D.3.4

=**__D.3.4 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using morphine and its derivatives as strong analgesics.__**=



Morphine is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of the poppy plant, //Papavar somniferum//. Morphine is "the principal and most active alkaloid of [|opium]; used as the sulfate or hydrochloride salt as an [|analgesic] It also induces sleep and produces euphoria (a feeling of well-being). After heroin, it is the most potentially addictive narcotic substance.
 * Definition:**

Morphine dulls the senses by inhibiting proper function of the central nervous system. Cheap and highly effective, morphine is often used as a painkiller (commonly used in the treatment of heart attacks).

- Injected - Smoked - Sniffed - Swallowed **
 * Ways to consume morphine:

__**Advantages**__
 * A great pain killer used to relieve moderate to serious pain
 * Easy to acquire
 * Commonly used in hospitals
 * Cheap

__**Disadvantages**__


 * Short Term**
 * Allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
 *  Respiratory problems
 * Slows the central nervous system
 *  Loss of cough reflux
 * Confusion
 *  Fever, chills
 * <span class="df_block">Hallucinations
 * <span class="df_block">Feeling faint or lightheaded, losing consciousness
 * <span class="df_block">Redness or soreness at the injection site
 * <span class="df_block">Seizures <span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">
 * <span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">Overall slowing down of biological systems
 * Overdoses can lead to death
 * Cannot be taken with alcohol
 * Severe withdrawal symptoms if it the patient suddenly stops taking it(described below)
 * Cannot be taken by someone with certain medical conditions, such as asthma or kidney diseases
 * Should not be taken by pregnant women, may cause birth defects
 * Some patients may be opioid-tolerant, and thus cannot take morphine
 * Possibility of stroke
 * Overall slowing down of biological systems
 * Long Term**
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">Addiction and very strong withdrawal effects
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;">**<span class="df_block">Severe constipation - pain from constipation may be worse than initial pain itself **
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;">Disruptions in menstruation
 * Loss of appetite
 * Loss of libido
 * Problems associated with buying street drugs
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;">Rapid tolerance (higher and higher doses of the drug is needed to maintain the effect, increases potential of overdose)

__**Other Side Effects**__

<span class="df_block">**Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but that may require treatment if they persist)** <span class="df_block">
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">Dizziness, drowsiness
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">Headache
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">Nausea, vomiting
 * <span class="df_block"><span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">  <span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;"><span class="df_block">Pinpoint pupils
 * Euphoria
 * Sweating<span class="df_hide df_text" style="display: block;">
 * Drowsiness
 * Inability to concentrate
 * Apathy
 * Cold and clammy skin
 * Constipation
 * Urinary retention
 * Nausea, tremors, itching
 * Bradycardia
 * Severe respiratory depression (slowing down of breathing rate)