What should I know about morphine?

Morphine can be scary, but when used appropriately, it can provide comfort, not only for pain but also to ease breathing difficulties.

Some caregivers and family members are hesitant to administer morphine to their loved one out of fear that it hastens death, but, this is not the case when a small dose is given initially, with additional doses titrated according to need.

Addiction is also a fear, but since the medication is given in titrated doses for a brief period of time, this should not be of concern.

Morphine is given a “bad rap,” but when used safely it can be useful in helping those receiving hospice care achieve comfort.