morphine>

Adverse reactions caused by morphine are essentially those observed with other opioid analgesics. They include the following major hazards: respiratory depression, and less frequently, circulatory depression, apnea, shock and cardiac arrest secondary to respiratory and/or circulatory depression. Morphine is contraindicated  in patients with renal failure (due to accumulation of the metabolite morphine-6-glucuronide),   increased pressure inside the head, ie. conditions in which intracranial pressure is raised * (ICP).

Opioid-induced constipation is due to impaired bowel motility and diminished intestinal secretions.  Opioids are suggested to interfere with normal fluid and electrolyte handling within the gastrointestinal lumen. The pathophysiology of constipation due to opioids is well described in the literature. Special Report. Minimizing Opioid-Induced Sedation

Further, from the record it seems clear that no steps were taken by the healthcare providers in  minimizing opioid-induced sedation, although excessive sleepiness in many patients may represent "catch-up" sleep rather than oversedation.

Also worthy of mention is that there is nothing on the record to suggest that Arlene Berry  had ever been tested, examined or monitored for possible side effects associated with the Morphine she had been prescribed, such as opioid-induced nausea and vomiting, or for possible other side effects,  such as associated with the withdrawal from opiates, including possible opioid-induced sedation. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms  and make you very uncomfortable. With morphine,  nausea may also be caused or aggravated by another GI side effect – Constipation .  See:  Gastrointestinal Pathology Index

 
According to family,  Arlene Berry had stopped taking the morphine at home due to increasing severity of "constipation" requiring extra laxative and tap water douches to assist with stool evacuation, and also due to dizziness marked by a sense of uneasiness progressing to unsteadiness or " lack of motor coordination", a possible sign of ataxia.  Ataxia symptoms are similar to alcohol intoxication and include staggering (ataxia/gait). There is also evidence of " inappropriate behaviour" as witnessed by family and friends.