hit counter

Morphine Withdrawal: Symptoms + How Long Does It Last?

Morphine is a drug that is used primarily to provide people with pain-relief. It is derived from the opium plant via chemical extraction. It was initially discovered in 1804 and was officially distributed in 1817. When utilized for intended purposes, it is regarded as one of the World Health Organization’s most “Essential Medicines.” Morphine is regarded as being among the most potent analgesics to treat severe pain.

Similar to other opioid drugs such as heroin and oxycodone, it acts directly on the central nervous system to provide pain relief. Although it is a drug that helps many individuals cope with severe physical pain, it is also associated with rapid psychological tolerance and dependence. It also has a high potential for addiction and abuse, which is why it is considered a “Schedule II” controlled substance in the United States.

In addition to taking morphine to help manage severe pain, some people take it on an illicit basis to “get high.” These individuals become addicted to the initial mood boosting properties as well as the anxiolytic effects that the drug typically provides. Regardless of reasons for taking this drug, once tolerance is established and a person becomes addicted and/or dependent on it for daily functioning, withdrawal symptoms can be very difficult to cope with.

Factors that influence Morphine withdrawal

Many factors play a role in determining the severity and duration of morphine withdrawal symptoms. These factors include things like: time span over which the drug was taken, dosage, level of tolerance, whether a person is addicted, how quickly a person tapers their dosage, as well as other individual factors such as physiology, social support, etc.

1. Time Span

How long were you taking morphine? Those who are on it for a relatively short duration shouldn’t experience the most extreme withdrawal symptoms. In general, the less time you’ve taken this drug, the lower your tolerance should be.

Those who have used this drug consistently everyday for years will likely have a much more difficult time getting through withdrawal compared to someone who was only on it for a couple months. Time span nearly always influences withdrawal because the longer you’ve been on it, the more your body becomes reliant on the drug’s effects for functioning.

2. Dosage + Tolerance

What dosage of morphine were you taking? Morphine is able to be taken orally via extended-release capsules. Morphine sulfate or MS Contin is prescribed for individuals that require prolonged opioid therapy. In the form of “Avinza” capsules, the maximum daily dose is 1600 mg. In the form of Kadian capsules, a person may take between 100 mg and 200 mg up to 2 times per day.

Other common methods of dosing include subcutaneous and intravenous. Subcutaneous dosing is typically within the range of 2.5 mg to 20 mg every few hours. Intravenous dosing is usually given slowly over an approximate 5 minute window with dose up to 15 mg every 4 hours. If you are at the higher end of the dosing spectrum for whichever type of morphine you use, it is thought that withdrawal symptoms will be more severe.

In people that have built up a significant tolerance to morphine, withdrawal is usually more difficult and longer lasting. An increased tolerance means a person’s nervous system has become accustomed to receiving higher dosages of the drug in order to function. When the drug is discontinued, it can take a significant period of time for the nervous system to make repairs and recover to sober functioning.

3. Addiction

Are you addicted to the effects of morphine? Many people who take this drug become initially addicted to the mood-enhancing effect it has on them. In addition to providing pain relief, the drug can be very relaxing and a way for many to find relief from stress. People taking this drug to “get high” and cope with daily life stressors are going to have a much more difficult time dealing with withdrawal than those using it for its intended purpose: to treat pain.

Regardless of why a person is addicted to morphine, being addicted can make withdrawal significantly more difficult. If a person is addicted, they may be afraid to face the inevitable drop in mood that they will experience when coming off of the drug. Additionally those who had taken it for pain may not want to face the reemergence of pain that they could experience during withdrawal. Those who are addicted may need to work with a psychotherapist and/or a psychiatrist to successfully withdraw from morphine.

4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering

How did you withdraw from morphine? Did you quit “cold turkey” or did you conduct a gradual taper? It is typically recommended to conduct a gradual taper off of any powerful opioid drug like morphine. By conducting a gradual taper, you are giving your nervous system some time to adjust itself to receiving less of the drug. If you quit cold turkey, it is thought that both acute and protracted withdrawal symptoms will be more severe.

For those with limited supply of their morphine, you may want to contact your doctor about tapering. Cold turkey withdrawal is possible, but some of the symptoms that you could experience (depending on your tolerance) may be dangerous and/or extremely debilitating. If you must quit cold turkey, brace yourself for a week of feeling sick. People have toughed out cold-turkey withdrawals, but they are considered the most difficult.

Another option you have if unable to taper is that of opioid replacement therapy. This involves transitioning to taking a less-powerful drug such as suboxone or methadone instead of your morphine. After you have successfully transitioned to a less potent opioid, the goal is to gradually reduce your dosage under doctor supervision. For many people, this is the easiest way to withdraw from their morphine.

5. Individual Factors

It is important to take into account other individual factors that play a role in withdrawal. Although many people can have similar withdrawal symptoms, some people have significantly more difficult withdrawals than others. Many things such as time span and dosage play important roles, but things like environment, habits, whether a person is on other drugs, individual physiology, and social support can also have an influence on recovery.

  • Environment: Your environment can have a major influence on your withdrawal. Those who live in supportive environments may have an easier time dealing with the anxiety and depression during withdrawal. Individuals in high-stress environments may feel overwhelmed trying to cope with withdrawal and may feel as though they have no support.
  • Habits: What are your daily habits? People who eat healthy, get adequate sleep, and light exercise are thought to recover at a quicker rate than those who don’t. Healthy habits are thought to allow the nervous system to heal more quickly.
  • Other drugs: Are you taking any other medications or drugs? Those who take other drugs, whether illicit or prescribed may be influencing the withdrawal. Certain drugs can take the edge off of extreme symptoms and help people manage what they’re going through.
  • Physiology: In many cases individual physiology plays a role in determining how quickly someone recovers. Those who are highly sensitive to medications and drug withdrawals may have a more difficult time coping with symptoms. Everyone’s nervous system responds differently.
  • Social support: Having some sort of social support can go a long way during a withdrawal. Those who have an understanding family and/or close friends to talk with may have an easier time dealing with their experience. A psychotherapist may provide additional positive support to help someone during withdrawal.

Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities

Below are a list of possible symptoms that a person may experience when they withdraw from morphine. Keep in mind that you may not exhibit every last symptom on the list and that symptoms may vary in both intensity and duration based on the individual. This is a general list of what you may deal with so that you know A) You are in fact dealing with withdrawal, and B) It’s not all in your head.

  • Abdominal cramps: One of the most common symptoms that people experience upon discontinuation is that of abdominal cramping. You may notice cramps in other areas besides your abdominal region, but this tends to be most pronounced.
  • Anger: During withdrawal, it is very common to experience changes in mood. Many people end up having to deal with an array of psychological symptoms, including anger. The anger may be difficult to control, so if you find yourself feeling grumpy, chalk it up to withdrawal.
  • Anxiety: Another very common psychological symptom is that of anxiety. The anxiety may range from being relatively mild to very extreme. Opioids like morphine tend to reduce anxiety, and when discontinued, anxiety can really flare up. Many people find medications like clonidine helpful to cope with it.
  • Appetite changes: You may notice that you have completely lost your appetite upon quitting morphine. Usually within a day or two of your last dose, appetite loss is thought to be at its peak. It may take awhile for your appetite to fully recover, so do your best to continue eating healthy foods.
  • Concentration problems: When dealing with an array of psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms, most people aren’t going to be able to concentrate. You may notice “brain fog” or an inability to think clearly in addition to a general confusion.
  • Confusion: Most people feel confused about how they are feeling and aren’t able to think clearly. Moods are in fluctuation and concentration is poor, which results in confusion. Realize that your normal cognition will eventually return.
  • Cravings: This is a drug with a very short half-life, which can make cravings very intense during withdrawal. Initially a person will crave the drug immediately when they quit. The longer a person remains sober, the more cravings are reduced.
  • Crying spells: It’s common to cry as a result of hopelessness and depression that a person may face when they withdraw. However, it’s also common to cry as a result of “watery eyes” which is very common when coming off of an opiate.
  • Depersonalization: Do you feel unlike your normal self? During withdrawal, some have described their feeling as a “trance-like” state. Some people have mood swings, depression, and feel as if they will never feel “normal” again. This is a combination of nervous system changes, anxiety, and brain function. With enough time, you will experience a full recovery.
  • Depression: The depression that most people experience when they quit morphine is mild to moderate. In some cases, the depression may become severe, but most people notice mood improvements within 10 days of withdrawal. Although it may take significantly longer than 10 days to recover from the depression, you will eventually bounce back to normal mood.
  • Diarrhea: The use of morphine tends to result in constipation. When you stop taking it, the exact opposite occurs and people experience diarrhea. If you are having trouble coping with this symptom, consider purchasing some over-the-counter Imodium.
  • Dizziness: When withdrawing from morphine, it’s very common to feel dizzy. You may feel dizziness throughout the day and/or vertigo. The dizziness is generally more intense for those who quit their medication “cold turkey.”
  • Fatigue: The degree of fatigue and lethargy may be severe. You may find yourself unable to get out of bed in the morning. You may also notice that performing one simple task such as: cooking breakfast, taking the dog for a walk, or doing the dishes – seems impossible. Your energy levels will continue to return the longer you are off of the drug.
  • Flu-like symptoms: Many people have reported their withdrawal experience as being “flu-like.” They experience things such as: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, chills, and aches. The bulk of these flu-like symptoms tend to improve after the first week of withdrawal.
  • Goosebumps: Another thing some people notice when they stop opiates is that they have goose bumps. These are uncontrollable sensations that occur across the skin as a result of nervous system readjustment.
  • Headaches: Morphine can reduce and/or eliminate headaches while a person takes it. However, when they stop taking the medication, a person may notice that they experience headaches. These may range from being mild to full blown migraines. Like other symptoms, these will improve with time.
  • High blood pressure: This drug has a depressant effect on the nervous system, meaning activity slows such as heart rate and blood pressure. When a person quits, they may experience a spike in blood pressure. If you think this may be a problem, talk to your doctor and monitor changes closely.
  • Hormone imbalance: Not all cases of hormonal imbalance are due to opiate usage, but if you were on morphine for a lengthy period of time, it’s likely a contributing factor. During withdrawal your hormones may be imbalanced. Keep in mind that hormonal functioning will eventually normalize if you remain sober.
  • Hot flashes: You may notice that you experience “hot flashes” or “cold flashes” as you come off of this drug. These may be uncomfortable and unexpected, but are one of many reactions people have during discontinuation.
  • Insomnia: Some individuals may have no problem falling asleep at night, while others may be plagued with extreme insomnia. In many cases, this insomnia can be fueled by restlessness and anxiety. In order to best cope with this symptom, consider a melatonin supplement and/or relaxation exercises before bed to lower your arousal.
  • Irritability: Do not be surprised if you become irritable during withdrawal. Many of the symptoms can result in increased stress, which can make even the most calm people have a short fuse. If you feel irritable and as though everyone is getting on your nerves, take a step back and realize that it’s partly due to withdrawal – this will go away.
  • Itchiness: Withdrawal from morphine can result in itchiness and/or itch sensations across the skin. Some individuals end up thinking that this is a rash, when it’s really itching that’s caused by withdrawal. Conducting a slow taper may reduce this symptom, but not in all cases. The itching may be very uncomfortable, but will subside.
  • Mood swings: Don’t be surprised if you notice that your moods are negative and that they constantly change. For example, one minute you may have bad anxiety, the next you may feel hopeless and depressed. Another minute you may have a glimmer of hope that your situation is going to improve. These are difficult to deal with, but eventually your mood will normalize.
  • Muscle aches: While coming off of morphine, you may notice that your muscles ache. Some people report joint pain as well. Part of this pain has to do with your body’s natural endorphin levels being abnormally low as a result of morphine use. As your body readjusts and endorphin levels are reestablished, aches and pains should diminish.
  • Nausea: The nausea some people experience during the first week of withdrawal is extreme. In fact, in many cases extreme nausea is so intense that it leads to vomiting. Some nausea may be an unavoidable part of withdrawal, but it will get better.
  • Panic attacks: If your anxiety become severe, you could have a panic attack. A panic attack is a sensation of severe anxiety that is usually triggered by an event or stimulus. If you begin having panic attacks, do your best to learn some relaxation techniques to lower your level of arousal.
  • Pupil dilation: Since taking this opioid will result in pupil constriction, the exact opposite occurs during withdrawal. If you notice that your pupils appear especially large, just know its caused by withdrawal.
  • Rapid heartbeat: Many individuals notice an increased heart rate when they come off of morphine. The increased heart rate is a result of the body speeding itself back up after being on a depressant for a long period of time. Some people may also note palpitations, or sensations of a pounding or racing heart.
  • Restlessness: Some people feel restless and unable to sit still as they discontinue morphine. This is usually a result of nervous system sensitivity and anxiety. Relaxation techniques may help you keep calm and cope with this symptom.
  • Runny nose: A natural consequence of withdrawal from opiates is that of a runny nose. You may need to keep some extra tissues around to help deal with this symptom. This symptom should gradually improve, but may feel like a bad “cold.”
  • Sleep changes: When you first come off of morphine, your sleep cycle may significantly change. You may find yourself feeling very tired at certain points throughout the day and/or anxious and unable to fall asleep at night. Your sleep patterns may be abnormal for awhile until you further recover.
  • Spasms: Many people report muscle spasms upon discontinuation. These spasms can last for a few days or a few weeks. As more time passes, these usually reduce in frequency and length.
  • Suicidal thinking: In some cases, the depression resulting from withdrawal can be severe. This could lead a person to feel suicidal during their withdrawal period. Although this feeling will eventually pass, it can be difficult to cope with. If you are feeling suicidal and think you may be of danger to yourself, seek immediate professional help.
  • Sweating: Many people report heavy perspiration upon initially quitting morphine. Sweating is thought to be the body’s natural way of responding to drug discontinuation. You may sweat profusely throughout the day and/or notice uncomfortable night sweats.
  • Vomiting: During the acute phases of withdrawal, you may end up getting sick to the point that you vomit. This is usually accompanied by an overwhelming nausea. The vomiting shouldn’t last longer than a few days.
  • Yawning: You may get annoyed with the constant yawning that accompanies morphine withdrawal. Coming off of any opioid can result in yawning that’s completely out of your control. Do your best to put up with it, realizing that the yawns will eventually subside.

