Pocket reference
Morphine, in plain language.
What it is, when it is used, how it can hurt, and what to do in an overdose. Educational only — not a prescription, not a dosing guide.
Emergency
Overdose protocol
Slow breathing, blue lips, will not wake. Call 911. Give naloxone.
The file
- What it isA strong prescription opioid from the opium poppy. Useful for severe pain. High risk of addiction and overdose.
- Medical usesFDA-approved for moderate to severe acute and chronic pain when other options fail — surgery, cancer, sickle cell, palliative care.
- Side effectsConstipation, nausea, and drowsiness are common. Slowed breathing is the effect that can kill.
- Boxed warningsThe FDA’s strongest warnings: breathing can stop, addiction is a real risk, and mixing with sedatives can be fatal.
- Dependence vs addictionTolerance, physical dependence, and addiction are not the same. You can be dependent on a prescribed dose without being addicted.
- Vs other opioidsMorphine is the reference. Oxycodone is a bit stronger. Hydromorphone is stronger still. Fentanyl is 50–100 times stronger.