Background: Antipsychotic medicines are the primary cause of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs). Intravenous morphine is very rarely if ever, related to this condition. EPS is a group of different forms, such as acute dystonia, acute akathisia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia, and tardive akathisia. Considering intravenous morphine, however, these kinds of adverse effects are rarely experienced. The most commonly written possible side effects of morphine include dizziness, respiratory depression, allergy, and rarely if ever mentioned, such side effects.
Case Presentation: A case of a young female known to have sickle cell disease was presented. She arrived, complaining of severe pain throughout her body. She received morphine intravenously for pain relief. Within 15 minutes, she developed neck spasms and abnormal eye-jerky movements. The treating physician treated her immediately with anticholinergic diphenhydramine 25 mg intravenously, which reversed the spasm, and the patient recovered in a few minutes. She was admitted to the medical ward for a four-day stay. The absence of morphine during her admission days prevented any recurrence of her symptoms.
Conclusion: This case provides detailed information and educates clinicians about the potential adverse effects of morphine. Furthermore, early detection and quick treatment are of utmost importance.
Key words: Acute dystonia, extrapyramidal side effects, morphine, sickle cell disease, case report
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