Morphine

Morphine, addictive opium derivative used as a narcotic painkiller. It suppresses anxiety and produces euphoria. Morphine also weakens mental and physical powers and reduces sex and hunger urges. It depresses respiration and the cough reflex, induces sleep, and may cause vomiting and constipation. Medically it is valuable in the treatment of heart failure and as a premedication for anesthetics.

See also: Drug; Drug abuse.