Duramorph is morphine sulfate delivered as an injection, USP Preservative-Free CII. A systemic narcotic, Duramorph is used for the management of pain not responsive to non-narcotic analgesics. The drug is generally administered intravenously, through epidural or intrathecal routes.
When Duramorph is administered epidurally or intrathecally, it provides pain relief for extended periods without attendant loss of motor, sensory or sympathetic function. When sought on the street, Duramorph is known by its brand name, but also called M, Miss Emma, Roxanol or White Stuff.
Abuses of Duramorph
A Schedule II narcotic under the United States Controlled Substance Act, morphine sulfate – or Duramorph – is the most commonly cited prototype for narcotic substances that possess an addiction forming or addiction sustaining liability. If the medication is used improperly or for overly long periods of time, a physical or psychological dependence can develop.
With a high propensity for addiction, Duramorph abuse is common. Duramorph is often used in treating the terminally ill patient to achieve pain relief as the possibility of drug dependence outweighs the potential for dependence. The chance for dependence can be substantially reduced if the patient is monitored in a program of pain to relief-of-pain cycle.
As addition is easily developed in those who overuse Duramorph, overdose can be common. An individual who overdoses on Duramorph will experience respiratory depression. In extreme cases, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death can occur.
Effects of Duramorph
When taken, Duramorph can produce a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as analgesia, dysphoria, euphoria, somnolence, respiratory depression, diminished gastrointestinal motility and physical dependence.
If a person swallows Duramorph, the body absorbs the drug. With such a method, the Duramorph will begin working to provide relief from pain in roughly 15 to 30 minutes. Duramorph will reach its peak effect in about one hour, continuing to work two to four hours. The drug works by activating certain receptors in the brain that cause pain relief.
Tolerance to Duramorph can build up very quickly. There are a number of effects a person can feel as a result of the Duramorph, including lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. To prevent withdrawal syndrome, the medication should never be abruptly stopped.
Withdrawal of Duramorph
A tolerance and dependence on Duramorph is possible for those who take the medication for a long time. Those who take high doses are likely to become dependent upon the drug. If an individual abruptly stops taking the medication, withdrawal symptoms are very likely.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with cessation of Duramorph can include, but are not limited to:
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Goose bumps
• Abnormal skin sensations
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Rigid muscles
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shivers or tremors
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there
Treatment of Duramorph Addiction
An addiction to Duramorph can be life-threatening, making it extremely important that a person stop taking the drug as soon as possible under the care of a physician. As the withdrawal symptoms can be intense, it is imperative that those with an addiction discontinue the drug gradually under the care of a board-certified physician. Detoxification is required to cleanse the body of this drug.
A quality treatment center will administer a comfortable detox method that uses withdrawal medications specific to Duramorph abuse. Treatment will generally include a full physical on a Duramorph addict to determine the right medications for comfortable detox. This method helps to correct the chemical imbalances and should be combined with psychological evaluations in order to treat the whole person.