Duramorph
Duramorph is the name of a morphine injection. It is a systemic narcotic analgesic that is used for intravenous, epidural or intrathecal administration of morphine.This drug is primarily used to manage pain for patients that do not respond to non-narcotic pain medication. Duramorph also provides extended pain relief without causing the patient to experience autonomic or sensory disruption.
Drug Category
Duramorph (Morphine sulfate) is a Schedule II narcotic under the United States Controlled Substance Act. Based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Schedule II drugs meet the criteria for having medicinal benefits but also have the potential to be abused. Drugs under this classification are governed by severe restrictions because of their potential to cause psychological and physical dependence.As such, they are normally only legally available from a doctor that is licensed to prescribe narcotic drugs. When Duramorph is prescribed for patients to be used at home, the prescription is typically non-refillable which means that a new prescription must be written each month if treatment is going to be on an ongoing basis. Also, manufacture of Schedule II drugs are usually highly regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Duramorph Administration
Duramorph injections are primarily administered by board certified clinicians in a doctor’s office or a medical facility such as a hospital or clinic. In instances where the patient is being treated at home, a qualified health care provider is required to provide instruction to the patient and/or their caregiver in the appropriate use and administration of the drug. The dispensing physician and his medical staff is also required to provide instructions on issues regarding Duramorph such as:
- How to examine and tell if the drug ampule containing the drug is safe for use i.e., that there is no damage to the vial and the solution is free of particles or discoloration.
- Other medications or substances to be avoided that may cause a negative reaction while taking Duramorph.
- Frequency of use and what to do or not to do if a dose is missed.
- How to maintain and secure Duramorph as well as syringes and needles and any other material that is used in the administration of the drugs.
- Stipulations regarding the proper disposal of the drug and accompanying drug paraphernalia.
Access to regular medical oversight is also a requirement when patients are being treated with this drug due to the possibility of an adverse drug reaction. Some reactions may necessitate treatment in a medical facility for resuscitation and or the need for an antagonist.
Side Effects of Duramorph
The following effects have been reportedly caused by morphine which is the active ingredient in Duramorph.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mental alterations such as mood swings, confusion or hallucinations
- Difficulty urinating or changes in the amount of urine.
- Blurred vision
- Rapid heart-beat or changes in heart rhythm
- Respiratory depression
- Severe stomach cramping or pain
- Convulsions
- Toxic psychoses
Abuse and Addiction
Tolerance to Duramorph can build up quickly even when the drug is being administered exactly as prescribed by a physician. People who are predisposed to addiction are particularly susceptible to abusing or forming an addiction to Duramorph. Those who abuse this drug may experience pharmacological effects such as analgesia, dysphoria, euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, diminished gastrointestinal function and physical dependence on the drug. When someone has become dependent on the Duramorph they may experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is withheld. These symptoms of withdrawal may include but are not limited to feelings of anxiety, diarrhea, flu like symptoms, chills and Goosebumps, abnormal sensations on the skin, nausea and vomiting, rigid muscles, shivers and tremors among other.
If any of the preceding or other symptoms of withdrawal are experience when Duramorph use is halted it is important to get immediate emergency medical attention in severe cases. For mild to moderate symptoms it is also important to contact your doctor right away to avoid exacerbation of these conditions through continued use of the drug.
Treatment
If abuse of Duramorph has led to addiction it is extremely important that the individual seek and received the appropriate treatment to halt drug use and recovery from the addictive behavior. Withdrawal symptoms are unpredictable and can escalate into a serious health crisis rapidly. Some withdrawal symptoms can even be fatal if timely treatment is not received.
Drug Rehab Treatment Centers assist people seeking to stop drug use. Our experienced board certified doctors and nurses do so through a detoxification process that allows a gradual discontinuance of the drug. Medical oversight is also provided throughout the entire process in our comfortable, state of the art treatment facility. Treatment will also include a complete physical and psychological examination to make an accurate diagnosis, to identify any underlying issues or dual diagnosis as well as to customize medication administration and rehabilitation processes.
If you are experiencing a growing dependency on Duramorph or have become addicted to this drug, help is available. Medication management training can help you to deal with chronic pain without the habitual use of addictive medication. Call Drug Rehab Treatment Centers today at 877-855-3470for more information about how you can overcome this addiction and enjoy long term sobriety.