Morphine Withdrawal Duration: How long does it last?

There’s no universal opiate withdrawal timeline that can be followed for morphine because everyone recovers at a different rate. Some people may experience a normal withdrawal period without any protracted symptoms, while another person may have a severe acute withdrawal and lengthy protracted symptoms. You really won’t know what your experience will be like until you’ve been through withdrawal.

Certain individuals naturally recover at a quicker rate than others. Additionally if someone is receiving psychiatric drugs to help with withdrawal such as: antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and/or clonidine, it may be easier to cope with symptoms. Half life of morphine is 2 to 4 hours, which indicates that the drug is fully cleared from your body in approximately 8 hours. However, just because the drug is fully cleared from the body, doesn’t mean you have experienced withdrawal.

Acute withdrawal symptoms typically begin between 6 to 14 hours after discontinuation. The majority of acute symptoms peak within 3 days of withdrawal, but can last up to a full week. Acute psychological symptoms tend to peak within 6 to 10 days of withdrawal. Following the acute stage of withdrawal can come the “protracted” phase or “PAWS” (post-acute withdrawal syndrome), which can last anywhere from weeks to months.

The protracted phase is characterized by less intense physical symptoms and more psychological symptoms. While going through withdrawal, it is recommended to engage in healthy activities to ensure a steadfast recovery. Getting adequate sleep, some mild exercise (e.g. walking), being as productive as possible, eating healthy, and staying hydrated can go a long way towards helping your nervous system transition back to homeostatic functioning.

Although you may feel as if you are never going to get better, realize that this is merely withdrawal and you will eventually experience a full recovery. If you’ve had to deal with morphine withdrawal, sharing your experience in the comments section below may really help someone else.

Related Posts:

MHD News (100% Free)

* indicates required

228 thoughts on “Morphine Withdrawal: Symptoms + How Long Does It Last?”

  1. I spent the last 7 years addicted to morphine. I had an accident broke my ankle in two places, and dislocated it. Had surgery, screws and plated. I was on oxy for four months while it healed. After that I managed to get addicted to morphine eslon usually two 100mg caps a day back then. Over the course of the seven years the amount daily went up and down. I bought my drugs real cheap, hardly affected my financial situation being addicted.

    I always worked, it made me feel good, it actually helped me to quit drinking. Prior to the accident I drank three nights a week. But once I got on those pills I slowly stopped drinking. On occasion I would get drunk but I was usually pretty good about not being to high on morphine then. The drug became part of my life. A secret part. No one knew, no family no friends no one except where I got them knew I was on them. I feel like I am a rare case. Finally about a month ago, it came to light. Some family members found out. Or at least got word. I completely denied ever taking them.

    I have a wife and kid on the way I was terrified my wife would find out. I managed to convince them not to say anything to my wife of what they heard. That was the point my battle really began. How the f*ck would I get off of these I thought. Over the last four weeks I tapered down a bit and would go two or three days without any pills. Then have a couple then do a few more days of sickness and then have a couple.

    Today is my 8th day without any. The first four days were hard, I felt no energy, diarrhea, restless leg hot and cold flashes, night sweats etc. The first couple days I would take two acetaminophen with codeine and caffeine every four hours. Helped me get through the work days. I realize that’s an opiate but it doesn’t do much and it helped.

    I feel OK now on day 8 still getting leg pains after work in the evening, I’m sleeping OK no more night sweats or other symptoms. Just low energy and still crave it. Hard thing to go through alone. What sucks about no one knowing you are addicted is no one knows the struggle you went through to get straight. But I guess that’s life folks. Live and learn and don’t play with this sh*t, it ain’t worth it.

    Reply
  2. Update: Week one, 30% reduction from 75mg per day. Week one was weird, all the withdrawal symptoms plus emotional up/down. But having gone through one week it felt like a real victory to me and is encouraging for my next reduction. I am walking a little everyday, where I just used to sit around. I have moments of clarity which I cherish. A word of encouragement. Withdrawal sucks, hurts and discourages.

    Don’t be mad at the withdrawal symptoms, get real mad at the drug that is causing them. Remember ‘This too will pass’. I started 7 years ago at 270mg daily. This was when I could still work, and have over the years gotten used to smaller doses. This week reduction of another 30% to only 30 mg. I try to think of not today, or tomorrow, but next month when I will have been clean. I had the same fears of being without my meds, or their being withheld or lost.

    It was recognition of this fear that woke me up to my drug slavery. And then anger at myself for getting this way. Right now can’t recognize which is withdrawal and which is the original legitimate pain that got me here in the first place. NO FEAR. HOPE. No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, duty first.

    Reply
  3. I am a Veteran, US Army, Infantry one combat deployment. For various medical reasons the VA put me on Morphine (and other drugs). I have been taking it for over 7 years. First thanks to the VA, they do a lot of good. Second thanks for nothing VA you make a lot of it harder. At first I was given Morphine and I was glad not to be in pain, until you’ve been there you don’t know what a relief it is to not be in constant pain. But the doctors at first prescribed it like candy and gave any dose you wanted.

    Now they are requiring a lot of different consultations and other things and are more hesitant to send it. Without notice or consultation they lowered my monthly meds and there were even times I wouldn’t get my meds because my primary care was on vacation and apparently they couldn’t get someone else to fill the prescription. This is when I came to realize that I was a slave to the meds and also to the VA. I am now trying to detox off the Morphine over a thirty day period.

    I would rather be in pain than a slave to these meds. I tried once to cold turkey but it was too hard. I am gradually reducing my daily amount and it is more manageable to cope with the withdrawal. But here is the BIG thing. When I realized I was no longer in control but a slave to the meds this was the point were I found my courage to quit. You have to want to quit, badly. Day 3 and 4 of first reduction was hard. Next reduction I will be more ready for it and finally on my last reduction I should be in a good place. I’ve given myself 30 days to detox and quit.

    At a rate of 30% reduction every 7 days. I am doing it myself at home, as the VA hasn’t responded to me even though I notified them of what I was doing. They even mailed me more Morphine, go figure. If you are trying to detox off of this drug, DO IT! It relieves pain, but it is a cheat and takes more than it gives. Have courage again, you can do it, but I don’t recommend cold turkey. It is very severe. Do a gradual withdrawal and monitor your mental state and remind yourself why you are detoxing.

    Reply
    • I live in Australia and here the doctor will write me a script for 1 month but 2 weeks of the supply is held at the chemist. This virtually makes you a prisoner in your own town for you can’t go away for more than 2 weeks without returning to pick up the remaining script. I still say the withdrawal from opiates is not as bad as a chronic hangover. When I used to abuse alcohol. But some of the restrictions put on this drug are truly ridiculous and all because of the illicit sale of it. I don’t see why legitimate pain sufferers should need to suffer any further because of criminals abusing the system.

      Reply
      • I totally agree with you regarding the restrictions put on Morphine for the people who really need it. It’s time all drugs were legalized (just like Marijuana has been in some states) and then crime would drop and it would put the drug king-pins out of business.

        Reply
  4. Been on 200mg of Zomorph for a couple of years. Tapered off very (too) quickly, over the worst of it I hope. Had lots of the symptoms described above, crying for no apparent reason was strange, now I keep getting really restless times and I haven’t slept for a week! Really frustrating. I repost when I know how long it lasts or if any solution.

    Reply
  5. I was on 30mg per day for about a year for nerve pain and have started on a medically supervised tapering schedule. I was put on three 15mgs every 8 hours and then on a two 15mg a day schedule. So far, no withdrawal symptoms. I’ve missed doses in the past, about once a month, and went through withdrawal then. The horrible abdominal cramps, nausea, retching, runny eyes and nose would last until I could control my gag reflex long enough to get another morphine down and stop the hell.

    It will make you feel suicidal. The symptoms would subside after about 4 hours but I would be spent for another day. With this schedule, I was told that tapering wouldn’t cause withdrawal as my body was still getting morphine and so far, that’s been correct. I would advise those going cold turkey to get a script for phenergan to help with the nausea and put you to sleep and load up on Tylenol for some of the other symptoms. I’m not looking forward to the day my body stops getting it.

    Reply
  6. I have been taking Morphine Sulfate for almost 5 years and have started chronic vomiting about 8 weeks ago, then had a grand mal seizure 2 weeks ago. My doctors are now talking of taking me off the morphine and onto another medication. I am terrified! Missing medication even just while getting sick and having those small withdrawal symptoms are bad enough. The thought of trying to completely stop taking it? I have that feeling of panic in my gut with just the thought. I hate this medication! I wish I would of never started taking it.

    Reply
  7. I went cold turkey taking myself off morphine. Now I am getting hot flushes, dizziness, loss of appetite, diarrhea is this quite common as I am due to go back to work tomorrow. Has anyone else gone through this? Also have stomach pain.

    Reply
  8. I have been on 15 mg time released morphine. One pill in the AM and one pill at night for under one year prescribed by a pain clinic for back issues. I had the back surgery and needed to stop taking this devil pill. No one ever told me of withdrawal or addiction problems. The pain clinic doctor kept assuring me it would not be difficult. He lied! I got through the first week stopping the AM pill it has been a nightmare.

    Now I am suppose to go every other night taking a pill. Last night I took a half of a 15mg fast acting pill instead of the time released pill. My night was horrible with body aches, profuse sweating and insomnia. I am planning to do the same thing tonight to just be over the horrible withdrawal. I do not know if it is OK to do this though. I feel that I will be able to get off of it faster.

    I just want to be done with this nightmare. I want to tell people do not go to a pain clinic even if your doctor advises you to. It is the devils den. Any advice if I can continue to take half of the 15 mg fast acting pill tonight to get the time released out of my system? Thanks. -Terry

    Reply
  9. I have been taking 180mg (60 mg 3X a day) of MS Contin for the last 9 years. I had widespread body pain after chemo, and especially all over my back. I’ve tried CBD syrup and that seems to take care of the pain, so I have been tapering off the morphine. Often I would take just two pills a day, so that made the first cut easier. Initially, I cut my dose down to 60 mg. (30mg 2X a day), for three weeks.

