Morphine is a potent painkiller derived from the opium poppy plant that has been used for medical purposes for centuries. Today, it remains an important medication for managing acute and chronic pain. However, morphine also has a high potential for abuse and addiction. And how long does morphine last? Here’s everything you need to know about the effects of this powerful drug on your body.
What is Morphine?
Morphine is an opioid analgesic, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals. It comes in various forms including tablets, liquids, injections, and suppositories. Morphine is used for moderate to severe pain and is most commonly prescribed after surgery or for advanced illnesses like cancer.
While an effective pain medication, morphine works by depressing the central nervous system. This leads to a variety of side effects along with the risk of physical and psychological dependence.
How Long Does Morphine Last?
So, you must wonder, how long does morphine last. When taken orally, morphine starts working within 15-30 minutes with peak effects in 1-2 hours. The duration of action is 4-6 hours. Intravenous morphine has a faster onset of 5-10 minutes and lasts 2-4 hours.
Morphine is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. In healthy adults, it takes 8-12 hours for morphine to clear completely from the bloodstream. The effects of morphine last longer with higher doses or extended-release formulations designed to work for up to 12 hours.
Immediate Effects of Morphine
On the positive side, morphine provides pain relief by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. It also induces feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Other effects include drowsiness, sedation, and slower breathing.
However, morphine can also lead to impaired mental functioning and nausea with vomiting. Additional adverse effects may consist of itching, sweating, flushing, inability to urinate, and low blood pressure.
In high doses, morphine causes dangerous respiratory depression which can lead to coma or death without medical intervention.
Long-Term Effects of Morphine Use
With prolonged use, morphine leads to tolerance meaning higher doses are required to get the same effects. Stopping morphine after physical dependence leads to withdrawal syndrome within 12-24 hours characterized by agitation, anxiety and insomnia, muscle aches and cramping, sweating, chills and diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dilated pupils.
Psychological dependence also occurs with chronic use. People become addicted to the euphoria and mental detachment from reality caused by morphine. Long-term morphine use changes brain structure and function.
It may lead to hormonal and reproductive issues, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Injecting morphine also raises the risk of infections and blood-borne diseases.
Morphine addiction is a serious medical and psychological condition that can ruin lives. Seeking help is crucial for breaking the cycle of abuse and regaining health and control.
How Long Does Morphine Last? Everything You Need To Know: The Bottom Line
Morphine is an extremely powerful opioid medication that requires caution. Therapeutic doses ease pain under medical supervision. However, morphine has a high risk of both short-term side effects and long-term dependence and addiction. Being informed about the effects of morphine allows for making responsible, informed decisions about using it for pain management.
