https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.11882
The major phenanthrene alkaloid of opium, used as an analgesic, sedative, and anxiolytic.
Notes:
- Morphine and its analogues exert their action by binding to morphine receptors in the brain and nervous tissues. The natural ligands of these receptors are peptide neurotransmitters such as endorphin.
- While chronic consumption of morphine leads to the development of tolerance and physical dependence, the artificial morphine derivative heroin can cause severe addiction after only few doses.