Oramorph Addiction: Symptoms, Risks and Treatment

What Is Oramorph?

Although discontinued in the U.S., Oramorph is a long-acting form of the opioid morphine. It is a pain medication prescribed to patients experiencing severe, ongoing pain, such as pain stemming from cancer. Oramorph effectively reduces pain by changing how the brain and body respond to it.

Only patients who have taken high doses of opioid pain relievers regularly should use high-strength Oramorph with 100 milligrams per tablet or more. If someone not accustomed to using opioids takes Oramorph, they could risk overdosing or losing their life. Also, Oramorph should only be used for ongoing pain requiring round-the-clock opioids, not mild or short-term pain.

Common side effects of using Oramorph, which do not require medical attention, are nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness and drowsiness. These should go away with time. If they persist or worsen, let your doctor know. If an individual struggles with Oramorph addiction, they are at a higher risk of overdosing than any other group.

Serious side effects associated with Oramorph include mood changes, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, severe stomach or abdominal pain, difficulty urinating and signs of adrenal glands not working well (e.g., loss of appetite, unusual tiredness and weight loss). If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

How Is Oramorph Used?

Oramorph should be taken on a regular schedule only as directed by your doctor. This medication can be taken with or without food, usually about every 8–12 hours. If you have nausea, you may want to take Oramorph with a meal.

Oramorph tablets should be swallowed whole and never broken, crushed, chewed or dissolved. If the medication is tampered with in any way, all the Oramorph could be released at once, increasing your risk for overdose.

Remember, your Oramorph dose is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not adjust your Oramorph dose or treatment schedule without instruction from your doctor. Before you start using Oramorph, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your use of other opioid medications.

Oramorph Addiction

Oramorph patients who use the medication responsibly are still at risk of developing an Oramorph addiction or dependence. If you begin to think someone in your life has started abusing Oramorph, promptly seek professional help. Signs that may point to an Oramorph addiction include losing interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed and becoming obsessed with finding and taking Oramorph.

Oramorph Overdose

The amount of Oramorph necessary to overdose varies depending on the patient’s metabolism. Some people are genetically or circumstantially predisposed to being tolerant to higher doses, while others may be hypersensitive and experience an overdose even after the first dose.

The three primary signs of Oramorph overdose are pinpoint pupils, severe respiratory depression and decreased level of consciousness.

1. Pinpoint pupils: This is when pupils are unresponsive to light, even in complete darkness. The pupils may sometimes become fully dilated due to oxygen deprivation. 
2. Respiratory depression: Slowed and shallow breathing that can eventually lead to respiratory arrest or the cessation of breathing altogether. 
3. Decreased level of consciousness: This is different from extreme fatigue. Early signs of an overdose may present as lethargy, but significantly decreased levels of consciousness present as somnolence that rapidly progresses to stupor, fainting and coma.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after taking Oramorph, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately and give naloxone (Narcan) if available. Oramorph overdose is a medical emergency and can be fatal.

Oramorph Addiction Risks and Side Effects

Oramorph misuse and addiction can cause short-term and long-term side effects that can become increasingly difficult to deal with.

Short-Term Side Effects

An individual who abuses Oramorph may experience side effects that accompany regular use but with greater intensity. These side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Oramorph misuse and addiction may also lead to more serious side effects like:

• Mood changes
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Signs of the adrenal glands not working well (e.g., loss of appetite, unusual tiredness and weight loss) 

If you experience any of these more serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Long-Term Side Effects

Long-term effects of Oramorph misuse and addiction include chronic constipation, sleep-disordered breathing, hormonal problems, fractures and falls.. People addicted to Oramorph may also experience depression, anxiety and personality changes.

How Long Does Oramorph Stay In Your System?

The length of time Oramorph stays in your system depends on several factors, including age, metabolism, genetics, organ function, Oramorph dosage levels and the frequency with which you use Oramorph.

On average, Oramorph should be eliminated from the body within a few days. However, some patients may process Oramorph at a faster or slower rate, therefore affecting the half-life of Oramorph.

