Because
morphine can cause physical and psychological dependence, you should not stop taking it suddenly or without your healthcare provider's approval. Some of the common morphine withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Abdominal (stomach) cramps
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- A rapid heart rate.
Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the effects of morphine. If the drug is stopped too quickly, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Morphine withdrawal can occur with chronic, legitimate use of the drug, as well as with morphine abuse. Withdrawal is a normal, predictable, physical response to stopping medications like morphine; it is not necessarily a sign of abuse (although it certainly is more likely to occur in cases of
morphine addiction).
If you are considering stopping morphine, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider. He or she will likely wean you off the medication slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
(Click Morphine Withdrawal for a more in-depth look at possible morphine withdrawal symptoms and how they can be prevented.)
HealthSavvy Sign In
|