Morpheus Morphine

           In Greek mythology, the god of dreams and sleep goes by the name of Morpheus. Derived from that name is the drug morphine. The drug is associated with the god because it causes the body to ease, in a sleeplike mode. Pain is dulled from perception centers in the brain, which are in contact with the drug. In personal experience, the drug eased the pain after a tragic car accident. When the nurse told me she was giving me more morphine, I replied “Oh, good”. At the time, I didn’t even know what morphine was. I just knew it made me feel better. Being on morphine relieved my pain and also made me a bit loopy.

            A group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers is what makes up morphine. In order to take this drug, a previous treatment of similar opioid pain medication must be taken before. Morphine may be taken as an injection or orally. The oral drug comes as both a powder and tablet; however, both the powder and tablet are one-third to one-sixth the potency of the injected drug. People suffering from asthma, liver or kidney disease, underactive thyroid, curvature of the spine, head injury, brain tumor, epilepsy, seizure disorder, low blood pressure, gallbladder disease, Addison’s disease, urine problems, mental illness or pregnant are not advised to take this drug.

            Short-term effects include impaired mental process, euphoria, drowsiness, lethargy, and blurred vision. Patients may also suffer from insomnia as well as hallucinations and nightmares. These effects should be acknowledged and recorded. As a long term-effect, morphine can easily become extremely addictive. Once the drug is no longer needed, doses must be reduced gradually to prevent addiction. An overdose of the drug would most likely lead to death. When used properly, morphine is a helpful drug in the medical field but becomes lethal when misused.


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