Concerns about opiates (such as Morphine, Oxycodone and Fentanyl) are common. These include:
Do opiates cause addiction when used for pain?
Addiction is very rare when a strong painkiller is used in the right dose to relieve cancer pain
Do opiates shorten life?
Morphine and related drugs, when used in the right dose, do not shorten life but can actually enhance quality of life
If pain is controlled, appetite is better, and life will feel more worthwhile
Common side effects
Side effects such as nausea and drowsiness are common when strong painkillers are started, or when the dose is increased. These side effects wear off after a day or two
Constipation often continues when on these painkillers and laxatives are usually needed on an ongoing basis
Do opiates stop working if used to early in an illness?
Many people worry that if morphine is used early in an illness, then it may not work if the pain gets worse. This isn't true
The dose can be increased or switched to another strong painkiller
Driving
You can drive when on opiates if your driving is not impaired
It is best to avoid driving when first starting opioids or if the dose has just gone up
Do carry a copy of the prescription in your car
Please review the leaflet Harlington Hospice: Guidelines for driving if taking strong medications which gives more information (see Downloads)
The 4 minute video below from Dr Pete Nightingale explains the different types of drugs to treat pain effectively at the end of life. He also discusses common myths about morphine.