Long-term morphine use is almost always highly addictive. For this reason, many doctors prefer to prescribe tramadol to treat moderate to severe pain. Painkillers are often used to treat continuous pain such as back, postoperative, cancer-related or back pain. Anyone who uses morphine for a long period to control pain usually becomes addicted to the powerful drug.
Unlike tramadol, taking morphine can stimulate histamine released as a neurotransmitter. The constant release of histamine can result in restlessness, anxiety and agitation. Before taking either drug to combat chronic pain, you should discuss the possible side effects and your medical history with your doctor.
Although morphine can effectively control postoperative pain, it can’t induce improved postoperative immuno-suppression like tramadol does. This is why many doctors prefer to prescribe tramadol, rather than morphine. Patients who rely on ventilators and take morphine may also suffer symptoms of depression, unlike tramadol.
Tests have been conducted on both morphine and tramadol to treat chronic pancreatic pain to determine the interaction of the drugs with gut motor function. Bowel functions, rectal distension, resting pressure and side effects were studied during the tests, and both drugs were effective at reducing pain. However, tramadol did not interfere as much with gastrointestinal function as morphine, and it was sometimes more effective at relieving pain.
Tramadol and morphine have been found to cause the degeneration of red neurons during studies conducted with clinical rats. This condition can lead to cerebral dysfunction. Regardless of this, more individuals are being prescribed tramadol instead of morphine. Make sure you take either medication under the close medical supervision and at the recommended dosage. You should also note that even though tramadol is considered less addictive than morphine, the drug can still cause withdrawal symptoms.