Morphine is a powerful narcotic painkiller used to treat severe pain associated with chronic diseases and life altering injuries. It is a popular opioid drug that many people misuse because of the euphoric feeling it offers. Morphine is heavily regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) who classifies it as a schedule II controlled substance because of its high potential for abuse. This drug poses a considerable health concern to the public because of its potential for addiction and overdose.
Healthcare providers and patients who have been prescribed morphine should understand the morphine half life to prevent potentially hazardous combinations with other substances. Patients may also want to pass an upcoming drug screen for a new job or any number of reasons. Knowing about the morphine half-life can also help drug rehab personnel treat patients appropriately and ensure they are following their plan of care. Morphine is a powerful analgesic with many formulations. Here’s what you need to know about this drug and its half-life.
About Morphine
Morphine is a potent analgesic that is made by extracting compounds from the opium poppy plant. The drug works by attaching to certain receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Through this behavior morphine helps regulate pain signals and reduce their intensity. It works in the same areas of the brain that are responsible for pleasure processing and mood regulation.
Morphine is an effective pain reliever that is offered in different formulations and strengths. Some people take morphine tablets or get injections while those in a healthcare setting often receive it through intravenous therapy. Morphine is a powerful prescription medication that depresses the respiratory system and should not be taken with alcohol.
Morphine Half-Life
A drug’s half-life is the amount of time it takes for the body to process and eliminate 50 percent of the active compounds in the last dose. The morphine half-life can be affected by the strength of the dose, the length of time the drug has been used, and the drug’s formulation. The morphine half-life for tablets is generally between 2 and 4 hours but the half-life for injections and intravenous therapy is a little shorter.
The morphine half-life can be extended for heavy or chronic users as the drug can build up in your system over time. While there are multiple factors that impact how the drug is processed and eliminated, morphine’s metabolites can often be detected long after use of the drug has stopped. A person’s hydration, metabolism, and kidney function can all affect how the drug is processed in the body.
Morphine is Addictive
Morphine is a highly addictive medication that is prescribed to relieve severe pain. It is often used to regulate pain from life altering injuries or end of life illnesses. While it is an effective pain reliever, it is easy for the body to quickly become dependent on the medication. Tolerance for the drug can increase, meaning that it takes more to achieve the desired effect, and addiction can quickly set in. If you have been prescribed morphine by a healthcare provider, it’s important to take it exactly as prescribed for only a short amount of time. If you or a loved one are struggling with morphine addiction, you’ll need professional help and a strong support system to stop. Morphine addiction is dangerous, and the morphine half-life means the drug can build up in your system over time.
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