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Related Experiment Videos

Morphine myths: sedation, tolerance, addiction.

M Zenz1

  • 1Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, University Clinic Bergmannsheil, Bochum, West Germany.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Despite its safety and efficacy in chronic pain, morphine and strong opioids are underused due to myths and legal restrictions. Increased clinical use could alleviate unnecessary patient suffering from severe pain.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Management
  • Clinical Practice

Background:

  • Morphine, synthesized over 180 years ago, remains underutilized in clinical settings.
  • This underuse leads to significant, unnecessary suffering for patients with severe pain.
  • Legal restrictions and prevalent myths contribute to the inadequate application of strong opioids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the persistent underuse of morphine and strong opioids in clinical practice.
  • To highlight the discrepancy between clinical experience and the perceived risks of morphine.
  • To advocate for improved pain management through appropriate opioid utilization.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical practice guidelines and historical data on opioid use.
  • Analysis of the impact of legal restrictions and societal perceptions on morphine prescription.
  • Evaluation of clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of morphine in chronic pain therapy.

Main Results:

  • Morphine and strong opioids are not adequately used, causing preventable patient suffering.
  • Prejudice and myths, not clinical evidence, are primary drivers of restricted use.
  • When correctly prescribed for chronic pain, morphine demonstrates a favorable safety profile, with constipation as the main severe side effect.

Conclusions:

  • The underuse of morphine stems from unfounded fears and restrictive policies, not its clinical profile.
  • Clinical experience confirms morphine's safety and efficacy in managing chronic pain.
  • Revising perceptions and policies is crucial to ensure patients receive adequate pain relief with strong opioids.

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