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What Causes Hallucinations When On Morphine For Pain?
Posted on
Fri, 17 Oct 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 17 Oct 2014
Answered on
Mon, 10 Nov 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : Yes, I'm contacting you regarding my father. he is taking morphine for pain an now he is having dilusions and taking to people who are not there. I don't know what to do or how to help him or what's causing this
Brief Answer:
morphine induced hallucinations
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the asking the query.
Your question is very important and major problem of patient who are taking morphine for pain relief.
1. morphine causes delirium stage and hallucinations on chronic use. so we have to stop the drug. it causes other side effects like forgetfulness, difficulty in making decisions and other cognitive losses.
all are the symptoms of morphine induced adverse effects.
2. now problem arises which drug should be given for pain relief.
oxycodone is the only solution. it is a derivative of morphine which is devoid of above side effects like delusions and hallucinations.
replace the morphine with oxycodone his hallucinations will go away. it will help him to live painless normal life.
as these drugs are available on prescription use only contact to your doctor. he will prescribe oxycodone hydrochloride sustained release tablets.
Hope my answer helps you.
You can ask freely other queries too.
Take care
I wish you and your father happy and healthy life.
Please rate the answer.
Regards.
DR SOLANKI
MD NEUROPSYCHIATRY
morphine induced hallucinations
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the asking the query.
Your question is very important and major problem of patient who are taking morphine for pain relief.
1. morphine causes delirium stage and hallucinations on chronic use. so we have to stop the drug. it causes other side effects like forgetfulness, difficulty in making decisions and other cognitive losses.
all are the symptoms of morphine induced adverse effects.
2. now problem arises which drug should be given for pain relief.
oxycodone is the only solution. it is a derivative of morphine which is devoid of above side effects like delusions and hallucinations.
replace the morphine with oxycodone his hallucinations will go away. it will help him to live painless normal life.
as these drugs are available on prescription use only contact to your doctor. he will prescribe oxycodone hydrochloride sustained release tablets.
Hope my answer helps you.
You can ask freely other queries too.
Take care
I wish you and your father happy and healthy life.
Please rate the answer.
Regards.
DR SOLANKI
MD NEUROPSYCHIATRY
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Can he stop taking the drug on his own or does this have to be monitored closely by a doctor?
Brief Answer:
Need doctor's supervision
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Morphine is opioid derivative and have withdrawal effect after quitting.
So need doctor supervision.
monitoring is important.
As both the drugs are of same group so after starting other drug no withdrawal symptoms will appear.
In my opinion better to stop with supervision only.
Hope my answer helps you.
Take care.
Please rate the answer.
You can ask other queries too.
regards.
DR SOLANKI
MD NEUROPSYCHIATRY
Need doctor's supervision
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Morphine is opioid derivative and have withdrawal effect after quitting.
So need doctor supervision.
monitoring is important.
As both the drugs are of same group so after starting other drug no withdrawal symptoms will appear.
In my opinion better to stop with supervision only.
Hope my answer helps you.
Take care.
Please rate the answer.
You can ask other queries too.
regards.
DR SOLANKI
MD NEUROPSYCHIATRY
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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