Fentanyl vs. Morphine

Opioids are an effective tool for relieving acute and chronic pain. But in the quest for pain relief, the solution has itself become a nationwide problem: Around 2.7 million Americans suffer from opioid use disorder (OUD). While prescription drugs provide benefits to patients suffering from persistent pain, they also carry a set of inherent risks. 

We’ll look at the difference between two opioids, fentanyl and morphine, answering the following questions:

• What is the difference between fentanyl and morphine?
• Why does fentanyl work faster than morphine?
• Is morphine better than fentanyl patch?
• What are the benefits of fentanyl vs. morphine?
• Is morphine or fentanyl better for chest pain?

What is the Difference Between Fentanyl and Morphine?

Fentanyl and morphine are potent opioids used in the treatment of pain. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, while morphine is a natural chemical from poppy plants. Due to fentanyl being much more potent than morphine, it’s usually used in only the most severe pain conditions, such as advanced cancer pain.

Why Does Fentanyl Work Faster than Morphine?

The potency of fentanyl causes it to work quicker than morphine. Fentanyl’s chemical structure interacts with the body’s opioid receptors more rapidly following administration. This is due to its smaller molecular size and greater lipophilic. These two factors contribute to fentanyl’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier more easily and bind to opioid receptors in the brain. How an opioid is administered also affects how fast it’ll work. Fentanyl is commonly injected via intravenous (IV) injection or transdermal patch, which are faster-acting methods.

Is Morphine Better than a Fentanyl Patch?

It’s true that fentanyl is much more potent and can work faster than morphine, but these benefits also come with risks, such as opioid overdose. Whether you should use morphine or a fentanyl patch depends on the severity and types of pain you’re experiencing. 

Your healthcare provider will also look at your medical history to determine which opioid you’re a better candidate for. Both fentanyl and morphine are highly addictive and need to be properly administered to avoid adverse side effects and developing a dependency on the substance.

What are the Benefits of Fentanyl vs. Morphine?

Because of their origins and structure differences, fentanyl and morphine have distinct side effects and benefits. Both opioids are designed to relieve pain but offer different advantages over one another in terms of potency, administration forms, time it takes to work, costs, dependency, and side effects.

Fentanyl Benefits

• Potency. Fentanyl is approximately 100 times stronger than morphine, making it effective in smaller doses.

• Administration Forms. Fentanyl is available in several forms, including injections, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, and oral tablets. Morphine, on the other hand, is typically offered in the form of an injection or orally. Some people may strongly prefer a particular administration, making fentanyl more appealing.

• Onset of Relief. Because of its stronger potency, fentanyl works quickly to relieve pain symptoms which can be desirable for patients who suffer from sudden and severe pain episodes.

Morphine Benefits

• Costs. Morphine tends to be less expensive than fentanyl, depending on the administration form. Due to fentanyl being synthetically made, it requires a more complex manufacturing process, contributing to its higher costs.

• Dependency. Fentanyl’s high potency puts patients at higher risk of developing dependence or accidentally overdosing. Morphine provides pain relief at a much lower risk because of this. Still, both opioids are powerful and must be used safely and correctly.

• Side effects. Both fentanyl and morphine can cause mild to moderate side effects like nausea, constipation, and vomiting. But, fentanyl’s high potency puts you at higher risk of the more extreme side effects and can lead to an overdose that causes respiratory depression.

Is Morphine or Fentanyl Better for Chest Pain?

A doctor can administer either morphine or fentanyl for chest pain. The opioid used case by case depends on the severity of the chest pain and the patient’s medical history. In the past, morphine has been the first choice for heart attacks or ischemic-type chest pain, also called angina. 

Because of fentanyl’s quick-acting effects, it’s often used in the hospital setting to manage severe pain. In general, both morphine and fentanyl can be used for chest pain, and the most suitable choice is based on an individual’s circumstances and medical history.

Soul Surgery’s Opioid Addiction Center for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Many people have felt the weight of opioid addiction, but you’re not alone.

Our team of compassionate professionals exists to aid you on your journey toward recovery. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we build treatment programs individualized to you, giving you a firm foundation for long-term recovery.