    Then cut in half again, to 30 mg (15mg twice a day) After 2 weeks of that, the Dr. thought I could just stop, but I couldn’t. I started reducing by cutting the pills up. I know they are extended release and you’re not supposed to do that, but at 5 mg and 2 mg I didn’t see any harm. Even at 2mg, after 15 hours I yawn, have watery eyes, and my body gets restless. I’ve cut the dose even more, taking tiny pieces. I’ll try stopping again in a few days.

    Reply
  10. I have been reading a lot of the comments on here, my experience is a slightly different one. My husband is in late stage brain cancer, and he was admitted to hospital two weeks ago with pneumonia and vomiting. He is on 600 mg of slow release Zomorph a day. For some reason, the on call consultant just stopped this dose full on. I argued every day for it to be reinstated, and it was 4 days later, after threatening to call the police for negligence and abuse, so the decision to stop the drug wasn’t clinical, otherwise they would have stuck to the decision.

    He has been morphine dependent for 15 years. On the current dose for one year. What I find worrying is… 1. This has not been recorded in his discharge letter. 2. I’m certain the trauma his body went through has made his deterioration swifter. I have read sudden removal of opiates is dangerous. To a terminal cancer patient it could have been deadly. Just wanted to share my story. Will be lodging a complaint with the hospital. I want the consultant disciplined, if not sacked.

    Reply
    • Have you given any thought to hospice for your husband? I had a dear friend who spent the last two weeks of her life in hospice care and she was, at least, made comfortable and, when I saw her, wasn’t suffering. It’s bad enough that your husband has cancer, but for his doctor to do what he did is unconscionable and should have his license withdrawn. I would sue him and the hospital for what they did to your husband. Disgraceful!

      Reply
  11. I was prescribed 120mg, took it for 2 weeks stopped 6 days ago due to extreme drowsiness effecting work… I cold turkey’d it. The first 4 days I was unable to eat, now day 6 I’m extremely anxious and moody. I’m unable to get any anti-anxiety prescription. Does anyone know how long it will last (withdrawal) considering I only took the pill for 2 weeks? (I read the article, I know it said weeks to months, but I’m just wondering if anyone has any insight). Thanks.

    Reply
  12. This is day 4 for my husband to kick the “M” and the Hydrocodone he was on. He has been taking the morphine, 30 mg for 2-years (twice a day) and the hydro (3 times a day) 325 mg. The pain medicine was for the prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones, so there was a lot of back pain. He has had lost of energy, nausea, emotional binges (crying spells, hopelessness – you name it!), no appetite. It has been horrible. But he is a strong man and I am certain that he will be alright. Aleve seems to help with the withdrawal symptoms.

    Reply
  13. I have been taking 30mg a day for the past 3 years. I habe gone through W/D a few times because of over medicating myself, or because someone stealing them. Yes the W/D’s suck but remember they only last for a while. I know for myself when my script was stolen I went to rehabilitation. I still take the drug for pain relief and I’m more aware of people and now I lock up my meds. Don’t forget that rehab is an option.

    Reply
  14. Hi I am 68 yrs old and have been on 200mg of slow release morphine for 3 yrs for severe leg ulcers. I started to taper off the drug 9 months ago and came down very slowly 10mg at a time. 8 days ago I finally came down to nil. I have felt terrible since and am writing this at 3:00 AM as I can’t sleep, I feel so jumpy, I have severe stomach cramps and seem to have lost control of my normal bodily functions. I pray it won’t last much longer because I feel utterly depressed but I am going to see it through.

    Reply
    • Please see a gastro for non-narcotic/opiate relief! It may take two or three rounds of pills to find. I promise you will find something.

      Reply
  15. 100% disabled veteran. The VA has had me on morphine for a year and a half to two years, 30mg extended release in the AM and 15mg in the evening. The PM dose was raised to 30mg after a total hip replacement Jan 27 15. It was obvious what needed to be done but they played games with me since ’12. Rather than fix me I was told at one point they would mount some kind of pain bag on me that inject morphine into me. I fought back and finally got it replaced. But the other hip is now bone and bone and needs to be replaced which should be scheduled during my ortho appointment in June.

    I have been feeling really good with the new hip and decided I would start lowering my dosage. A week and a half ago I stayed at 30 AM and dropped PM to 15. After a few days I was not noticing any signs of withdrawals and decided this past Monday to drop AM to 15 and kept PM at 15. Come Wednesday my life as I knew it ended. I with all I have gone through in my life have never felt so awful. Knowing what it will do to a patient I can’t believe docs prescribe it. I will spend a couple hours visibly shaking from feeling cold to the bones.

    I will then go into a heat spell. Full sweating soaking my clothes. A pain encompasses my entire head front to back left to right. It’s all horrible. Hopefully I’m getting close to being over them but I still have 15 AM and PM to get off of. I called the local VA ER. All detox beds are full. I have pain appointment on Wednesday hopefully I’ll get some help then. My advice: Don’t be a knucklehead like me and think your going to impress your doc by getting off of them on your own. Wait for your doc.

    Reply
  16. Into the second day of cold turkey from 2x 30M-Eslon (morphine sulphate) twice (2X) a day. Can’t get to my doctors office for another day. Ack! I’ve been using this drug for about 3 years now. Nausea started about 4 hours ago but the sweats have stopped. Previous to taking this dose amount i was only taking 30mg twice a day but had to increase it as my mobility was almost nil. I have two discs that need fusing and a hip replacement as I fractured my leg near the hip socket and it was misdiagnosed and six months later the bone from the fracture to the hip was completely dead.

    So basically my condition deteriorates monthly and the pain is getting worse and worse. Since the doubling of the dosage I get sweats in-between my doses now. I also have to watch my mood swings. So lets get to the point! :) Going cold turkey is a very bad way to get off this drug. I have been caught out without pain meds for a few days before but with the increased dosage ive never had such bad side effects before. Cramps in the middle of my back and my feet started about 12 hours after my last dose.

    Sweats got more noticeable and now the nausea is building but should not last for another 24 hours or so. I am not going to get caught out shorthanded again! However, despite all this and more, ie severe constipation, I need the drugs to have any relief and mobility at all. So some of the ppl reading this may find its a rock and a hard place situation. Take the drugs if you need them. Severe chronic pain is not fun to deal with and it took years and years before I finally found a doctor who would subscribe me what I really needed.

    Like all meds, it can be a double edged sword but for me the pain was driving me to have suicidal thoughts and drawing up plans to do so. Not a solution ofc but severe chronic debilitating pain can do that to a person. I learned to eat better, and I made sure I drank lots of water and introduced half cooked veggies all which helped deal with a issue I briefly mentioned. Make sure as well to have spiritual contact in one form or another. Walking into a church on a Sunday service can be very peaceful even if your not a religious person.

    I make sure I go to several diff churches just to see how diff groups practice being spiritual. If this next bit of advice sounds good to you I can assure you it is! Comedy! Make sure to get your daily dose of it! If your reading this your on the web and the web is full of comedic sites! YouTube, Funny or Die, The Onion, etc. Do a Bing or Google search for lots more. It’s good medicine! Okay, back to sweating and be nauseous and backaches for me while I look for something funny to view or read till i get to the docs in another day. Good luck everybody and I really don’t advise going cold turkey. Do it right :)

    Reply
    • I totally concur. I am on my 10th day of withdrawal from MS contin and klonopin and I have not been able to leave the house severe diarrhea horrible aches and pains and severe migraines. It’s ironic because I thought getting off the drugs it was my idea would make me feel better!! If I had the funds I would’ve gone into a treatment center I don’t think I would’ve been as sick. I also agree that there’s a strong possibility that I won’t be able to stay with this detox because the pain that I was taking them for is unbearable and I am a young widow with two children and I have a lot of responsibility. I don’t have the luxury of just sitting here with brain fog & pain for 10 days plus.

      Reply
      • I have to admit I agree with you both. For those who are not experiencing any pain for which you were placed on morphine or other opiates in the first place, yes by all means get off of it. Be sure you get help getting off. You can have life-threatening results. I am on day 11 of cold turkey morphine even though I still take Vicodin. I have been through all everyone is talking about. I feel much better today. Nausea is gone, appetite back, no more diarrhea or body aches.

        I still have ‘Jimmy Legs’ or common term RLS = Restless Leg Syndrome. What I feel now is the extreme pain for which I was put on the opiates in the first place. Now that I know I still have the extreme pain I will take my meds as prescribed. Either way that is best for you, take back your quality of life. I would be very interested to hear how many of you have made out following your stories here. Not much, if any, on the outcome following your withdraws. God be with all of you.

        Reply
          • I can function with the pain meds, that is why I take them. This is from a cervical spinal fusion surgery that failed. The cadaver bone they put in as support did not fuse, it moved and punctured the thecal sac of my spinal cord at C-5 level. Some surgeons have wanted to remove larynx to get to it, one want to cut esophagus out and leave me with a feeding tube. Now no surgeon will touch me.

      • You need to reach out for help! If you have no family to help, you can try contacting churches in your area. It may take a few but someone will come give you a hand while you go through this. Try the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

        Reply
    • Hi Richard. Excellent advice to get some fun into your life! I am glad trying to come off MS is not going to destroy me, but will enable me to deal with what is thrown at me. Even if it is a tough road the journey can be slow and at my own pace.

      Reply
  17. 240mg per day for 5 years for cervical pain. It’s expensive but my HMO will hook you up. Interestingly enough my HMO doctor wrote in my medical record that I was “IVDA” (intravenous drug abuser). The same doctor also wrote that I daily drank one quart of Hennessy. He spelled “Hennessy” correctly as if he drank a quart daily! I never used a syringe and I never drank a quart of Hennessy every day.

    It made it tough to get the pain medication. My cervical MRI shows osteoarthritis. I’m at day two of absolute morphine cessation. My nose is running all the time and I yawn. My neck and shoulders are reminding why I began morphine in the first place. My eyes start and stop tearing up. Hot flashes swarm over me. My forehead is constantly moist.

    Reply
    • It’s hard to think about right now but when you get through this you need to challenge your doctor and get that medical record straightened out. Threaten to file a malpractice claim and maybe even talk to an attorney about it. It can come back to haunt you later.

      Reply
  18. I was 30 mg of Kadian 2 x per day and stopped 2 days ago. First day wasn’t bad but last night was hell. I had horrible back pain and muscle spasms down my legs and into feet. I was tossing and turning all night and just could not get conformable. I am dreading going to bed tonight. This makes me wish I never started any of these opioids. How long will this last?

    Reply
  19. My doctor stop seeing me because I owed him a lousy $800.00. So after 6 years of 270 mg per day I had to quit cold turkey. It was the worse thing I’ve ever had to go through. I was hit with severe nausea, diarrhea, chest pain which led me to the Emergency Room where they called a code due to my blood pressure going sky high yet my heart rate dropped. Continuous agitation, very nasty, pain, and very lethargic. I could not perform the simplest tasks without feeling extremely tired like I was gonna collapse.

    It’s been 24 days and I feel pretty good however, my eyes feel like there going to explode out of my head and the pain level is increasing in my back. Also I can get agitated very quick. Sometimes I feel like I wanna kill someone. Hopefully this will get better. I have not craved the drug at all. Just a word to the wise, DO NOT TAKE ANY OPIATES LONG TERM. THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE NOW DONE SHOWS OPIATES SLOWLY KILL YOUR BODY, YOUR TEETH ROT LET ALONE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS. DO NOT TAKE LONG TERM OPIATES.

    IF YOUR DOCTOR IS GOOD HE WILL EXPLAIN ALL THE THINGS OPIATES DO TO YOUR BODY, ALONG WITH EXERCISE TO BUILD MUSCLE AND STRETCHING TO HELP YOU GET BETTER. I REPEAT DO NOT TAKE LONG TERM OPIATE THERAPY.

    Reply
    • I was on assorted opiates for about 8 years and your comment about the teeth is right on the money. I have 3 partial lower teeth and upper dentures. The teeth started rotting after the first year. Didn’t notice to they started breaking off. I hate dentures. Hopeful you found success!

      Reply
  20. Hi am at the minute coming off morphine I was on 160mgs a day plus my doctor gave me the quick release of morphine as well. Was on it for over year and a half cause of ostroathritis in my knees am not down to 5gms of morphine and I feel so I’ll I have had the sore heads and the flu symptoms, sickness feeling, and running to toilet too and now I fine my nervous system is starting to go. Its been a week and three days since I got put down to 5mgs I can’t wait until my body is back to normal and am off this rubbish drug. Thank you for putting up this post for others to read everyone’s comments.

