Morphine Withdrawal

You could experience withdrawal from morphine if you suddenly stop taking the drug. What this means is that you might have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating while your body adjusts to not having the drug. Although symptoms may be unpleasant and uncomfortable, they are unlikely to cause life-threatening complications. If you are trying to stop taking this drug and withdrawal symptoms occur, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can help slowly wean you off the drug.

Morphine Drug Information

Withdrawal From Morphine: An Overview

Morphine is a prescription pain medication. It is a narcotic opiate that may cause withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped too abruptly. While morphine withdrawal can be quite unpleasant, it does not usually cause life-threatening symptoms (unlike withdrawal from alcohol or some other medications).

Symptoms of Morphine Withdrawal

Symptoms of withdrawal from morphine can vary in intensity and may include:

Restlessness
Watery eyes
Sweating
Chills
Muscle pain
Dilated (wide open) pupils
Runny nose
Yawning
Irritability
Anxiety
Backaches
Joint pain
Weakness
Abdominal (stomach) cramps
Insomnia
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
High blood pressure
Fast breathing
A rapid heart rate.

While unpleasant, these symptoms are not usually dangerous.

Why Does Withdrawal Occur?

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).

(Morphine Withdrawal Continued: Page 2)