top of page
Scientist on Computer

Morphine

What is Morphine?
Morphine is a non-synthetic narcotic with a high potential for abuse and is derived from opium. It is used for the treatment of pain.

What is its Origin?
In the United States, a small percentage of the morphine obtained from opium is used directly for pharmaceutical products. The remaining morphine is processed into codeine and other derivatives.

What are common street names?
Common street names include: Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, M.S., Mister Blue, Morf, Morpho, and Unkie.

What does it look like?
Morphine is marketed under generic and brand name products, including: MS-Contin®, Oramorph SR®, MSIR®, Roxanol®, Kadian®, and RMS®.

How is it abused?
Traditionally, morphine was almost exclusively used by injection, but the variety of pharmaceutical forms that it is marketed as today support its use by oral and other routes of administration.
Forms include:
• Oral solutions, immediate-and extended-release tablets and capsules, and injectable preparations

Those dependent on morphine prefer injection because the drug enters the bloodstream more quickly.

What is its effect on the mind?
Morphine’s effects include euphoria and relief of pain. Chronic use of morphine results in tolerance, and physical and psychological dependence.

What is its effect on the body?
Morphine use results in relief from physical pain, decrease in hunger, and inhibition of the cough reflex.

What are its overdose effects?
Overdose effects include: Cold and clammy skin, lowered blood pressure, sleepiness, slowed breathing, slow pulse rate, coma, and possible death

Which drugs cause similar effects?
Drugs causing similar effects as morphine include:  Opium, codeine, heroin, methadone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycodone

What is its legal status in the United States? Morphine is a Schedule II narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act.

Testing for Morphine

Morphine is one of the most common opioids available. As such, a routine opioid panel should suffice if you’re looking for a morphine drug test. You should not have to order an extended opiate board if you’re looking for a morphine drug test. You can conduct a morphine drug test using one of three methods:

  • Hair

  • Urine

  • Sweat Patch

Drugs panels that include opiates will include testing for morphine. Derived from the opium plant, morphine is the most commonly used opiate.

bottom of page