Morphine - Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Because morphine can slow breathing and reaction time, it is much more dangerous when taken with alcohol, tranquilizers, sedativesA drug used to treat anxiety and calm people down., anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or even over-the-counter allergy medicines. Doctors must also monitor patients who take the pill form of morphine for reactions with other medicines metabolized in the liver, including medicines for tuberculosis, such as Rifampin, and medicines for seizures and epilepsy, including Dilantin. Some antibiotics can increase the level of morphine retained in the bloodstream.

Cancer patients on chemotherapyA medically supervised regimen of drugs used to kill cancer cells in the body. The drugs have potential side effects including nausea, vomiting, and other reactions. may have difficulty taking morphine because the drug can upset the stomach. These patients sometimes experience relief by using rectal suppositories or by using

In cases of severe pain, some patients are allowed to self-administer their morphine using a pump. This permits them to take the drug for pain when they need it. Using a programmed pump with doses determined by a doctor, a patient presses a but
In cases of severe pain, some patients are allowed to self-administer their morphine using a pump. This permits them to take the drug for pain when they need it. Using a programmed pump with doses determined by a doctor, a patient presses a button to release a shot of morphine. The pump is designed to prevent an overdose. AJ Photos/Hop Americain/Photo Researchers, Inc.

pumps that bypass the stomach. However, doctors must evaluate the loss of appetite that results when morphine and chemotherapy are combined.

Some drug abusers combine morphine and cocaine. This can be particularly deadly, especially in terms of addiction. The two drugs work differently in the brain, causing high levels of disorientation, and both are habit-forming. Addicts who use opiates and cocaine at the same time find it hard to free themselves completely of both drugs.