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What Are The Side Effects Of Using Morphine For Pain Management?

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Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015
Question: I have recently told by my pain management Doctor after having a lumbar MRI that I am going to have to have back surgery due to 3 herniated disks, stenosis, sciatica etc. He has prescribed me Norco 10/325 4 a day and 2-15 mg. Morphine for pain until surgery and it seems the Morphine is giving me headaches. I don't use alcohol and take the meds exactly as prescribed, but it seems like I am getting frequent headaches from these meds and I wanted to know if that is a normal side effect of Morphine? I certainly can't take anything else on top of these strong pain meds.... Thank you, XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, headache is a side effect of morphine.

Detailed Answer:

Hi
Thanks for your query

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. You are taking morphine for pain relief and wanted to know that whether headache is its side effects or not. Yes, Headache is less common side effect of morphine. You can discuss with your doctor about it.

Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (27 minutes later)
Thank you so much for your answer! Is there something in the same class as Morphine that would be better for me to take that wouldn't give me such bad headaches? I am just surprised taking such strong narcotics for my back and leg pain would actually give me headaches! Thank you, XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Diclofenac +paracetamol will be suitable.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
Tramadol is also strong medicine but again it may cause headache. I think you can take less strong medicine diclofenac/ ibuprofen along with paracetamol ( combination) in 8 hourly dose. These are taken after meals to prevent gastric disturbances. To prevent gastric disturbance from these Omeprazole empty stomach can be taken.
You can discuss with your doctor about it.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho

Wishing you good health
Take care
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 3356 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Using Morphine For Pain Management?

Brief Answer: Yes, headache is a side effect of morphine. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar I have gone through your query and understand your concern. You are taking morphine for pain relief and wanted to know that whether headache is its side effects or not. Yes, Headache is less common side effect of morphine. You can discuss with your doctor about it. Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you. Wishing you a good health. Take care.