Morphine: Characteristics And Short And Long Term Effects
Whether because we have been administered it on some occasion, because of general knowledge or because we have read or seen it on some occasion, the majority of the population knows what morphine is. This substance derived from opiates It produces deep anesthesia while usually generating pleasant sensations. However, most people tend to have a vague and general idea of its effects.
In this article they will present the effects of morphine, both short and long term
Morphine is a psychoactive substance derived from the opium or poppy plant This drug is, like the rest of the opium derivatives, a powerful depressant agent of the nervous system, forming part of the group of psycholeptic substances.
In this way, morphine has effects that mainly are associated with decreased brain activity and that cause a powerful relaxing, analgesic and narcotic effect. In fact, its name itself evokes these effects, as it comes from the Greek figure of Morpheus.
Furthermore, apart from this narcotic effect, it also causes pleasurable sensations, such as the feeling of floating and a certain euphoria
Its use
The use of morphine It is widely used medically as an anesthetic and analgesic when it comes to combating the pain of some surgeries or diseases such as cancer.
It has also been used on occasions to treat addiction and withdrawal syndrome to heroin, a drug derived from morphine. However, there is a risk of acquire dependence and addiction to this substance so its use must be highly regulated.
On the other hand, in some cases it has been used recreationally. Consumption is usually intravenous although there are presentations in the form of ingestible tablets.
It must be taken into account that its consumption can cause powerful side effects which can even put the lives of the subjects at risk if the dose is not properly controlled.
Mechanism of action
Morphine, like most opium derivatives, has its action in the body due to its interaction with endogenous opioid receptors present in our body, of which it is an agonist.
Likewise, it causes an effect on the synthesis and transmission of norepinephrine, producing less transmission of this substance.
Short-term effects of morphine
The short-term effects of morphine are many and varied, which is generally the reason why they are applied both medically and in other situations. However, side or harmful effects can also occur if the dose is excessive. Some of them are the following.
1. Analgesia
morphine It is one of the most powerful pain relievers known, causing the absence of pain perception in most cases. The pain caused by cancer, trauma, heart attacks or surgeries can be treated medically with morphine or some derivative of it.
2. Sedation
Another of the main effects of morphine is sedation, which can range from mild relaxation to drowsiness excessive and prolonged. In fact, such is its potency in this sense that excessive administration could cause the patient to go into a coma.
3. Initial euphoria
Opium derivatives such as morphine initially generate a high level of euphoria and subsequently cause feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.
4. Gastrointestinal and digestive tract disorders
It is not strange that people who consume morphine present gastrointestinal discomfort, as well as constipation, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting
5. Effects on muscles: feeling of heaviness, heat or stiffness
It is common for one of the effects of morphine to be a feeling of heaviness in the muscles of the extremities. However when doses are high morphine can cause high stiffness in the abdominal and thoracic muscles, as well as other muscle groups.
6. Effects on the respiratory system
As we have said, morphine causes depression of the nervous system which generates the analgesia and sedation described above. One of the nuclei that reduces its activity is the one linked to breathing, which becomes slower and shallower
It can also cause depression of cardiorespiratory function that can lead to the death of the user if the dose used is not controlled.
7. Reduces blood pressure
Another effect of morphine occurs at the level of blood pressure, which it reduces by reducing the performance of the autonomic nervous system. Also can cause bradycardia or arrhythmias
8. Pupillary miosis
As with heroin, morphine usually causes alterations such as miosis or contraction of the pupils.
9. Hallucinations
Sometimes the consumption of morphine produces the perception of elements that have no correlation in the real world.
However, outside of hospital settings in which the dose is being controlled, this effect usually indicates the presence of severe poisoning
10. Seizures
Sometimes, and especially in case of overdose, reactions in the form of agitation, tremors and even seizures uncontrolled.
Long-term effects
Generally, the use of morphine occurs in specific and controlled contexts in which a large number of doses are not used, or it is used as a palliative element in terminal patients. In these cases, the existence of serious long-term effects is not usually considered.
However, sometimes the consumption of morphine has to be prolonged for some time, or the user uses it frequently regardless of professional indications. In these cases, in addition to the possible short-term effects, those that have accumulated consumption over time must be added, the main risk being the acquisition of tolerance and dependence to the substance. In this aspect we can consider the following effects.
One of the possible long-term effects of morphine if it is consumed more or less frequently, as occurs with other opiates, is the acquisition of dependence on it. Morphine is a substance with a high addictive potential like heroin, which can cause serious mental and behavioral consequences.
2. Cognitive and impulse control effects
One of the long-term effects of morphine in those cases in which prolonged and continuous use is made and dependence occurs is to cause alterations such as decreased judgment, dysphoria, and decreased impulse control
3. Severe constipation
One of the effects of morphine is the presence of intestinal discomfort and difficulties in excretion. In the long term, severe constipation can occur for the regular consumer.
4. Social problems and risk behaviors
Dependence and withdrawal from this substance or other types of opiates can generate impulsive and antisocial behaviors, which can come from the disconnection and loss of relationships even committing robberies or even blood crimes in order to obtain resources to get a dose.
Risky behaviors can also be carried out such as syringe sharing between dependent people, which can cause the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
5. Withdrawal syndrome
Cessation of consumption in dependent consumers, if done abruptly, can generate serious effects on health. At a physiological level it usually produces dysphoria or emotional discomfort, anxiety, craving or desire to consume, vomiting and diarrhea, pain, mydriasis or pupillary dilation, insomnia, fever and even seizures.
Changes in pregnant and lactating women
Morphine can be transmitted through blood or breast milk, so it should not be used in pregnant or lactating women. It can generate dependency in the offspring, which in addition to the possible short-term effects can have serious repercussions for the baby’s development