    Reply
  21. Thank you for all comments. I have been off the “M” for 3 days. Feel totally hellish. Cramps and flu like symptoms. Body aching. Was on them as I had a microdiscectomy. Just hope I feel better soon. Hope you all do. Good luck.

    Reply
    • Yvonne, bless your heart for making it that far! I am on night 2 of hydromorphone withdrawal and last night was terrible. Not looking forward to tonight but I decided it’s time to get off this stuff. Hang in there, sweetie! I am so glad I found this site where so many people have/are trying to quit. It is support and gives me hope. Pray to God for strength to get to the other side! You will!

      Reply
  22. I truly feel like I am dying!! I have been taking 90mg of morphine for about 4 years. The Dr knows what’s wrong with me and there is even a solution to give me better quality of life, but medicaid will not pay for it. So now I’m addicted to this God awful drug. I had to stop cold turkey because I had an appointment to get my scripts and wouldn’t you know it we had a blizzard. I wasn’t able to make it to my appointment and the earliest they can get me in is 7 days. I am on number 6. I have been praying for time to go fast!! I feel for anyone on this drug.

    Reply
  23. Pain management has not counted days properly on my scripts and for the first time in over 2 yes I’m out of my 60 mg two times daily TR. And 15 mg IR for break through pain. This will put me out of med for 5 days. So right now I’m relying on the 15 mg to get me through. Even with that I’m experiencing some withdraw. I’m a liver patient and have reoccurring Hepatocellar Carcinoma (liver cancer) I would like to come off the morphine but after reading comments I don’t know if it would be a good idea.

    Reply
    • I sympathize/empathize with you. Pain mgmt screwed up my scripts as well and I have cut back from 3 hydromorphone/day to 1 to try to make it until I get new scripts. I also take MS Contin 2/day and Gabapentin 4/day for neuropathy. I’m having withdrawal but realize this lifestyle sucks and I’m going to get off this sh*t and find some other way to treat my pain or just learn to live with it.

      I wanted to tell you a couple of things I ran across the other day for your liver and liver cancer. Asparagus has some amazing cancer healing properties. Google asparagus and cancer or do a Facebook search (that’s where I first saw it). Also learning about glutathione, an antioxidant many times more powerful than vitamin C.

      It is normally produced by the liver but most medical conditions cause a draft ease in glutathione production, and I would assume that cancer in the liver would probably lead the pack! Google it and also liposomal glutathione/vitamin C. Educate yourself! Your Drs many times are ignorant of natural remedies because it goes against their training.

      That is the beauty of the Internet- it truly is The Information Superhighway. You just have to sift the true from untrue. But God has given us the remedy for every sickness. We just have to find it! Good luck to you and everyone out there battling drugs and disease! God bless us all!

      Reply
  24. I have esophageal cancer and was given 6 weeks to 6 months last Feb 28. The cancer closed my esophagus last may and they inserted a esophageal stint to keep me from dying…you talk about acute extreme pain…11 on a 1-10 scale. They put me on oral liquid blue morphine 30ml twice a week for pain and it saved me at the time but after a week they started 30 ml pill twice a day and the liquid. By August I was 180 ml twice a day, 360 ml a day plus 30 ml liquid.

    In January it got upped to 260 ml twice a day, 520 ml a day plus liquid…a whole lot of morphine but I am in end of life hospice care and they are just trying to make the end of my life comfortable. I didn’t take the jump from 360 to 520 and in fact went down to 240 a day, 120 twice a day 2 weeks ago. It has been almost a year and the cancer appears to have gone away, stage four to nothing. I used a cbd oil protocol, Rick Simpson oil, baking soda with organic raw honey and targeted laser radiation and something worked at least I am alive today and that was not expected.

    I have been on morphine for 9 months and if I am not going to die immediately then I want to kick this morphine out of my life. I went down to 120 a day 2 days ago, 60 twice a day plus liquid and I am feeling very uncomfortable my pain is much more noticeable. My stomach and gastro are just taking a beating but this is a noble battle worth fighting. Need to get it down to 30 ml a day, 15 twice a day by May and then kick it and prepare for a good old case of of horrible flu.

    Juicing will help and the oil also. If you do not know about CBD oil you need to because it activates the endocannabinoid immunity system and seems to do miraculous things to neurological disorders and cancer among other things. God working through nature, it is a beautiful thing! I have overcome addiction before and this is solely 9 months of physical addiction. It cannot fool me twice because it did not get me emotionally, mentally or spiritually this time around.

    It used to be so much harder to get narcotics prescribed until 15 to 20 years ago and now they are flooding us with more and more. God bless everyone out there that is trying to quit…thank you God for letting your divine, miraculous, healing nature unfold in all those who are turning away from addiction.

    Reply
    • I started using CBD at night, Charlotte’s web, which was hard to get. It made me be able to take one last morphine at night. I can’t drive on CBD, nor can I work on it unfortunately. I am forced to work despite my hell to survive. But the CBD seemed to help with pain sometimes.

      Reply
    • Thank God for healing you! You’ll be in my prayers as you continue to improve and get that morphine out of your life.

      Reply
  25. I was taking 120 mg of Morphine for nearly six years. It was extended release for two destroyed knees and a horrible back & hip. I moved, and the doctors here are really strict on medications, so he took me off the Morphine (I was actually taking Avinza, but same thing). I was tapered and it took 3 months. I didn’t feel hardly any withdrawal symptoms. He did switch me to a mild medication that I only take for the really bad days, but overall it was much easier than I thought. I did eat right, got enough rest and walked. Just force yourself to do it. Believe me, if I can do it – you can too! Take care.

    Reply
  26. I was prescribed 120mg Zormorph plus oralmorph as and when required for my osteoarthritis. It did not help at all, in fact it gave me more pain, I have spent the last 2 years trying to come off of the morphine. I tried twice to go “cold turkey” first I threw all the tablet down the toilet! The second time I just stopped taking them! Both times I ended up in A&E. Finally I had to accept that I was addicted to the drug even though I never experienced any sort of high from it.

    My doctor was less than useless, he liked to call it “clinically dependent” not addicted. Either way, I could not function without this poison in my system. Anyway my experience told me that the only way off of this drug is slowly, and it’s not easy. I cut down 10mg a month/6 weeks, I took my last morphine tablet last week. Even though I cut down slowly, I still had all the symptoms like everyone else, but doing it slowly was the only way for me. Good Luck to us all.

    Reply
  27. I have been on numerous different narcotics over the past 6 years. I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and in severe pain. The last drug I was put on was morphine 30mg. I took 3-4 of these a day. I started the tapering process. I cut myself down to 2 per day for 3 days. Then 1 per day for 3 days. Then 1/2 of one per day for 3 days. Today is my first day without any. The past three days I went through withdrawals that were annoying more than anything.

    Cold sweats, hot flashes, diarrhea, muscle cramps and the constant need to move my legs and arms. So far today, my first day without, I have felt much better. I highly recommend tapering off if possible and keep some theraflu, Imodium ad and muscle relaxers on hand. These have helped me a lot! I haven’t had to take anything today so far and I feel pretty good. Keep a positive attitude! You can do this!!!

    Reply
  28. I used to work in the Pharmaceutical Industry as a drug rep, how ironic by an incorrect diagnosis of severe Fibromyalgia, 8 years ago, I was re-diagnosed after my gut telling me that diagnosis was wrong. I was tested again…this time it was a real full body test. Nothing like I had before. I failed which means, negative. Seeing an endocrinologist, we’ve determined I was going through severe menopause symptoms. No one ever told me anything more than hot flashes and eventually, the joy of no period!

    Ladies, ladies, there is so much more to it than that. If your like me, my mother, grandmother, no one told me a thing…educate yourself. So my menopause was medicated heavily with 150mg sr morphine…use your math, divide your daily dosage into how much you’re getting per hour. Use that as your guide as you tamper down. I tried going down 30mg when I started…from 150. OMG…I’ve never been more on the edge in my entire life. My sword is double sided, I’m a psychic medium, so this horrible drug has masked and numbed my sensitive self.

    Jumping down 30mg at once was too much. Tapering you’re going to experience symptoms but not nearly as bad as going fast or cold. Once your get to the third day, you’re committed. Stick with it because this is the worst and you can pull yourself through. Again, I don’t suggest large mg. reductions. If you have capsules, you need to get an accurate count of how many Mgs. Then divide it down to see how close to 3 – 6 mg…3 Mgs for my manufacturer is 11 granules.

    I keep these in a small dark screw on bottle. Lock this with your meds because towards the end you’ll want to use this in tapering off. I’m down to 105 mg. May need surgery, so before going down further, I need to consult how that would work. If I had been off of them, I wouldn’t want to use these ever again. I’m educating myself, it’s my job because its my life. Do the same. Keep the sharing, the support. This drug is not stronger than we are. Just make up your mind…I’m down 45 mg! Who else is down? Who’s having problems? Vitamin C helps. Take Ester C, no acid to upset your stomach.

    Reply
  29. Thank you for all the info, it’s the government wanting more control over pain medication, they scare the Dr’s and add extra record keeping on them. I have taken pain meds for over forty years. I had been taking morphine for ten months. I am happy with it but my Dr says no more. I have a spine defect and have a hard time walking. Now with arthritis my quality of life is leaving day by day. If anyone has any ideas let me know.

    Reply
    • I have a condition called Arachnoiditis as well arthritis in the spine, I have been on morphine for the past 7 years (or possibly more) 30mg slow release morning and night, I decided to come off it so I got my Dr to give me my prescription in doses of 10mg. I very slowly reduced the morning dose till I reached zero in the day time, being reasonably active, gardening, but alas also slowly losing the ability to walk (I can ride a bicycle though) any distance, I could cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

      Now I am cutting down the evening dose and it is pure hell: restlessness, legs jumping, muscles cramping, sleep problems, weeping, oh all of the symptoms I am struggling with just 10mg, but worst of all my weight has ballooned. I lost a lot of weight when I was first put on morphine, but now my extra weight is not helping my back. Has anyone else experienced weight gain due to morphine withdrawal? I eat very sensibly and grow most of my veg and fruit.

      Reply
      • I have experienced similar withdrawal symptoms as you have. It has been approximately 6 weeks now with no morphine & although I have an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure (1st time evet), minor weight fluctuation & many other strange bodily changes, I know there is a tiny light at the end of this very long tunnel. Best of luck to you!

        Reply
  30. I was on M for about 5 years at 30mg 3 times daily (time released) In the past year I was able to get it down to 30mg twice daily. Most recently I got down to 15mg once each night before bedtime. Once I decided to give up that dosage and become clean of the drug the WD symptoms came on like hell. Constant yawning and uncontrollable sneezing along with various flu symptoms and explosive loose stool to boot. The worst thing being sleepless nights (averaging about 3 hrs per night. My care giver finally helped out with a muscle relaxer to calm my RLS at bedtime.

    It has been a week today since I threw the monkey off my back and I’m still experiencing a runny nose and sneezing and still didn’t get a good nights sleep. I have been going back to the gym for exercise trying to sweat it out of me. I do have faith that I can lick this but a little normalcy would help. I have hope that in another 3-4 days the rough times will be over and I can go into PAWS. Good luck in your endeavors and my God bless.

    Reply
  31. I started on MS Contin 60mg 4 x day about 12 years ago and lortab 10’s 4 a day. I have a Brain tumor that gives very very bad headaches. It’s a slow growing tumor and they have to keep going in and debunking it about every 4 years. I quit cold turkey the Lortabs. That’s been about 2 months ago with no withdraws. It was for breakthrough pain. Then I cut from 4 times a day to 1 time a day. It was hard but I have done it, I can not seem to stop that last one.

