Morphine

Overview

Morphine is a non-synthetic narcotic with a high potential for abuse and is the principal constituent of opium. It is one of the most effective drugs known for the relief of severe pain.

Street Names

Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, M.S., Mister Blue, Morf, Morpho, Unkie

Looks like

Morphine is marketed under generic and brand name products, including: MS-Contin ® , oramorph SR ® , MSiR ® , Roxanol ® , Kadian ® , and RMS ® .

Methods of Abuse

Traditionally, morphine was almost exclusively used by injection, but the variety of pharmaceutical forms that it is marketed as today support its use by oral and other routes of administration. Forms include: oral solutions, immediate-and sustained-release tablets and capsules, suppositories, and injectable preparations. Those dependent on morphine prefer injection because the drug enters the blood stream more quickly.

Effect on mind

Morphine’s effects include euphoria and relief of pain. Chronic use of morphine results in tolerance and physical and psychological dependence.

Effect on body

Morphine use results in relief from physical pain, decrease in hunger, and inhibition of the cough reflex.

Drugs causing similar effects

Drugs causing similar effects as morphine include: opium, codeine, heroin, methadone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycodone.

Overdose effects

Overdose effects include: cold, clammy skin, lowered blood pressure, sleepiness, slowed breathing, slow pulse rate, coma, and possible death.