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Oramorph

jenwren66 profile image
12 Replies

Hi...This is my first time of posting so hopefuly will get it right. I was diagnosed with emphysema 10 years ago and have been of ambulatory oxygen for 6 years now along with fostair ultibro and neB's I have managed quite well with the odd exacerbation. That was up until 4 weeks ago and I have become quite breathless and was diagnosed with quite a severe exacerbation this has been on going since and last Wednesday I was admitted to hospital. I came home christmas eve armed with antibiotic steroids. I have also now been given oramorph to take at low doses to help with the breathlessness, I did take my first dose this morning whilst my respiratory nurse was here and found this to help quite a great deal . I was just wondering who else takes the oramorph and finds it helpful with the emphysema. Sorry post has gone on a bit.

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jenwren66
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12 Replies
stone-UK profile image
stone-UK

Hi

I have been using Oramorph for sometime, and it does help with breathlessness.

I take 1.25 four times a day. Keep to the recommended dosage only increase on advice from GP or Respitory nurse.

Beware it can cause drowsiness, special important if you are driving. Also can cause constipation, your GP can prescribe a light laxative if required.

wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/docu...

jenwren66 profile image
jenwren66 in reply to stone-UK

Hi stone. Thankyou for your reply. That is the same dosage mine as also been set at. I will note the side effects too. Luckily I am not a driver so have no problems regarding that.

clematis5932 profile image
clematis5932

I was also prescribed Oramorph in February to take up to four times a day 1.5 mil I was prescribed this by the Marie Curie Hospice. I was a little taken back by this as it was explained it was part of palliative care. After a lot of explaining I realised that palliative care didn't mean that I was not going to live for very long. I have found it very helpful to relax my lungs, some days I would only take two doses which the nurses said was fine. I was admitted into hospital in November with a bad exacerbation and was in there for two weeks they now say I am to take the four a day does until I have completely recovered. I have now to take Lorazepam as well this to relax my lungs. It has taken me about three weeks now to recover from the exacerbation and I still have to sit down for a lot of the day but I know I will get there in the end. My nurse also supplied me with a liquid laxative as sometimes the morphine can make you constipated, and also makes me dream a lot. My breathing is now the best it has been for a couple of years. I also have emphysema, bronchiectasis, and asthma. I do hope it works for you.

jenwren66 profile image
jenwren66 in reply to clematis5932

Hi. Sorry to hear you are going through it at the moment too but hopefuly you will soon be feeling a better. I noticed you have also been prescribed the lozarapam which my dr as also prescribed for me to take. But firstly wanted to try the oramorph and take little steps from that . Thankyou for your positive feedback, I tend to be a a bit of a worrier when it comes to trying new meds but know these meds are needed now as my normal inhalers nebs oxygen not quite working on there own now.

clematis5932 profile image
clematis5932 in reply to jenwren66

I only take half a tablet, again because of my weight. I take it about nine o'clock at night as any later I don't wake until 10 o'clock.

jimmyg23 profile image
jimmyg23

yes i take oramorhp my dosage says 2 and half ml 4 times daily but just take as stone says 1.25 four times a day and yes still drive but just be careful have been on it now for just under a year no side affects

jenwren66 profile image
jenwren66 in reply to jimmyg23

Hi...Glad to hear no side affects and thank you for your positive feedback. Feeling more confident regarding the oramorph now.

clematis5932 profile image
clematis5932

I think that my dosage may have something to do with my weight as I am only six stone

.

clematis5932 profile image
clematis5932

Sorry back again I was also advised that it may affect my driving so to be careful when taking the full four doses.

sazzyb profile image
sazzyb

Hi, my hubby has been taking it for 5 years for the same. He can take 2.5 - 5ml (he always takes 5ml) . There's a leaflet on wales nhs website which may help reassure you. wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/docu...

mskpjb profile image
mskpjb

Hi jenwren66 . Yes I believe Oramorph can be a great help. Unfortunately, although my specialist prescribed it I can't tolerate it, it makes me very,very sick. Tried getting used to it drop by drop but no joy. Glad it's good for you. Sheila x

jenwren66 profile image
jenwren66 in reply to mskpjb

Hi Sheila sorry to hear it doesn't agree with you. I so far have found it to have helped really well but only small doses. I do have a little snack before taking it as I was advised it would help if there was going to be any nausea from it. Jenny x

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