    I have been taking that 1 60mg morphine 2 months now and decided to stop… The runny noise started about 24 hrs after my last dose. Also chills and knee pain. Also bad headaches. But I need to dump this stuff bad. I want to feel the real pain and try something not so dependent. My question is since I am down to 60mg a day will I have bad problems? I was thinking since I have been on 60mg for a couple months that the low dosage would be easy or am I just wishful thinking. Thanks for reading

    Reply
  32. Today is my fourth day since taking my last morphine pill. I was on 30mg three times a day of extended release morphine for 5 years due to chronic pain. I was tired of being a slave to this drug. My doctor had me tapering down but I couldn’t stand it anymore so I quit cold turkey. Its been one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. I feel I’ve reached my peak with the physical withdrawals.

    Today I’m really struggling with the mental stuff…agitation, irritability, anxiety, paranoia. I’m just trying to stay strong and take control of my life again. It really helps having a supportive family. A couple things I found to help a little with the physical withdrawals have been Benadryl, ibuprofen, and sugar. There’s definitely no easy way but just try and stay strong!

    Reply
  33. I am coming off post-cancer morphine and gabapentin — 60mg morphine, 3200mg Gabapentin daily plus other medicines with the amazing help of Kratom. I will have chronic medium-to-severe pain for the rest of my life, so *WILL* be taking something…and to have the option to choose something natural is wonderful.

    In less than a month using it, I am taking 90% less narcotics. Amazing. FaceBook group “Kratom (new and current users)” is a tremendous help and steers you clear of the questionable vendors who are doing negative things to/with the plant. The withdrawls from the narcotics, especially Gabapentin, are horrid. period. Good luck to all trying to get off them. Happy new year, ~ jmdm

    Reply
  34. Really appreciate the info I have found here. Have only been on 15 mg every 8 hrs for about a month & a half. Got a flu bug and everytime I would take one, got sick, so waited till stomach settled down a few days before trying it again. Must have been wrong move. That was almost a week ago and have been having all the above symptoms I have read here. At least now I know I’m not crazy! Thanks to all for sharing.

    Reply
  35. I am on about 40 hours after taking my last dose of about 30 mg morphine twice daily… I’m experiencing extreme muscle aches, anxiety, restlessness and some other symptoms. Needless to say, I’m trying to get some exersise and eat well during this time to hopefully speed up the process of withdrawal. God bless.

    Reply
    • I hope everything went well for you. I am on day 5 of stepping down. I was up at 120mg of the suspension day I am down to 90mg a day of the suspension. The doctor is going to slowly wean me off it. Today I have been feeling just like crying for no reason what so ever. Then I started to have hot flashes. I know it’s all worth it in the end. After 15 years on it I know I need to get off it. I just wish I would have never been put on it. That was their answer for my problem instead of trying to help me with my nerve disorder.

      Reply
  36. How long do the withdrawal symptoms take? I have been on morphing for discs being out of neck and spine. I took 60mg for at least 20 years. Now my Dr. has went from 60mg 4 times a day to 30 mg every 12 hours. I am in so much pain and he cut me down …this Thursday will be 2 weeks. Someone please answer this and tell me as I don’t know how to cope. The Dr. said I’m not the only patient he did this to….he did like 30 more patients the same way.

    Reply
    • I was taking it for about 6 weeks for back surgery. The last 2 weeks I was only taking one at bedtime. I quit cold turkey. I never take any pain meds for anything and never even thought about withdrawal symptoms. I had every freaking symptom! Thought I was going to die! I’ve been without them for two weeks and I am still so nauseous! Nothing helps! Can not wait to feel better! I will never take that crap again!

      Reply
    • I wish I could tell you how to cope but I can’t. I would, however, suggest you see another doctor because I think that what he did with your medication was a little drastic, to say the least. My prayers are with you.

      Reply
  37. I leaving this for those of you who are on morphine because of a surgery, and will be on it for a month or 2 like I was. I was put on morphine sulf after a back surgery. I was on 120 mg a day for about 7 weeks, tried to ween myself off but started experiencing the withdrawals right away, I decided to go cold turkey thinking I wasn’t on it very long, so the withdrawals should be minimal…wrong!

    I had all the withdrawal symptoms mentioned above the worst being chemical hot sweats, extreme flu like symptoms, depression and at the very end restless legs and arms and insomnia … all totaled the withdrawals lasted about 15 days. After going through this I recommend weening very slowly over the course of 3 weeks or so, exercising as much as possible and drinking tons of water and Gatorade for the electrolytes.

    Reply
  38. My wife has taken morphine 60mg. 3 times daily for the last 13 years. She has taken lower doses for a total of 30 years. She is now on day 14 of cold turkey, she used marijuana from day 2 thru day 12 and had a relatively easy time with withdrawal symptoms some nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Now taking nothing at all. She is starting to eat solid foods and hydrating, she still has foggy brain stuff and is not very coordinated but she feels good today she went for a short walk she just wants to feel normal and is concerned about how long it will take to be normal. She is still determined to succeed and be clean of all addictive drugs. I love her and am glad she decided to do this.

    Reply
    • Congratulations to your wife for staying “clean.” Also, she is very lucky to have such an understanding husband. You should be very proud of her because getting off drugs like Morphine is so very difficult. I have been on only 15 mg a day for two months and tried to stop and couldn’t. I couldn’t bear the muscle spasms; the most awful feeling. It’s hard to believe that only 15 mg a day for such a short period of time could cause such havoc in my body.

      Reply
  39. I can’t sleep nor get comfortable. I’ve been off of it since Tuesday it is now Friday and I still have bad anxiety and can’t control it too well. It’s so heard because I feel drained but my body won’t sleep.

    Reply
    • I would say to hang in there because you have at least gone three days without it. I would ask the doctor for something to help with the anxiety. Stay with it and good luck to you!

      Reply
  40. I have been on 120mg twice a day, total of 240mg a day for 2 years since I had an accident with my back. I had blown 2 discs and the pain was unmanageable being a builder. The side effects of this drug are not to underestimated! You lose motivation, every week I have spend at least 1 to 2 days in bed like drug withdrawals / a come down / extreme flu symptoms, your sex drive disappears, short term memory loss is so severe and I had to go on antidepressants. I have now had my second double discectomy operation and I think it’s worked.

    I am desperate to come off this horrible debilitating drug. Today have tried to reduce the amounts to 100mg twice a day, but this evening the extreme flu like symptoms kicked in. Is this normal? I would prefer not to go on a substitute drug, but any other ideas folks? I know it’s going to be very very hard but I have been told my body could shut down if I go cold turkey? Any advise would be really welcomed. Regards, another morphine addict. Thank you for reading, David.

    Reply
    • Hi David. I fully understand what you are going through and can only tell you what I know. Morphine withdrawal isn’t dangerous but is extremely unpleasant. I know because I have been through it more than once. The last time was the worst because of the amount of Morphine I was taking and the length of time taking it. I was taking up to 600 mg of time release Morphine per day for around ten months.

      The withdrawal symptoms were the worst I’ve ever felt, ranging from thoughts of suicide to wanting to kill a completely random stranger. Plus all of the other physical symptoms others have mentioned. I eventually got myself registered with my local drug rehabilitation service who have put me on Methadone. This has helped me a great deal and I haven’t touched the Morphine for a while now and don’t have any cravings for it either. All I can suggest to anyone is to see your GP and get yourself on Methadone.

      If treated correctly you can rid yourself of Morphine and then successfully taper yourself off the Methadone for a drug free life. There is hope out there but you need to want it and be strong. Also for me, having faith in God has helped enormously so I will pray for those who want and need to be rid of this drug for good. All the best.

      Reply
      • I am happy to hear you are doing well on Methadone. I am a little concerned as I have heard it is difficult to come off Methadone. Please let me know how coming off the Methadone is going. ~Misty

        Reply
  41. Thankyou for your advice. I have been on 60 mgs 3 times a day for 6 years. I have also had back surgery for spinal degeneration. I have been trying for 2 weeks to get off this horrible drug. I am currently down to one 60 mg, but can’t seem to do without thjs last pill!!! I am seeing my doctor in a few days, so that maybe he can help. I am determined and am doing this alone. Well my poor dog betty has witnessed my moods. Anyway thanks again for the info.

    Reply
    • Dianne, I wanted to write you because the length of time and the dosage you & I have been on morphine is fairly similar. I see a pain doctor who is very careful about prescribing opiates for pain. That said, I had been on 40mg Kadian 2x daily for 3 years and on 60mg Kadian 2x daily for about 1.5 years. I just began tapering off the Kadian at the rate of 30mg per day for the 1 month after which time I will go see my doctor again before continuing downward (I assume by an additional 30mg per day for another month).

      He said that he favors tapering off very slowly, hence, 3 days ago, I began cutting my Kadian by 1/4 dose per month. (Instead of taking a 60mg capsule in the morning and at bedtime, I now take 15mg tablets 3x daily.) My doctor said I could experience some stomach upset and indeed, I have. He also prescribed clonidine Hcl 0.1mg tablets, and told me to take 1/2 tablet if I felt nauseous. I have done that a couple times so far.

      I have also noticed a *slight* increase in the nerve pain (the reason I began taking morphine in the first place). At this very early juncture in coming down off the higher dose, I’m hopeful that I can make it down to at least 30mg daily and maybe, with luck and good self-care, I can get off it completely. I wish you the very best of luck!

      Reply
  42. I have been taking hydromorphone tabs 3x day for back pain. All good until I went to the hospital for gastroenteritis. They took away the bottle of pills and lost them. Today is day 3 without them. My primary will not refill till next Tues and I feel like I am going to die: chills, extreme pain, and diarrhea. Taking Imodium, friend brought over gabapentin – seems to help a little. Any advice out there?

    Reply
    • Unfortunately, I don’t have any advice except to bug your doctor to give you a prescription immediately. I would also change doctors. A heartless bunch they are!

      Reply
    • Never ever take your pills to the hospital. Too many nurses are stealing them. They will fill your pain shots with saline and save the actual pain med for themselves. You wouldn’t believe the addiction rate for nurses and doctors. Gabapentin will help with your nerve pain but won’t do much for the withdrawal symptoms. Good luck to you Mike Sgro

      Reply
  43. I have been on 150mg a day for three years. After 5 failed back surgeries within 19 months that is what I ended up on. Two weeks ago my doctor decided there is nothing he can do for me and sent me to a pain clinic along with a script for Percocet. I tried the taper off process, and its been 33 hours since my last morphine pill. I did try to take a Percocet to hide the withdrawal symptoms but that only helps for about half hour. I feel like I am close to death. The sweating/chills at the same time and the restlessness is driving me crazy. What kind of doctor does this to a person after years on it!! I will get through this but I hope it doesn’t take a week like I read above. Anyone wanting to get off please have your doctor wean you, don’t go through this alone.

    Reply
    • I was prescribed morphine 60mg and have been on it for a little over a month. I ran out but was not pressed to get anymore because I wasn’t feeling pain. Lo and behold about 3 days passed without having those things and all hell broke loose in my body. My question is why in the world would a doctor prescribe this mess to people knowing that people will become addicted. I was taking it because I have stomach cancer. But I tell you the pain from my cancer was less problematic than this withdrawal mess. I’d rather just deal with the pain from cancer. It has been five days since I took that last morphine pill and I promise once this is over and complete I will NEVER TAKE THAT MESS AGAIN! THANKS FOR LETTING ME SHARE.

      Reply
      • How are you doing with the stomach Cancer? If you are in remission, then I would try everything to get off Morphine. However, if you are not in remission, I, personally, would continue to take the Morphine if it helps with the pain. I pray that you will get well soon.

        Reply
  44. I had been on morphine for the last 3 yrs due to a automobile accident. At my highest dosage I was on 240 mg a day then 120 mg and finally 60 mg’s a day for the last 1 1/2 yrs. Last month I started a chronic pain program through my medical provider to start the taper off. Its been 5 days since I’ve been off morphine, today was the worst so far with the body aches and hot flashes, but staying positive and knowing that I will feel better after this. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not there yet but I will get through this.

    Reply
  45. I was taking 60 mg every 12 hours until 3 weeks ago. It started about 1 week for me the withdrawals and it hit all of a sudden, I was taking a shower and my pelvic area started hurting all the was across my stomach and into both sides, I thought I was dying. I yelled for my wife she took me to the emergency room, they ran all kinds of tests and finally told me I was having bowl spasms.

