Oramorph
Oramorph, an opioid analgesic narcotic that contains morphine, is used in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. Oramorph affects certain chemicals in the brain and central nervous system that are related to pain. The drug works by mimicking the natural actions of endorphins, which are pain reducing chemicals. This is accomplished when the morphine in the drug binds itself to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in the blockage of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. As an analgesic, it is not only effective in reducing pain but also causes feelings of pleasure, relaxation and sleepiness. It has been determined that the morphine in Oramorph can alter the expression of certain genes, and can affect the normal functioning of the immune system by suppressing its resistance to infection and impair wound healing. Because Oramorph contains morphine sulphate and is classified as a Schedule II narcotic, the drug has a high possibility for abuse and for users to build a tolerance to the medication.
Oramorph Usage
The recommended pain relieving dosage of Oramorph tablets is 30 mg. every 12 hours, but a physician will determine the proper dosage for each patient depending on their individual circumstances. It can be taken in pill form, solution or as an inhaler. Oramorph begins working in the body in two to four hours. There are higher strengths of the drug available, but they should only be used by someone who has been taking moderate to large amounts of narcotic drugs on a regular basis. Large amounts of this drug taken by someone without a tolerance to morphine can cause overdose symptoms and death. The drug, when properly administered, is taken by mouth or inhaler, though some individuals addicted to the drug will crush and snort the medication, which can be dangerous. This can cause too much of the active ingredient to be absorbed by the body quickly, which can result in severe side effects or overdose. In some cases, drug abusers and addicts prefer to take the Oramorph inhaler and call it “chasing the dragon”.
This drug should not be taken by people with allergies or sensitivity to opiates, those who are alcohol dependent, the elderly or anyone with severe breathing issues such as Asthma and COPD. It is not recommended for people with hormone imbalances, respiratory depression, adrenal gland problems, bowel problems, head injuries, epilepsy, liver problems, obstructive airway disease, or convulsive disorders. In addition, people who have had surgery within the past 24 hours should not take it.
Oramorph Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- A drop in blood pressure when standing or sitting up,
- Facial flushing,
- Decreased libido,
- Dry mouth,
- Confusion,
- Mood changes,
- Euphoria, headaches,
- Anaphylaxis,
- Urticaria,
- Hallucinations,
- Rapid heart beat,
- Dose tolerance,
- Drowsiness,
- Morphine sulphate dependence,
- Muscle stiffness,
More severe adverse reactions or overdose symptoms of Oramorph include:
- Spasms of the larynx,
- Change in heart rate,
- Bronchospasms,
- Involuntary muscle movement,
- Vocal cord swelling,
- Cessation of the heartbeat,
- Coma,
- Decreased blood platelets,
- Lung failure,
- Seizures,
- Abnormal dreams,
- Delirium,
- Depression,
- Loss of memory,
- Loss of coordination.
If the patient experiences any of these serious side effects, they should seek immediate medical help.
Oramorph may not interact well with certain other medications, including hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, anesthetics and medications that suppress the central nervous system. Anyone taking this drug should not drive or operate machinery. A new drug driving law effective in March of 2015 may make it an offence to drive while taking it. This will depend on the legal level allowed of the drug in the body. Tests involving the driver’s saliva will be able to determine if the level of Oramorph in the body is above the legal limit.
Oramorph Withdrawal and Detox
Morphine was once the most abused drug in the world until heroin came into use. Now both drugs are widely abused and addiction is common among abusers. Anyone who is Oramorph dependent and wishes to detox should be treated by an experienced physician or medical team. The withdrawal symptoms of Oramorph occur because the brain becomes dependent upon the morphine in the drug and needs more of it to function. Patients are gradually weaned off the drug, as Oramorph can be both physically and psychologically addictive. For abusers and addicts of Oramorph, medical treatment most often includes therapy to promote emotional stability and behavior modification.
Some patients will experience withdrawal or detox symptoms when discontinuing the drug. Because these detox symptoms can become severe in some individuals, it is best to be under the care of a physician or treated in a drug recovery facility.
The possible withdrawal symptoms of Oramorph include:
- Anxiety,
- Leg pains,
- Muscle cramps,
- Stomach pain,
- Diarrhea,
- Sweating,
- Restlessness,
- Nausea,
- Problems sleeping,
- Vomiting
Some patients might also experience an increase in blood pressure, body temperature, breathing and heart rate. An experienced medical team can help the patient overcome all of these obstacles through medical interventions while on the road to recovery.