Oramorph Withdrawal and Detox

It is never recommended to stop taking Oramorph abruptly. Ceasing the drug cold turkey can lead to withdrawal. Common symptoms associated with Oramorph withdrawal include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Elevated heart rate
• Chills
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Cravings
• Appetite loss
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dysphoria
• Anxiety
• Memory loss
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Irritability
• Watery eyes
• Fever
• Sweating
• Agitation
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Headaches

Oramorph Withdrawal Timeline

The Oramorph withdrawal timeline varies from person to person. Most physical symptoms start within 30 hours of the last dose. However, some psychological symptoms may last several weeks, andphysical withdrawal symptoms typically subside within one to two weeks after Oramorph is stopped.

Oramorph Withdrawal Management

There are several ways to manage Oramorph withdrawal, and the best approach will vary depending on the individual. Some people may find they can manage their withdrawal symptoms at home with the support of family and friends. Others may need to seek professional help in a medically assisted detox program.

It is important to remember you are not alone. Many people have successfully managed Oramorph withdrawal and gone on to live healthy and productive lives. With the right help, you can too.

Oramorph Detox

Oramorph detox can be challenging, but getting the help you need to safely and effectively manage your withdrawal symptoms is important. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs provide a safe and supportive environment where you can detox under the supervision of medical professionals. They can help you manage your symptoms and provide the support you need to get through this difficult time.

MAT programs typically involve a combination of medication and counseling. Medication can help to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, while counseling can help you address the underlying issues that led to your addiction. If you are considering MAT, finding a program right for you is important. The Recovery Village can help you identify a program that suits your needs. 

Treatment for Oramorph Addiction

Oramorph addiction can be difficult to overcome, but help is available. The Recovery Village offers many resources and programs to help people recover from Oramorph addiction.

Inpatient Oramorph Rehab

Inpatient Oramorph rehab is a program where patients live at one of The Recovery Village’s designated inpatient centers while recovering from addiction. This can be an especially beneficial option for people struggling with severe addiction or needing to remove themselves from their current environment to focus on recovery.

Outpatient Oramorph Rehab

Outpatient Oramorph rehab is a program where patients live at home while they come to The Recovery Village for scheduled treatment appointments. This option may benefit those with milder addictions or who can maintain a stable home environment while they recover.

Inpatient and outpatient Oramorph rehab programs offer many services, including individual and group counseling, medication management and recreational activities. These services can help people address their addiction’s physical, psychological and social aspects to achieve long-term recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Oramorph addiction, please reach out to The Recovery Village today. We can help you find the right treatment program for your individual needs and help you on the road to recovery.

Mixing Alcohol and Oramorph

One of the primary risks associated with Oramorph use is respiratory depression. This is a condition in which the body’s breathing slows down or stops altogether. Oramorph itself can cause respiratory depression, but it is greatly increased when Oramorph is mixed with alcohol.

Oramorph and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. This means they slow down brain and central nervous system activity. When these substances are combined, they can have a synergistic effect, meaning that the combined effect is greater than the individual effects. This can lead to a severe decrease in respiratory function, which can be fatal. If you are taking Oramorph, you should avoid alcohol altogether.

Taking Oramorph While Pregnant

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has classified morphine, the generic version of Oramorph, under pregnancy risk category C. This means there is no clear evidence that Oramorph is safe or unsafe to use during pregnancy.

There have not been enough well-controlled studies in human subjects to determine whether Oramorph can cause harm to the fetus. However, some animal studies have shown adverse effects, such as low birth weight and delayed development. These findings cannot be confirmed without further research.

Due to a lack of research, the FDA only advises that women use Oramorph during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Oramorph.

The Importance of Oramorph Aftercare

When a patient develops a substance use disorder, there is always a risk of relapsing after initial treatment is completed. This is why looking for an aftercare program to support you with continued therapy is important. Participating in an aftercare program will help you continue living a happier, healthier, substance-free life.If you or someone you know struggles with Oramorph addiction or other drug or alcohol addiction, do not delay seeking help. To learn more about resources and programs offered through The Recovery Village, contact us today or call our confidential hotline any time at 888-605-4915.

Editor – Theresa Valenzky

Theresa Valenzky graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Arts in News/Mass Media Communication and a certificate in psychology. She is passionate about providing genuine information to encourage and guide healing in all aspects of life. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more