    2 days later I wasn’t getting any better so I went to my doctor, they ran tests and couldn’t find anything, I quit cold turkey and it’s been three weeks, I have experienced every pain you can experience and still am but things are starting to get a little better. I was on Morphine for 5 years and it was a good drug for pain, but you just don’t know what is really wrong with you – it hides the pain. Right now I am feeling pain from three back surgeries, but at least I know how I really feel. It would have been best to have the doctor taper me off, the pain is horrible.

    Reply
  46. I’m am determined to get off my morphine. I’ve been on it for years! But if you want peace of mind, don’t cold turkey it! Get help from your doctor AND a therapist! I’m still going through withdrawal but I have a great support system, medical, mental and family…. Now for my back pain? Yes it’s bad but not as bad as being addicted to morphine. Take you time. Rest well, eat healthy, exercise, even if it hurts. Most of all, keep the faith! Stay prayer strong! Even NA can and will help! Good luck my friends, it’s the right decision to get off any opiate.

    Reply
    • Andrew – thank you for your post, as it gives me great hope. I have been on morphine for 8 years now. I was put on it by the VA upon being medically retired from the Marine Corps after being injured during combat operations in Iraq. I have to have both knees replaced, but I would rather deal with that pain than how this drug controls the activities of my life. I am so tired of the DTs associated with the meds every day.

      I am tired of hoping my script is mailed on time to me by the VA and comes before the DTs get out of control. I have tried to quit cold turkey……big mistake. However, now I just began the tapering process. Going from (2) 15mg time-released and (4) 15mg instant-release to (1) and (3). Even this small change causes terrible withdrawals. I can handle everything EXCEPT the flu-like back spasms and “tickle feeling”.

      The doctor has also prescribed 2 non-narcotic meds to help: one is a muscle relaxer and the other is a seizure medicine used to lesson certain chemical transactions in the brain (which I think is to lesson the brain from telling the “rewards system” in the nervous system that I need more morphine). As you, I am determined to rid myself of this “chain”. Likewise, without my faith and constant walk with Christ, I know I would fail. Please post more, as it is helpful and promising. My biggest question and fear is just how long does the withdrawals last until there are no more. Anyway, good luck to you!

      Reply
      • To Wilson: I also am a disabled vet put on morphine for a neck and back fusion. I was wondering if you know which drugs your Provider prescribed to help you, so I can ask my doctor. I have no family support so any advice would be appreciated. I would rather spend my own money in alternate therapies to manage my pain then to be a slave to this drug for the rest of my life. Also best of luck. Stay strong. Also thank you for your service to our country. God bless. -Lynn

        Reply
        • I am experiencing the joys of morphine withdrawal, my doctor stopped my prescription of 100mg MS Contin and 15 mg MS Instant Release (IR) because I, stupidly, smoked some pot at a party. So, my doc gave me 2 weeks of 60mg MS Contin and 1 month 15 mg MS IR. However, even tapering has not lessened the effects of withdrawal. I had to call 911 to get an ambulance, seriously thought I was going to die, still feel that way and it’s been almost 3 days without any morphine, and I took it for over 12 years.

          So, besides “crapping razor blades” for the last few days is joined by the associative stomach cramps, nausea, terrible headaches, restlessness, not to mention work. Going down like this is terrible, but I should not have smoked pot either, so I am where I am due to my own stupidity. I just wish this would end, so my life can resume. For the last three days I have just been in bed, or taking a hot bath (no help), constant throwing up, diarrhea, and major depression.

          Suicide almost seems better than these symptoms, but I know better than that. Also, don’t ever make the heroin mistake, I’ve seen too many people torn apart by that. I just want my life back. Good luck to any others suffering from this morphine disease caused by doctors just prescribing this medication, and stopping it at any time. They definitely didn’t give me enough to taper off, not after 12 years.

          Reply
          • I’m currently tapering off 100mgs every 8 hours of ms contin and up to 240 mgs of oxycodone 30mg IR tablets. I fell 60′ in 2005 and post lamenectomy L-4, L-5 on 12/2004. The fall I sustained broken ankles, bi-patella fractures, left femur fracture with rod, screws and nails in both legs permanently in place. All this eventually lead to long term usage which in turn lead to physical dependence to opiate medication. Through the years, both types of medicine became useless.

            Not only did I develop a tolerance to the medicine, but some people like myself develop syndromes from it. It now creates pain and makes existing pain much much worse. I’ve also developed what is called Narcotic Bowel Syndrome. The opiates have caused the digestive system to slow down so slow. If I eat later than 8 pm and I don’t take any Reglan, I will vomit the next morning. The belly says “take more meds, it’ll make your belly cramping go away, when in actuality I was only making it worse.

            After not listening to my GP and being hard headed, I started getting sick and tired of being sick and tired. Now with my GP very happy, I’ve decided to start the tapering journey. I also choose to start quickly and do not advise it. I stopped taking the breakthrough medication immediately. I’m still taking the ms contin 3 times daily, 300 mgs. I did this for 9 days before seeing my GP. She lowered my dose to 60 mgs every 8 hours for the next month. I did not ask for another new breakthrough script. I’m making sure to stay hydrated although my appetite hasn’t returned.

            I’m in recovery and have been clean and sober for 6 years, June 21st. The reason I added this little plug is that opiates were never my drug of choice nor had I ever abused them. I only wanted my uppers, so I never developed an addiction to them. Thank goodness as cocaine and crystal meth were bad enough. This is a physical dependence that I’m dealing with. I do take 20 mgs of Prozac for depression. I’m making sure to take a Potassium supplement during the total tapering time that stops the cramping in the legs and back.

            My Dr, God Bless her, who is with UCSF, just called and is prescribing me something for the cramping, not sure what it is, but being in touch with your GP through this ordeal can and is very very helpful. God Bless my sister on the other side of the country and technology, as we can face to face, text, talk, whatever. Having your family, friends, psychologist, self help groups and prayers if they help. Finally realizing what is really going on and the nature of opiate medications.

            At one time, the Drs and government thought that people with permanent long term pain were in the same category as passing patients. Within the past 4 years the FDA, Surgeon General and the medical community have come to realize that long term use of opiate pain killers are and can be detrimental instead of being instrumental. I think that some kind of force came over me and shined it’s light or Grace on me, that I finally have come to my senses. I wish anyone God’s Speed and all the best in the world. Hang in there, “This too Shall Pass”. Thanks for allowing me to share.

          • Your physician should not have been punitive about the use of another method of treating pain, or even because you smoked a bowl at a party (1) who hasn’t? 2) cannabis is so common it’s LEGAL in Colorado. You need to make this doctor treat your symptoms, they are his fault, not yours. Good Luck.

          • Derek, your letter is heartbreaking! I can’t say that I “feel your pain” or any such platitudes, but I will certainly pray for you. It seems to me, considering how long you were on morphine, that your doctor was remiss in stopping your pain meds so abruptly. Your body needs more time to adapt! I came across this website while searching for an answer to “weaning off morphine” because I was hit by a car while walking 3 weeks ago and my doc took me off 15 mg morphine yesterday.

            Prior to my prescription of 15 mg twice a day, I was on 30 mg twice a a day. Anyway, my dosage was nothing compared to yours. I know you’re in this predicament because you smoked pot at a party, but have you thought about using pot to alleviate your symptoms? I live in Washington state where it is legal but I’m aware it’s not legal everywhere. We have every strain imaginable at our fingertips here and it has been scientifically proven to help in so many medical instances from seizures to pain management. Please don’t give up!

          • I have stage 4 cancer and I live in WA state. I have a great doctor and I’ve been taking 90mg of time released morphine for a couple of years now. I was also taking oxycodone too. I told my Dr no more oxy cause I was abusing it. I would love to quit the morphine too. I hate being dependent.

            I’m always worried about my refills etc. You never know with the laws changing if this is the month your going to get cut off… I’m just venting, I’m waiting for my refill to get filled right now and still I worry. This is no way to live. I’m praying for help…

        • Try gabapentin and robaxin. The first one is a med that works on controlling your pain with the nervous system. The second one is a muscle relaxer. I am a disabled vet and am coming off of morphine sulfate slowly. Because of a recent brain injury my brain can’t handle withdrawal like I could before. I have a good mental health team at the VA and a very strong family support system.

          Reply
        • Suboxone is one substitute used for morphine withdrawal, but is just as addicting and you may as well stay on morph, as you’ll experience similar withdrawal symptoms when you taper off from that, as well.

          Reply
      • Please someone help me. I have been taking 100mg of Kadian (time released morph) for over 10 years. I quit cold turkey… not on purpose, but I was unable to keep anything down including water. It’s been 11 weeks and I have constant headaches, no sleep, sweating and anxiety. I’m confused as to what still withdrawing from as I quit smoking too. These side effects are killing me, but nothing I take helps that much, so I figure it’s withdrawal from something or somethings. Can opiate withdrawal last this long? What should I do? Help please.

        Reply
      • I am a disabled vet that is prescribed 4×30 mg morphine sulfate per day for neck and back pain resulting from multiple acute fractures at c6 and 7. I was taking 4x60mg per day but I could not function. I slowly tapered down and I usually wait a few months to tell my doc. I was taking 2×30 mg per day for a couple months and decided to stop. I am at day 3. I am sick of the side effects. I already have more energy.

        It is hell, but if you are accustomed to real pain you will be fine. My neck has hurt every day for 15 years and that is real pain. Drugs are different and cause an incomplete type of sensation. It is your body and you can have it back. Every cramp and sudden trip to the bathroom is a reminder that I am earning my body back. Suffer with resilience and pride if you must. Any vet will understand that.

        Reply
      • Wilson, thank you for your service. Thank you for posting the dosages you are taking. I have lupus and I’ve recently made my doctor switch me from 3 extended release 15mg of morphine a day to 2 15 mg immediate release a day. I haven’t taken any in about three days. I’ve been going crazy trying to figure out what’s wrong with me. I’m sick as can be. I didn’t think I could be having withdrawals at 15 mg, but that’s gotta be it.

        I usually take the morphine for joint pain. But tonight I finally took one because my stomach hurt so bad I couldn’t stand it and I felt another migraine coming on…. now I’m starting to feel better. Thank you so much. I guess I’m going to have to figure out how to taper off this crap. This is ridiculous, NOT taking morphine makes me sicker than my chemo.

        Reply
      • I too am a disabled vet from Iraq. Medically discharged after nearly 15yrs if active service. I was sent to VA after my injuries and that was in 2004. In 2006 they changed my meds and been on morphine. Now is Sunday father’s day, I started cold turkey this past Friday to get off all my drugs. Clonazepam, 2 different mg’s of depression drugs and the 2 different mg’s of morphine.

        It is the worst thing I’ve ever had to do and worse than the injuries sustained in the war. I hope it gets better soon, it’s been 3 days of the worst hell imagined. But I have my wife beside me and Jesus Christ in my soul. I will finish this fight like the Airborne soldier I was and still am in heart.

        I just wish the VA would do more for finding cures instead of shutting up a wounded warrior with drugs knowing the addiction rate and suicide rates are at their all time high. Wish me luck.

        Reply
    • I appreciate your commentary. I have been on an opiate for back pain for 7 years. The side effects became too much to handle – not even the new drug motanvik helped. It was time to get off morphine. I am two days in and the crawly skin and lethargy are enough to make me want to take another dose. I know that will send me backward. Even a twice a day 15.0 mg dose for the extended time hurts.

      Reply
      • I experienced the same Dculbertson. Since I am not strong enough to get off of Morphine I started eating Frosted Mini Wheats and a probiotic everyday. No more problem. I thought it was going to kill me!!! I hope you feel better soon!!

        Reply
    • My husband was on morphine for several years after a five car accident in the interstate broke his lower back and his neck. He managed to heal injured bones but the pain became so intense he couldn’t work any more. After we were married I found him help with the pain management. We switched doctors in February because we couldn’t afford the gas to drive the distance to his doctor.

      The new doctor took him off morphine cold turkey. He started giving him shots in his neck, back and he has migraines from occipital nerve damage. The nurse practitioner today told him his increased pain level were from withdrawal. I think we need to find him another doctor. He has been off the morphine for over 7 months. How long does it take to get past withdrawal symptoms?

