• Se sentir malade.

• Être malade (vomissements).

• Shallow breathing.

• Sensation de vertige.

• Sentiment d'endormissement ou de somnolence.

• Constipation.

• Sécheresse buccale.

Vous trouverez une liste complète dans la notice d'information du fabricant fournie avec votre médicament.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to manage morphine side effects

Who should not take morphine?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking morphine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si vous êtes enceinte, si vous essayez d'avoir un enfant ou si vous allaitez.

• Si vous avez des problèmes hépatiques ou rénaux.

• Si vous avez des problèmes de prostate ou des difficultés à uriner.

• If you have a heart condition or heart rhythm problems.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• If you have been told you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

• Si vous avez des problèmes de thyroïde, de pancréas ou de glandes surrénales.

• If you have epilepsy.

• Si vous avez un problème au niveau des voies biliaires.

• Si vous êtes constipé depuis plus d'une semaine ou si vous souffrez de troubles inflammatoires de l'intestin.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• Si vous avez récemment subi un traumatisme crânien grave.

• Si vous avez déjà été dépendant de drogues ou d'alcool.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médicaments complémentaires.

How to take morphine

• Read the leaflet inside the pack before you start. It explains your specific morphine brand and possible side effects.

• Take morphine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may be told to take it regularly or only when needed.

• Check the label on the pack to confirm your dose.

• Swallow slow-release tablets whole with water. Do not crush or break them.

• Slow-release capsules can usually be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on soft food (such as yoghurt). Check the pack label for instructions.

• Morphine comes in different strengths, so check each prescription to make sure it is the correct strength.

• You can take morphine with or without food.

• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• Ask your doctor about alcohol. You may be advised not to drink while taking morphine, as alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.

• Morphine can affect driving. Do not drive if your reactions are slowed or you feel drowsy.

• If you do drive, carry proof that morphine has been prescribed for you (such as the patient leaflet or prescription slip).

• Tell healthcare professionals (including dentists) that you are taking morphine before any treatment or surgery.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Some medicines can increase morphine’s side effects when taken together.

• If travelling abroad, carry a letter from your doctor, as morphine is a controlled medicine and may be restricted in some countries.

• Only take morphine for as long as prescribed. Taking it for longer can lead to dependence.

• Stopping morphine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.

How to store morphine

• Conservez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Questions fréquemment posées

How long does it take for morphine to work?

Morphine in tablet and liquid form usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes. The effects of morphine usually last around 4-6 hours, with slow-releasing morphine lasting longer.

Is it safe to take morphine during pregnancy?

Morphine is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Long-term or high-dose use can affect the baby and may cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, always speak to your doctor or midwife before taking morphine.

Is morphine addictive?

Yes, morphine can be addictive if used for long periods of time or at high doses. Your body can become dependent on it, meaning you may experience withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly.

Why is morphine used at the end of life?

Morphine is used at the end of life to relieve severe pain and breathlessness. It helps improve comfort and quality of life by reducing pain, easing distress, and helping patients feel more relaxed.