What Is Morphine?

Many people want to know exactly what morphine is. Morphine is an opiate medication used for pain relief. As a controlled substance, morphine has a significant potential for both psychological and physical dependence and abuse. Because it is readily available and relatively inexpensive, it is often a popular drug of abuse. Although most people tolerate this medication well, it can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness.

What Is Morphine Used For?

Morphine is a potent opiate medication. Morphine is used in a variety of different situations and for a few different uses, although it is most commonly used for the treatment of pain.
 
(Click Morphine Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Abuse Potential of Morphine

Although morphine is an important pain-control medication, it also has a significant potential for both psychological and physical dependence and abuse. In fact, it is classified as a controlled substance, meaning that there are special rules and regulations for prescribing and obtaining the medication. Because morphine can be a desirable drug of abuse, people often try to buy morphine through illegal means, such as from foreign countries or online sources that do not require a prescription. It is readily available and relatively inexpensive (at least in generic form), making it a popular drug of abuse.
 
For more information, visit the following eMedTV articles:
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;