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Morphine
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Morphine is part of the opiates drug family, along with heroin and opium. It occurs natuarally in the opium poppy and has a long history of human use, most specifically with the treatment of sever pain.
Morphine is highly addictive, psychologically and physically.
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[edit] A Brief History
Morphine was first isolated from opium in 1805 by a German pharmacist's assistant, Wilhelm Sertürner. Sertürner was 21 at the time, with little education, and very little equiptment. He named it morphium - after Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams.
It was in 1818, that French physician Francois Magendie, after reading Sertürner's work, published a paper that described how morphine brought pain relief and much-needed sleep to an ailing young girl. His writings stimulated widespread medical interest.
It soon began being used medicinally as a pain killer and as a cure to the addiction of opium, which was later found out to be an error. After its discovery, it quickly replaced opium as a cure-all medicine, recommended by doctors, and readily available through the mail or at local drug stores. During the American Civil War, Morphine was used as a surgical anesthetic. Many wounded soldiers were sent home with morphine for pain relief. By the end of the war, over 400,000 men who had fought in the war had the "army disease," morphine addiction. A very similar effect can be seen in the Franco-Prussian War in Europe.
Until the early 1900s, morphine continued to be used medicinally and recreationally in the United States.
[edit] Illegality of Recreational Use
In 1906 the Pure Food and Drug Act required accurate labeling of patent medicines and tonics, to curb recreational use of drugs such as morphine.
Lawmakers finally focused on making the recreational use of morphine illegal in 1914, with the passing of the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, which was passed in order to regulate and tax the production, importation, and distribution of opiates.
The current laws on morphine use are as follows:
- "Pure morphine or products which contain more than 50 mg per 100 milliliters (or per 100 grams) are Schedule II in the United States. This means they are illegal to sell without a DEA license and illegal to buy or possess without a license or prescription." (Erowid)
- "Products which contain less than 50 mg morphine per 100 milliliters (or per 100 grams) and which contain one or more active, nonnarcotic ingredient in recognized therapeutic amounts are Schedule III in the United States." (Erowid)
- "Schedule II drug prescriptions may only be refilled with a written prescription, Schedule III pharmaceuticals may be refilled using phoned prescription." (Erowid)
[edit] Medicinal Morphine
Currently, more than 230 tons of morphine is used each year for medical purposes including pain relief for patients with chronic pain or advanced medical illness and post-operative analgesia.
According to Jonathan Moss, M.D., Ph.D., professor of anesthesia and critical care at the University of Chicago, though a myriad of new pain relievers have been discovered since morphine's discovery over 200 years ago, "morphine remains the standard against which all new medications for postoperative pain relief are compared."
[edit] Side Effects
[edit] Most Frequently Observed
Constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dysphoria, and euphoria.
Some of these effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those not experiencing severe pain. Some adverse reactions in ambulatory patients may be alleviated if the patient lies down. (RxList)
[edit] Less Frequently Observed
Central Nervous System: Weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movements, seizure, alterations of mood (nervousness, apprehension, depression, floating feelings), dreams, muscle rigidity, transient hallucinations and disorientation, visual disturbances, insomnia, increased intracranial pressure. (RxList)
Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, biliary tract spasm, laryngospasm, anorexia, diarrhea, cramps, taste alteration, constipation, ileus, intestinal obstruction, increases in hepatic enzymes. (RxList)
Cardiovascular: Flushing of the face, chills, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness, syncope, hypotension, hypertension. (RxList)
Genitourinary: Urine retention or hesitance, reduced libido and/or potency. (RxList)
Dermatologic: Pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, edema, diaphoresis. (RxList)
Other: Antidiuretic effect, paresthesia, muscle tremor, blurred vision, nystagmus, diplopia, miosis, anaphylaxis. (RxList)
[edit] Withdrawal Symptoms
Morphine Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Restlessness
- Lacrimation
- Rhinorrhea
- Yawning
- Perspiration
- Goose flesh
- Restless sleep
- Mydriasis
- Twitching and spasms of muscles
- Kicking movements
- Severe aches in the back, abdomen, and legs
- Abdominal and muscle cramps
- Hot and cold flashes
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coryza
- Severe sneezing
- Increases in body temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate
Morphine withdrawal symptoms reach peak intensity in 36 to 72 hours. Without treatment, withdrawal symptoms runs their course in 5 to 7 days, even though craving for Opium may continue for months. (Addiction Withdrawal)
[edit] Common and Brand Names
- MS Contin
- Oramorph
- Roxanol
- Avinza