Oramorph

[Looseloafers]

Does oramorph help with cough & breathlessness. I read that it did and was offered it by my specialist

[Hacienda]

I have only recently heard of this on here. I have asked my Respiratory Nurse, she said for me to ask my Consultant, There are a few on here that take it and I'm sure someone will come along soon to explain. xxx

[jimmyg23]

yes it helps i have been on it now for two years the respirtory nurse got me it can take up tp 2.5 ml up to four times a day just when feeling breathless

[Hacienda in reply to jimmyg23]

I Definitely need this , Fingers crossed I get it. Thank You Hun. xxxx

[stone-UK]

Hi

I have been using Oramorph for a couple of years. Not suited for everyone but worth a try. The low dosage is safe and non addictive 1.25/2.5ml upto four times a day.

whittington.nhs.uk/document...

[Hacienda in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks Stone,I have Printed this page to show to my Consultant. Fingers Crossed, she can let me have it. xx

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to stone-UK]

Is there much difference from Tramadol, Stone? Tramadol works great for me for now (every 12 hours) but I've thought Oramorph would probably be prescribed in the future.

[stone-UK in reply to Sharp5Flat13]

Hi

No experience of Tramadol. Appears to have similar characteristics.

[Jomo46]

I was offered it but half the dose as above sent me to sleep for 2 hours.i never took it again

Jo x

[kathbrad3]

I was given it didn't do anything for me

[Phil40]

My Mum is prescribed Oramorph and a low dose is advised as an option in the NICE prescribing guide for COPD.

As some here have found, it is not for everyone and some people have quite adverse reactions to opiates, which is what this is.

On the plus side, I believe that opiates can be useful because they repress the respiratory system (this is one of the ways heroin overdose kills; too much stops you breathing) and at the same time are a relaxant and sedative so basically you’re a bit more relaxed about things too. Also a powerful pain killer of course, my Mum also gets various aches and pains from side effects of other things etc.

The negatives are that opiates can cause constipation, make you feel nauseous, make you feel groggy and sleepy and are addictive so hard to stop if taken over a prolonged period.

But they were definitely in the NICE best practice guide for COPD so you can always ask the doctor or specialist about whether they feel it would be appropriate to try and quote the NICE guidelines (which upsets some of them because it may mean you know what they are SUPPOSED to be doing)!!

Another option for a relaxant is Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine in the same family as Valium (diazepam now). Low dose twice a day if really stressed/worried about breathing etc is on the list too.

Also side effects of course and not suitable for everyone. I think that informed choice is the issue; in my recent experience that has been better.

Look on line at NICE guidelines for treatment of COPD and keep asking the good people here who are a wealth of knowledge.

Regards

[Rattle in reply to Phil40]

Thanks for a detailed and well informed reply.

[snail]

Oramorph in low regular doses definitely helps me, but l find l need to take Laxido at the same time otherwise it can cause constipation!

[Catnip]

Greetings

I've had oramorph for a while now, and it certainly tricks my brain into thinking I'm not breathless. Just watch out for the constipation!!

Catnip

[emmo]

It works for me in low dosage but can make me sleepy and definitely

constipated.

[Phil40]

Yes, opiates do bung you up. Another of the uses is for chronic constipation as it happens