My dad is sadly reaching end of life and was started on a low dose of morphine yesterday via pump.

He has used very little in the way of pain relief before now and I knew that the Morphine would sedate but I’m surprised that he has completely lost his power of speech. He is “alert” and attempts to communicate with small hand movements and his eyes but it’s very difficult to understand what he is trying to communicate.

The Dr has agreed to half his morphine dose for the next 24 hours from 20 to 10ml. He is not exhibiting any signs of overdose, but the dr agreed it is worth it to see if he is able to communicate verbally - obviously if he shows any signs of pain we will deal with barrier relief. 

Does anyone have any experience of this or similar? I understand as the dosages increases and death draws closer he will not be able to verbalise his needs - I’m just a little surprised it happened immediately on receiving the Morphine but perhaps it’s just the way it is meant to be. He is not able to drink anymore - that what  the reason he agreed to move onto the drugs (+anti sickness and anti-secretory as well as morphine)..

TIA