Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking morphine as follows:
- Morphine can induce extreme dizziness and makes one very drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose and gradually increasing the dose, as needed, to achieve the desired pain control, can contribute to reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, other opioid medications like hydrocodone and codeine, muscle relaxant medications, antidepressant medications, antipsychotics, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the dizziness and confusion caused by morphine and so, must be avoided taking along with morphine. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by morphine.
- Morphine intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse is high in individuals with history of substance abuse. Do not abuse morphine by continuing to take the medication, even beyond the prescribed time interval and even after you attain relief from the pain.
- Morphine is one of the most commonly abused drug. Do not share your morphine with any family and friends, with history of drug abuse. Keep a regular track of the number of pills left in your pillbox, to prevent a chance for abuse.
