FAQ`s about Morphine use

Q.1- Is Morphine the only solution for cancer pain?

No. It is important that type of pain is identified and the appropriate intervention and drugs are used. Morphine is seldom used alone.

Q.2 Will I become addicted to morphine (or other strong pain medicines)?

No, these medicines do not cause addiction if taken as instructed by the doctor and under supervision of the pain specialist doctor.

Q.3- If morphine is taken for pain now, will it become ineffective later when the pain gets   worse?

Not at all. Morphine will continue to be effective throughout the pain course.

Q4. Will the patient on morphine be sedated for the rest of life?

No, certainly not, if used in the right dose.

Q5. Will there be any withdrawal symptoms if morphine is stopped abruptly?

 This is not correct either. But the patient might ask for morphine, not because of psychological dependence/addiction but because he would be suffering from pain.

Q6. How about the risk of respiratory depression with oral morphine?

Very rare, if used as directed by you pain and palliative medicine physician. 

Q.7. Can I take this tablet on an empty stomach?

Yes. It does not have any side effects like acidity / gastritis if taken on an empty stomach. 

Q8. What is the duration of this treatment? After how many days will I be pain free without medicine?

This is not a course of treatment. These medicines must be continued as long as the disease that causes this pain persists.

Q9. Will it harm the kidney / liver? 

 No

Q10. Will I die earlier because of Morphine? 

No, Morphine does not disturb activity of any vital organ to cause premature death.