What is Morphine ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow all the instructions given by the prescriber.

Do not change the dose or take doses more often than instructed. Doses may change frequently during treatment.

Call the prescriber if the pain doesn’t get much better or gets worse.

Do not stop taking morphine doses until talking with the prescriber.

Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.

Take doses with food or milk.

Take extended-release morphine tablets every eight to 12 hours.

• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not cut, break, or chew it.

• Store the tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

Take extended-release morphine capsules every 12 to 24 hours.

• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not cut, break, open, or chew it.

• The capsule can be opened and sprinkled on a tablespoon of cool applesauce. Consume the mixture immediately. Rinse the mouth with water and swallow. Dispose of the empty capsule by flushing it down a toilet.

• Store the capsules at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. 

Ask the pharmacist about disposing of any unused medicine. It should be taken to a drug takeback center or flushed down the toilet.

Skip any missed doses unless the doctor instructs otherwise.

Take the next dose at its normal time. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone.

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to morphine or have:

• Active or severe bronchial asthma

• Slowed breathing (respiratory depression)

• Gastrointestinal obstruction, including an immobilized colon (paralytic ileus)

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Extended-release morphine is only considered safe in people who are already taking some form of immediate-release opioid for their pain.

The prescriber should know about all your medical conditions, particularly:

• Breathing or lung problems such as COPD, asthma, or sleep apnea

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Thyroid problems

• Pancreas or gallbladder problems

• Stomach or intestinal problems

• Urination problems

• Low blood pressure

• A history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumor

• Mental health issues such as depression

• A history of alcohol or drug abuse

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed before taking morphine.

• Morphine can harm a fetus.

• Breastfeeding is not recommended.

Morphine can cause serious problems, especially when misused. Possible serious side effects include:

• Slowed breathing (respiratory depression)

• Stopped breathing (respiratory arrest)

• Breathing problems during sleep

• Serotonin syndrome

• Drug abuse

• Dependence

• Overdose

• Death

Morphine may make you dizzy, drowsy, lightheaded, or impaired in other ways. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in risky activities until you’re aware of how this medicine affects you. 

Opioids can cause constipation. Talk to the prescriber before using any drug that treats constipation.

Do not stop taking extended-release morphine until you’ve talked to the prescriber. Suddenly stopping this drug can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. The dose may need to drop slowly to safely wean you off this drug. 

Morphine can be habit-forming and physically addictive. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call the prescriber if you think your medicine is not working.

This medicine could cause infertility when used for an extended time. 

Morphine is a federally controlled substance. Sharing or giving this medicine to other people is dangerous and illegal. Keep it out of sight and out of reach of children and other people.

Keep morphine securely out of the reach of children.

Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

To avoid potentially serious drug interactions, make sure the prescriber knows all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements regularly taken, particularly: 

• Drugs that make you sleepy, such as other opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, antipsychotics, allergy medications, CBD, and alcohol

• Medicines that treat mental health issues such as depression or anxiety

• Migraine drugs called triptans

• Blood pressure medications

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Anticholinergic drugs

• Cimetidine, mirtazapine, quinidine, trazodone, verapamil

Do not drink alcohol or use drugs containing alcohol while you are using this medicine.