The Long Term Effects Of Morphine Overdose
Morphine is a powerful pain reliever often prescribed to patients after surgery or an injury. While morphine can help treat pain, it can also be dangerous if taken in too high of a dose. A morphine overdose can cause serious health problems and, in some cases, even death.
This post will talk about the long-term effects of a morphine overdose and what to do if you or a loved one experiences one. Keep reading to learn more.
Types Of Morphine
There are 3 main types of morphine:
- Oral Morphine: This is the most common type of morphine and is taken as a pill or liquid.
- Intravenous Morphine: This is injected into a vein and is used to treat severe pain.
- Rectal Morphine: This is inserted into the rectum and used to treat pain in the anus or rectum.
Effects Of Morphine Overdose
A morphine overdose can cause many serious short and long-term health problems, including:
- Difficulty Breathing: Breathing may become slow and shallow, leading to respiratory arrest and death.
- Shallow Breathing: This can cause the brain to not get enough oxygen, leading to coma or death.
- Drowsiness: Morphine can make you very sleepy, causing accidents and falls.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These are common side effects of morphine and can lead to dehydration.
- Chronic Constipation: Morphine can cause constipation, leading to other medical problems.
- Poor Appetite: Morphine can cause you to lose your appetite and weight.
- Reflux: Morphine can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to problems like heartburn and GERD.
- Bloating: Morphine can cause your stomach to swell, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
- Stomach Pain: Morphine can cause stomach pain and cramps.
- Dry Mouth: Morphine can cause your mouth to feel dry and uncomfortable.
- High Blood Sugar: Morphine can cause blood sugar levels to rise, causing diabetes.
Other Morphine Overdose Effects
- Itching
- Dizziness upon standing up
- Confusion
- Nervousness
- Lower body temperature
- Difficulty urinating
- Sleepiness
- Changes in heart rate
- Weakness
The Valente Law Group, Dedicated Medical Practice Lawyers
If you have suffered long-term health problems after a morphine overdose, a medical malpractice attorney can help you face these issues.
The Valente Law Group is a licensed medical practice law firm with years of experience in medical malpractice cases. A medical malpractice lawyer from our firm can help you understand your legal rights and options, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
With over 3 decades of medical malpractice trial experience, you owe it to yourself to schedule a consult with our team at The Valente Law Group. Get in touch with us today!