Can Morphine Interact with my Anti-Depressant?

Using anti-depressants along with morphine often causes many problems. One of the most common effects of combining the two substances is respiratory depression, which makes it difficult to breathe. Anti-depressants and morphine are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which typically causes them to have synergistic effects. These two substances have an enhanced effect on the CNS to cause respiratory depression, meaning that too little oxygen is being inhaled, and that not enough carbon dioxide is being exhaled. If a high amount of the two substances are taken, the system can slow down so much that users can pass out, which can lead to coma and death, although these effects are rare.

The following effects are common when people combine morphine with an anti-depressant:

• Anxiety – A common side effect from combining these two drugs, anxiety can develop in both men and women, and it can vary in intensity. Excessive anxiety is considered a mental disorder, as it is abnormal. Prolonged, untreated anxiety can lead to serious health concerns, including physical illnesses and mental disorders.
• Physical pain – General physical pain, including back pain, is commonly reported by people who combine the two substances, but typically by men and women over the age of 50
• Depression – Clinical depression (also known as major depressive disorder (MDD)) is a common result for people who combine two or more CNS depressants. MDD is a severe mental disorder with the potential for serious health consequences and suicide. Drug-induced or drug-related MDD has an increased risk for suicide attempts.
• Fatigue – Drug interactions can cause mental and physical fatigue, which leads to improper functioning. Chronic fatigue can also form with prolonged drug abuse, which causes people to have symptoms of tiredness and weakness for a month or more.
• Nausea – Nausea is one of the most common effects of prolonged drug abuse, especially when more than one drug is taken simultaneously
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) – ONJ is a severe bone disease that is also known as death of the jawbone. Lesions can develop that expose the jawbone, which can lead to serious infections and diseases that often require the bone to be extracted. The blood cells in the jaw’s bone marrow can also develop cancer. ONJ is less common as many other side effects, but it is nevertheless possible.

Seek treatment immediately for problems with morphine and anti-depressant use.

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