      Reply
      • I have been through withdrawal many times unfortunately…I have a doc that doesn’t understand that if I take a pill at 7am and 7pm everyday for 30 days then 60 pills are gone, so if I filled on the 22nd and the month has 31 days it’s obvious to me I need them refilled (sarcastically) “super early” on the 21st, with 5 “extra” days a year including what I am told February should make up for…

        It is quite a pain in the butt, especially since I have a separate condition that causes me to vomit for days in a row, uncontrollably furthering the time without pain meds. If I could walk without them (especially since I want to get pregnant one day, but would never on these meds), I would get off of them too. I am currently working with a new pain doc to see if we can find something better.

        My dad has needed my care more than half my life, since I was 14 basically – so if I can’t walk we would have no food or anything cooked… Plus my first few withdrawal symptoms are difficulties breathing, vomiting (and I already am under weight with vomiting issues), and worse pain, muscle cramps and spasms that have put me in the hospital for weeks at a time over the last 6 years or so… But I am super concerned about withdrawal symptoms for SOOO MANY months!

        I would encourage you to seek a 2nd opinion of the symptoms. I have always been over the hard and majority of my symptoms in weeks not months. My fear for 7 months of blaming withdrawal is that there maybe something else happening… like when my doc said my knees hurt because I was fat – but 100 pounds less (250 to under weight at 5 foot 10 at 150, a year of physical therapy and strength training and my pain was worse.

        Now at the ripe age of 35 I have a need for double knee replacements and have an issue common among people double my age – osteoarthritis to go with my ruptured disks, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and other painful things (that if caught sooner would have given much more improvement and less severe solutions than joint replacements). Please go and get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion if needed.

        It seems to me that every time I have taken my alcoholic to rehab and came for visits, I saw many many people coming off of opioid things and by week 3, everyone reported either complete relief from physical symptoms or at least easily managed issues, all had the emotional stuff they had been numbing coming at them full force – be it grief or whatever, but not the flu, spasm, cramping, vomiting and things like that. The emotional stuff is harder to deal with it, it’s all about what level of work is put in, how long it was avoided, and how deep the issues – but also people that are truly addicted not just physically dependent have usually stopped maturing emotionally when they began using, well abusing so that factors in too…

        But if there are still physical symptoms affecting the quality of life. It’s past time to be evaluated. Not everyone works the same way, but you don’t want to wait letting something else get really bad thinking it’s just withdraw so it will pass… It may still be, but it being evaluated can’t hurt! But waiting might…

        Reply
      • It depends on how long he was on morphine and the amount. Some effects lasts for many months, this is no joke. This drug is highly addictive, very.

        Reply
      • Just my opinion but it sounds like the pain your husband feels is the real deal. From my research & experience, rebound pain usually stops no later than 4 weeks with no morphine. I have an ortho Dr who says that 7 “shouldn’t be in this much pain.”

        To make a long story shorter, get a 2nd (or 3rd) opinion! No medical professional should treat a patient like your husband has been treated. I’m very tired of being judged as though I was an addict despite never overusing or taking my meds differently than prescribed.

        Reply
    • Thanks Andrew. I have severe back injuries and DJD, etc. (very painful-can’t stand or walk upright anymore). Been on high dose MS Sulfate (liquid) and Fentanyl for 20 years now my doctor is trying to throw my care over to some clinic I do not want to go to. I believe I can cycle off drugs, done it so many times over the years, but needed the encouragement. Thanks again. Hope your well!

      Reply
  47. I am suffering from cervicalgia. Recently I took my prescription for morphine sulfate to Walgreen pharmacy, supposedly they have a new policy of calling the doctor who prescribed this med which I’ve being taking for 6 months already. So now they say the office is not answering the phone. They say they are calling after hours… duh of course they are not going to answer you idiots. I’ve been without the medication for 4 days already. I am going through withdrawals big time and I ended up in the emergency room thinking I’m really sick with some of virus or something. Thanks a lot f#cking Walgreens you might be open 24-7, but not a doctor’s office you morons.

    Reply
    • I went to a Walgreens with the prescription for Dilaudid and Fentanyl, which I had been on for years. They accused me of forging the script. I told the pharmacist if she really believed that, to call the police. She refused to fill it. I urge anyone not to go to Walgreens and endanger your life.

      Reply
      • This sounds like a problem with that particular employee and not of Walgreens Pharmacy as a whole. I’ve been getting very strong opiate prescriptions filled there for quite some time, and the only problems I have ever run into were when my prescription wasn’t filled out correctly or was illegible, and they had to call or fax to get my doctor to clarify something. I’ve been going to the same Walgreens for the past six months to refill MS Contin and Hydromorphone every 30 days, and I even do it in the drive-through in the middle of the night now with no problems.

        Reply
        • I’ve experienced these and other horrific practices from Walgreens. If you have any prescriptions you need regularly, stay away from Walgreens. Their practices are at best unethical. It’s not the employees’ fault, but they’ve gotten so much crap from patients I think they just default to being awful.

          Reply
    • Been on morphine for severe injuries that couldn’t heal properly due to brain injuries since 2008. I have CT off fentanyl patches before when I had pinched nerve bundles in my atlas from being rear-ended. I finally found a chiropractor who could tell exactly what the problem was… And it took him 2 & 1/2yrs to unpinch the nerves. Once that injury repaired, I CR off the fentanyl. When I got put back on it a year ago it was the low point of my life.

      I am ready to be off the patches again. We found two autoimmune conditions. And I believe with those treated my old injury pain will not be more than I can handle on my own. Getting to there from here WILL suck. FWIW… I sent my boys off to camp and I ripped off my patch. And I screamed and thrashed and kicked and puked and crawled to and from the toilet for the first week…

      No sleep jerking awake flailing limbs uncontrollably plus it felt like worms were under my skin eating my flesh. The boys came home after one week… I still had a few more hellish days. I spent those screaming into my pillows so as not to let them know what was going on. But by day ten the worst was over and it was all downhill from there. I still had a few flakey things happen here and there…

      Twitchy muscles, anxiety, muscle spasms… Randomly though. Nothing at all like the first week. That was hell. But it was over with fast. It just doesn’t feel like it from days 3-5. Those are truly rough. But for me, I just did not want to experience withdrawal every freaking month for a week as we stepped my dose down. That to me sounded more nightmarish than just doing it once and for all and being Done.

      Reply
    • Walgreens is the worst place to try to get pain management meds. They have a proactive pharmacist policy!! They think that doctors are over prescribing and that it’s their moral duty to control the access patients have to the meds they are properly prescribed. Even when the FDA allows for refills to be given when the prior Rx is 75% used. Walgreens refuse to allow refills to by filled until the prior months dose is more than 90% consumed.

      Which often means you have got to have someone who can take you to pick up your meds on the exact day you run out!! Bc you won’t have a single dose of overlap to let you switch to your new months meds in the middle of your work day or at bedtime. It’s insane!! My pharmacist has never once seen my X-rays, my blood tests, my multiple diagnoses. Nor do they ever see the physiological screenings I go through for my federally monitored pain clinic.

      Those pain specialists know me far better than any rotating walgreens pharmacists who never even recognize me by name or sight. This is not only walgreens corporate policy, but also do a search for these proactive pharmacists. They are an organized group!! And they believe it’s their job to make it impossible for patients to get the meds their own dry have Rx’d them.

      I found a board where a pharmacist who is now a chronic pain patient has tried to educate them about how wrong their actions are!! It’s terrifying how much these little minds are hellbent on using their little bit of power to make life hell for those who are at their mercy.

      Reply
      • If you have been declared permanently and totally disabled in a court of law (social security), it is against the Americans with Disabilities Act for a pharmacy to refuse your medications. It is a violation of your civil rights and you can sue them. Same with doctors. I’m going through wicked FORCED withdrawals right now.

        I did not ever expect to just have my Morphine yanked from me last month. My pain management doctor is known for withholding your pain meds if he doesn’t get to give you spinal epidural injections. He was told for a 3rd time month before last by my Endocrinologist TO STOP giving me those injections.

        I have severe osteoporosis and they have made the bone damage worse. So last month I went in for my regular appointment and he refused to fill the Morphine, yet filled my Percocet. I cannot take this. I have filed a formal complaint with our State Medical Board and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

        But in the meantime I saw my primary care doctor who is also an internal med doctor. And know that in Oklahoma according to our laws of prescribing, ANY treating physician can prescribe opioids. We do not have to see pain management. He PROMISED me and my son who is my caretaker that he would help me and then waited and waited. Got an email and now he is backing out.

        Says it is just too “cumbersome” to help me! SCREW HIM. He will also be turned in to the Medical Board. I have 34 diseases and illnesses the majority of which cause chronic intractable pain and was diagnosed with CRPS 3 years ago and there is no cure for this.

        The only thing that can be done is to treat the horrid pain which according to the McGill Pain Scale is 45 out of 50 and worse than amputation. I am about to die here.

        Reply
        • Abby you are unfortunately experiencing what is a nationwide system wide over reaction and misinterpretation of the new cdc guidelines issued in March/April of this year. These guidelines specifically state: THEY ARE NOT MANDATORY. THEY APPLY ONLY TO CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS IN A PRIMARY CARE setting… NOT a federal pain clinic trained in these drugs. THEY DO NOT APPLY TO CHRONIC PATIENTS STABLE ANS DOING WELL ON (the arbitrarily pulled from their ass >/= 200MME) DOSES EXCEEDING 200 MME/ day.

          And PAIN DRS SHOULD NOT CHANGE PATIENTS WHO ARE STABLE AT THEIR DOSE, HAVE COMORBIDITIES (like you I am up to 3 dozen known conditions… So far… With more yet to diagnose), AND WHO HAVE BEEN STABLE AND HAVE NO SIGNS OF OPIATE ABUSE SYNDROMES FOR >3 Months. Yet across the country, pain clinics are callously yanking pain meds away from patients with known diagnosed untreatable and uncurable pain conditions.

          I predict based on the talk on hundreds of pain boards online that within the year the suicide rate will spike astronomically amount pain patients who cannot mentally bear to live a bedridden pain filled life 24/7. What happened to first do no harm?!? As a parent and a patient I have the right with cancer, dialysis, transplants, and a whole host of life altering diseases to take the risk of having a shortened life…

          But one which still allows me to live during those years I am still alive! Why am I not afforded the same rights as a pain patient??? The overall risk of overdose or breathing sedation causing death for the dose and drugs I am taking is less than 0.25%… For the math impaired, that is less than 1/4 of 1%. I will take those odds for the chance to spend those days enjoying my husband, children, grandchildren, family, and living a life I enjoy!!!

          Because the alternative is inhumane cruelty. I DO wish the hell of this pain and loss of all functions and the capacity to live independently upon every politician and medical person who have overstepped and are withholding critical life saving medications from patients dying in agony. May they be tormented by those souls who take their lives when the pain is more than the human psyche can endure for decades.

          And these arrogant asses should be refused any and all pain alleviating measures for the real of their long and hellish lives as they writhe in pain… To begin to atone for their crimes against humanity.

          Reply
          • I have been taking 240mg of MS Contin daily for over 6 years and today my Insurer, BCBS of Michigan, a Medicare Advantage Plan, informed my Pharmacist that they could only give me 30 pills vs. the 120 per month that I have been receiving for a cervical spinal injury that has disabled me for 16 years. I am expected to take 30mg a day by the Insurance Company. When I asked the Pharmacy the cash price, the person replied “We don’t do that.” I want to sue BCBS Michigan, or at least break their neck so they have bone on cord contact.

          • I don’t get why the attitude towards using pain medications have been becoming that they are too unhealthy and addictive for anyone who is not in a hospice about to die from cancer any minute. Why should people with any painful health condition have to suffer? And what is wrong with being addicted to opioids if they are the only meds that eradicate the pain that is unbearable without it?

            Does living in chronic pain make you a hero because you refuse to take something that is produced by a plant nature has supplied? Being dependent on medication isn’t ideal but it’s better than having a quality of life that is so low due to chronic pain that suicide is an attractive option.

          • Here in Washington State the limit for Primary Care docs is 120mgs MED. We are currently in a crisis because one of the largest pain clinic “chains” was shut down at the end of July following several patient deaths. That was 8 pain clinics that served mostly Medicaid patients. I am not totally clear on whether the legal powers-that-be are more upset about the deaths or the loss of money from alleged Medicaid fraud.

