Did you know? (morphine)

Morphine itself does not cause death. Morphine is commonly used in hospice care to manage pain and/or shortness of breath, thus improving the quality of life for individuals with terminal illness. While morphine may have side effects, such as drowsiness, when administered with proper dosing and medical supervision, it helps alleviate suffering. Beyond physical symptoms, people may have unresolved emotional or spiritual issues. In both cases, morphine can allow a state free of struggle. Many patients take morphine for weeks or months, and sometimes even years, ensuring the patient experiences relief without unnecessary distress and without directly hastening death. It is important to remember, it’s the terminal disease which brings death, not any part of the care provided by hospice, including the use of morphine.