Morphine
Also known as: MST Continus, Oramorph, Sevredol
What it's for
Morphine is a strong opioid painkiller for severe pain. It is often used for pain from cancer, after surgery, or for long-term conditions when other painkillers have not helped.
Comes as: Tablets, capsules, liquid, or injection
How to take it
- Dose varies greatly depending on your needs and pain level.
- Your doctor will start with a low dose and adjust it for you.
- Slow-release tablets are usually taken twice a day.
- Fast-acting liquid can be used for breakthrough pain.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Constipation (very common - you may need laxatives)
- Feeling sick, especially at first
- Feeling drowsy
- Confusion
- Itching
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can be highly addictive - take only as prescribed
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not drive or operate machinery
- Store safely away from children
- Do not stop suddenly after long-term use
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
- You feel extremely drowsy or cannot be woken
- You feel confused or see things that are not there
- You have taken more than prescribed
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.