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SamaritanNJ.org 23Myths of Morphine in Hospice CareCOMMON FEARS AND MISCONCEPTIONSMYTH: Taking morphine causes premature deathFACT: People on hospice have one or more terminal and life limiting illnesses, so when they have signs of decline and dying, it is due to their disease progression, not because they are taking medications to reduce and control their symptoms. When used to reduce pain and shortness of breath, morphine improves the quality of life and helps individuals maintain levels of self-care and independence, mental awareness, and dignity. MYTH: Morphine should only be given as neededFACT: Managing chronic or persistent pain may require using medication on a regular scheduled basis. It is much better to get pain under control and then keep it from returning. Regular dosing maintains a steady level of medication in the body. Even with scheduled doses of morphine, however, there needs to be a PRN (as needed) option available if pain is experienced between doses.MYTH: Taking morphine leads to addictionFACT: It is incredibly rare for someone with a life limiting illness who has genuine pain or shortness of breath to become addicted to morphine. If the medications are being taken as prescribed for true symptoms, addiction is very unlikely. People taking morphine do build a tolerance, which means that over time, they may need to increase their dose as their disease advances, or they become accustomed to their current dose. This is normal and expected and not a sign of addiction.MYTH: Morphine does not help breathingFACT: Morphine is used to control both pain and trouble breathing. When a person experiences a high level of pain, their breathing function is strained and often too fast. By using appropriate doses of morphine, it can help lower the rate of breathing back to a normal level. Morphine also alters perception and decreases anxiety often associated with both pain and shortness of breath. As the calming effects of morphine are felt, a person takes full breaths allowing oxygen to flow into the body.MYTH: Morphine has intolerable side effectsFACT: Common potential side effects from an opiate such as morphine are nausea, drowsiness, and constipation. Many of these side effects will generally lessen after a few days, as the body adjusts. The body does not adjust to the side effects of constipation. Treatment to prevent constipation is anticipated and treated with concurrent use of a bowel regime such as stool softeners, laxatives, and suppositories.