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What it is: Opioids are analgesics. They are medications often used to treat pain related to terminal illnesses.
Morphine is an opioid. It is often used in palliative care to manage moderate to severe pain. There are other opioids. Myths are widely believed but untrue beliefs.
Why it matters: Morphine provides effective pain relief. The dose can be adjusted to reduce pain. Older people and their family may have heard myths about morphine and be concerned. Careworkers have direct contact with the person and their family and can ask nursing/supervisory staff to answer any questions they may have.
What I need to know: Facts and common myths about morphine use.
Once on morphine the end is near.
Morphine properly used does not cause death, the underlying illness does.
Enduring pain will enhance one’s character.
Pain decreases quality of life and causes suffering.
Morphine is addictive.
When given at the right dose to relieve pain, morphine is not addictive.
Injections are better than oral.
Oral preparations are as effective as injections; long-acting forms mean better pain control and less frequent administration.
Side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation, sleepiness etc.) are due to allergies.
Allergies to morphine are rare, side effects can be managed and should be reported to the prescriber.
Tolerance to morphine will develop and higher doses will be needed.
Tolerance develops slowly. Disease progression may cause increasing pain and increased need for analgesia.
Morphine is a treatment for cancer.
No, morphine is not a treatment for cancer, it is an analgesic medication used to relieve the symptoms of pain.
Why might a person need increasing doses of morphine?
Who should answer any questions that older people and their families might have about morphine or other opioids?
See related palliAGED Practice Tip Sheets:
Opioid Analgesics
Pain Management
For references and the latest version of all the Tip Sheets visit www.palliaged.com.au/PracticeTipSheets
CareSearch is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Updated July 2022