            Washington State has some of the most restrictive pain laws in the nation and many states are using us as a template to create their new laws (sorry, America). The DEA has also done a fiiiiiine job of “cracking down” on doctors and “making examples” out of them (mmmmm, smell that sarcasm?), which has driven many pain doctors to cease practicing because they (rightfully) feel harassed & intimidated.

            …Aaaaaand nobody forewarned Washington doctors that the 8 pain clinics were going to close (tsk). So guess what?? We. Have. A. Crisis. Which, BTW, the state was warned about by pain activists 6 years ago and was ignored. Watch us here in Washington, pain partners, because something has gotta give. We have 8,000 pain patients on narcotic pain medication who cannot find doctors. Yes I wrote EIGHT THOUSAND out of an estimated 25,000 patients of these clinics.

            I looked up the provider directories for all 4 Medicaid plans in this part of the state (where we are affected). THERE IS NOT ONE SINGLE DOCTOR TAKING PAIN PATIENTS. One of the 4 health plans doesn’t even have one on the list at all. Does that sound LEGAL? Does that sound EQUAL fair under ADA? ANYBODY FREAKING NOTICING US HERE IN WASHINGTON STATE?

            We were told: call the Crisis Line if we were upset (are you laughing or are those tears?). We were told to go to our primary care doctors (PCPs) and they could manage our meds. The newspaper printed happy stories about how PCPs were stepping up to do their duty (cue music). I sure wish I knew which PCPs they meant. I spent 9 hours on the phone trying to find one and none of them would take me because I am a Chronic Pain Patient (Use Capital Letters Because This Is My Label in the eyes of these docs.)

            The doctor I got took me off the medications I had been stable on for 3 years because she was uncomfortable with them. We talked about addiction, overdose, and misuse, as well as her fear of losing her license, but never my pain. She could have consulted with a pain specialist and then re-filled my stable meds and she would have done her due diligence. She could have then done monthly refills with UAs and a pain contract.

            But she chose to change everything I was on and cut my medication dramatically. And treated me like a criminal. One of us is happy. She doesn’t have to treat me anymore but boy was I innocent when I thought finding another, “supportive” doctor was the answer. I know where I could go if I could afford $800/mo Premera. But hey, my disability is $756/mo and Medicaid is what I got. As well as pain.

            What I lost… what I lost is EVERYTHING I was going to do this fall and winter because now I hurt too much to do it. What a great quality of life… not.

        • MMJ maybe? MMJ edibles? MMJ oils, drops, creams, etc? Its working wonders for many people like you. And yes there are strains that don’t give you that high. I was against it until my pain med stopped working. Even voted against it but now I’m all for and cant believe how it’s managed my pain.

          Reply
          • Smoking a bowl while reading this. Opiate addicted for the last 10 year from Norco to morphine and 1/2 dozen others in between. Tapering off since May Down to 30 mg extended relief from 135 mg a day. RLS is been kicking in for about a week.

          • Why did you vote against the use of cannabis? I am currently going through morphine withdrawals and cannabis helps immensely. Just plain smoking it when needed. I am sorry about your problems but you voted against a very good medicine cannabis.

        • Oh Abby I feel for you and have recently dealt with this same situation!! It is so totally unfair and cruel!!! I lost my Primary Dr. due to her making a career change, she was wonderful and compassionate and although she did try to get me to a “Pain Management” Dr. When I couldn’t get a decent one that wanted to take me on as a patient she kept prescribing my pain meds and working with me gently and slowly to bring them down to a more sensible level which I appreciated!

          Now I’ve been sent to one of the very few choices in Pain Clinics in my town I have a young, arrogant, Doctor who is all about forcing you into the spinal injections and says prescribing pills just isn’t his “Style”?!?!?!? I almost dropped my jaw on the floor when he said that to me! I, like you, have many issues causing my pain above and beyond spinal problems from polio as a baby that is twisting my spinal column like a wrung out dishrag, along with arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Post Polio Syndrome etc!

          I have Volumes of medical records, MRI’s as well as X-Rays and proof of failed attempts at Medial Branch Blocks that literally put me in bed for a month afterwards! But I must bow to his “Style” a Pain Dr. That won’t prescribe the very medications that give you help and relief!! I’m so angry and discouraged I just told him I’d like to quit the meds rather than be subjected or “Forced” to endure needles full of steroids being fed into my twisted spine or have my pain receptors destroyed so I risk feeling nothing!!!

          They call it progress the latest and greatest solutions for spine patients, you will feel great and not need medications anymore right?… I call it… inhumane!!! I can’t even count on two hands all the people locally that I talk to let alone on the internet that not only get no relief from these procedures but have more problems afterwards!! I wish we really could exercise these rights as pain patients we are supposed to have?!

          What’s become of the medical profession? Well in my estimation they’re having trouble covering their rear ends while trying to save face at the same time!! They no longer care for their patients but instead spend more time worrying about repercussions for prescribing medicine people really need! I apologize for hopping on my soapbox here but it’s such a horrible dilemma that’s leaving soooo many people with no quality of life anymore it’s hard not to get upset!

          Reply
      • Walgreens sucks for pain meds. They treat us pain management people like crap. I no longer go there but when I did they told me it would take 2 hrs to fill cause of the paper work. I use to pick mine up before work at the 24 he drive through cause I work at 5 in the morning. They told me they won’t fill them until 10 am. On day 31 if you have to wait till 10 you are going into withdrawals. I went to Walgreens for years but now that I’m in pain management I will never use them again. They are just downright rude to us people.

        Reply
        • I had very negative experiences with Walgreens & ended up switching pharmacies with no time to spare. I heard something about a lawsuit filed against them in FL, so they may have run scared about prescribing opioids. Rite Aid has shown to be much less judgmental & supportive as well. Prompt & professional.

          Reply
    • Please, please, please switch to a different pharmacy Walgreens is The Absolute Worst when it comes to your pain meds… they must be trained by the CIA… joking of course but half serious! I use CVS and have a long standing relationship and have gone out of my way to personally get to know the Pharmacy Managers (Pharmacists) and all the techs etc! That has in my experience made it so much easier and successful!

      I always go in a few days early too just to turn in my scripts and ask that they make sure they’ll have my meds on the exact day I’m going to need them! I realize I may be an exception and that not all pharmacists will work with you on scheduled drugs but it’s worked for me never have I gone without my meds!! If not another corporate pharmacy find one that specializes in pain management drugs they’re out there!

      Best of luck to you! I am in the midst of a decrease off MsContin and Norcos after losing my Doctor of long standing to a career move and ending up with a young ego driven, new Pain Dr. Who refuses to continue my meds unless I give in to epidural back injections!!! Been there once and it was a nightmare… but unfortunately with every new doctor you end up back tracking and as I like to say “Jumping through flaming hoops” to satisfy their ideas of what should or shouldn’t help you!

      In my opinion Pain Management has become a travesty for those of us that have legitimate needs but not much we can do. I’m throwing in the towel and getting off these horrid drugs even though my new Dr is bringing me down way too quickly, hence my visit here, I am committed to quitting!! I’ve been on MsContin and Norcos etc for 11 yrs now it is not easy stopping. I wish everyone here all the best in their own situations!

      Reply
  48. I have been on 300mg of morphine sulphate for over 8 years. DO NOT BE FOOLED, this stuff is much more potent than you realize. (I feel the doctor that put me on this dose should be shot) I am currently completely off of the drug and going through withdrawal. It has been 9 days so far. Still experiencing a LOT of symptoms. I tapered off this drug pretty quickly, which I don’t recommend.

    2-50mg for 2 days, 2-25 for 2 days, 25 for one day. This is too quick for the dose and time frame I was on the drug. I have had the help of clonazapam, but its not enough. If you have been on morphine at a dose like this for an extended time, I recommend going in the hospital to detox. Its just too much to deal with personally. Thanks

    Reply
    • Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I was taking morphine just for couple of months, due to column surgery and I say with all my heart that if I knew all this was going to happen I would much more prefer to deal with the severe pain my self taking regular pain med’s instead of morphine. I would have never in my life agreed with the doctor on this if I knew.

      It was very short time taking it but since it is highly addictive one can get hooked in one or two days. I have to say that my dose was only 10mg three times a day and some times I only took two doses. But it was more than enough to cause all this caos. I personally agree with you in the part of doctors being shot. I will make sure this will never happens to me or someone around me ever. Thank you very much, you are more than brave, this is surviving. God help you and bless you.

      Reply
    • That is a very fast taper. I feel for you. My doctor prescribed me a medication that was not on the Medicaid formulary to replace Extended Release Morphine, which I seem to have an asthmatic response to. I went back to him an hour later and when he discovered all the extended relief meds required prior authorization, his office told me there was nothing more they could do for me.

      She stood right there with my useless prescription in her outstretched hand and no matter what I said she told me there was nothing more they could do. It wasn’t true. All that doctor had to do was fill out the ppwork and FAX it to the pharmacy. This doctor has 20 years of MRI reports, chart notes, you name it. I didn’t just walk in off the street.

      So I went home and spent a week withdrawing from my Morphine ER cold turkey and calling the doctor to ask if the ppwork was done and asking the pharmacy if they’d received it. Nope. This is the beginning of my 2nd week. Still have the non-stop headache and some nausea. I feel like a truck hit me. I want to know what happened to the oath of “Do no harm”.

      Reply
      • I have suffered from spinal, problems for many yrs. Have been going to PM drs since 2012, because my husband and I had to change our insurance, I had to find another PM dr. After jumping through all kinds of hoops, I finely found another pain clinic. But not before I ran out of my pain meds, even being on a low dose of morphine and oxycodone has not helped. I tried to taper down myself but it has not been enough.

        My old drs knew this was going to happened but ya know most people, don’t care if I don’t involve them. So not only did I have one opioid, but two to withdraw from. I have never been so sick, the nausea was not this bad even when I was pregnant with my son. I ended up in the ER twice, I didn’t tell them at first why I was so sick, I didn’t want them think I was trolling for pain meds.

        I have migraines really bad. But the next time I went back, I told the nurse practitioner. I was going through withdrawals. She said that the withdrawals were making my migraines worse, this is so hard I’m always nauseated, and my head hurts all the time. I’m on other meds to which I’m not taking like I should. And now my BP is high.

        This not the right way. Because if not for the change in my insurance, I wouldn’t have had to go this way. Of course my old pain clinic could’ve given me enough meds, to last to the first of this month, like they said they would I always did every thing I was suppose to do with them, never took more meds than I was suppose to. And this is my thank you for trying to to the right thing.

        Reply
    • You are a tough one bro. Hang in there. You can do this. Especially going almost cold turkey from such a high dose. I was n 100 mg a day for 8 years. I tapered a lot slower than you. I have been opiate free for 2 months and it is still #*:€^~\ with me badly.

      If I did not have the love and support of my family I could not do it. I wild have to be hospitalized! As far as these Drs (dope pushers). I agree. Most are getting “kick backs” from “big pharma” per head. They are more worried about that next house payment, than the good of good people that get hurt.

      Reply
    • I agree, I have spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia and RA. I am taking morphine 60mg ER 3×a day for 5 years Now. Before that I was on Methadone and I took myself off it because I realized I was being a nasty person. I am not that at all. So a new doctor told me to stop it and put me on Morphine.

      Wow what a 3 weeks I will never forget. No sleep at all for 1 week in so much bone and muscle pain so bad I wanted to die nothing stopped it until 3 weeks later got a little better. I DO NOT recommend detoxing on your own. I am in pain 24 hrs a day even with my meds but I can’t take these meds anymore they have changed my personality and life so much I have been single for 15 years but I want a man in my life and a normal life.

      I am afraid of the pain I am going to feel but I have to do it, I leave it in Gods hands.. I want to come off this and do it in the hospital. I hope my ins covers it. I am thinking of going to cannabis which I heard it is a better choice for pain, although I have to pay for it! I hope and pray it works for me! God help me! I hope this helps someone and sorry for so much venting.❤

      Reply
  49. I’m surprised that there are no comments here. It’s a well written and accurate as I’ve personally been dependent of opioids, and it’s not fun to stop, but unless you want to die due to respiratory depression or get tired of your current habit and switch over to heroin since it’s usually cheaper than prescription opioids.

    I recommend anyone reading this to not go down this path.

    You never see old heroin addicts.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.