Morphine Withdrawal: Symptoms + How Long Does It Last?

August 1, 201415 min read

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.

Reader discussion (229)

Previously published reader comments are preserved below. New comments are not currently being accepted.

AnonymousAugust 4, 2014
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.
John StackmanApril 11, 2015
Keith Richards
GracieApril 24, 2016
Keith Richards has been on methadone for years. And look at his face. War-torn, brilliant musician. I didn't realize how much till I read his memoirs.
Melanie GarlingJuly 15, 2016
William S Burroughs
Darren LogwoodSeptember 29, 2014
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
Blanca RodriguezFebruary 22, 2016
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.
NotACriminalOctober 18, 2016
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".
DianeNovember 4, 2016
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.
jimDecember 2, 2016
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.
Denise BMarch 7, 2017
Taper is too rapid, but yes a hospital is a better environment for a rapid detox.
RosalindDecember 6, 2017
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.❤
proviOctober 14, 2014
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.
Lisa RichardsOctober 24, 2015
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.
MikeNovember 1, 2015
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.
PjcDecember 19, 2015
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.
JenOctober 26, 2015
What did the ER do to help you? I'm in a very similar situation.
StandswithfistApril 11, 2016
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.
StandswithfistApril 11, 2016
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.
AbbyApril 18, 2016
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.
StandswithfistMay 14, 2016
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.
SteveJune 1, 2016
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.
AnnaJuly 19, 2016
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.
JoyceSeptember 26, 2016
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!! Fabulous letter, one of the best. Best of Luck to you, and RIGHT ON and all that other good stuff.
NotACriminalOctober 18, 2016
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.
TIFFANYAugust 8, 2016
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.
DaveAugust 30, 2016
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.
LeeDecember 26, 2016
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.
LoreleiSeptember 2, 2016
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!
Pink ladyOctober 6, 2016
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.
JennDecember 27, 2017
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.
LoreleiSeptember 1, 2016
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!
Andrew BustamanteOctober 18, 2014
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.
WilsonOctober 19, 2014
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!
lynnApril 16, 2015
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
DerekMay 27, 2015
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.
LeeJuly 17, 2015
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.
brwnpaprbgJuly 25, 2015
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.
DebbieJanuary 20, 2016
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!
KathyJuly 2, 2016
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...
TCAugust 17, 2016
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.
JennDecember 27, 2017
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.
debbieJanuary 21, 2016
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.
JtrJanuary 21, 2016
I am a disabled vet that is prescribed 4x30 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 2x30 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.
SamanthaJune 18, 2016
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.
Bill RodgersJune 19, 2016
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.
DculbertsonOctober 11, 2015
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.
TeresaSeptember 11, 2016
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!!
crispy critterNovember 10, 2015
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?
JJanuary 21, 2016
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...
Blanca RodriguezFebruary 22, 2016
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.
MopJennDecember 27, 2017
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.
OiOiJuly 6, 2016
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!
T CaudillOctober 19, 2014
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.
Paul DOctober 22, 2014
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.
Blanca RFebruary 22, 2016
Paul it is so comforting to read your comments.
JenNovember 6, 2014
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.
Shawrie CannonJanuary 17, 2015
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.
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
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.
Mike SgroNovember 7, 2014
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?
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
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!
TeresaSeptember 11, 2016
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
Diane McQuinnNovember 16, 2014
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.
Elsa AlthenJanuary 17, 2016
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!
DavidNovember 21, 2014
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.
RayOctober 14, 2015
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.
Misty ReedMay 21, 2016
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
brianNovember 28, 2014
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.
KayFebruary 28, 2015
Brian I know exactly how you feel... The aches, excessive and persistent sweats, and inability to sleep is just dreadful.
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
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!
Ron sheweloffDecember 15, 2014
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.
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
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.
JohnDecember 16, 2014
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.
Momof4December 16, 2014
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.
SarahJune 8, 2015
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!
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
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.
rayDecember 17, 2014
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.
Crystal BensonFebruary 1, 2015
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.
QuilterDecember 18, 2014
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.
Joana Dougherty McGeeDecember 26, 2014
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
Staying StrongDecember 30, 2014
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!
DanielJanuary 2, 2015
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
JohnJanuary 9, 2015
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.
JennDecember 27, 2017
Hope you're doing much better now. It's not easy to look this devil in the mirror but you did it, with chronic pain, to boot!
leilaniJanuary 18, 2015
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.
JSimoneFebruary 13, 2015
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.
JennDecember 27, 2017
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!
TeresaJanuary 20, 2015
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.
anonymousJanuary 27, 2015
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!!!
GlenFebruary 5, 2015
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.
MandyFebruary 13, 2015
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.
Michael DunnFebruary 22, 2015
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.
LyndseyMarch 8, 2015
Your story is amazing!
LisaOctober 24, 2015
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.
SamanthaJune 18, 2016
Thank God for healing you! You'll be in my prayers as you continue to improve and get that morphine out of your life.
Linda HodgesFebruary 28, 2015
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.
FredApril 17, 2016
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!
Terri JonesMarch 1, 2015
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.
yvonneMarch 2, 2015
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.
FredApril 17, 2016
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!
Carolyn TarantoMarch 14, 2015
I was taking 30 mg and stopped and said no more of this after 8 years. Stopped Feb 4th 2015. Only problem is nausea in my stomach everyday. Will this go away?
izzyMarch 18, 2015
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.
BartMarch 25, 2015
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.
DaveAugust 30, 2016
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!
ChristinaApril 9, 2015
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?
SternApril 16, 2015
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.
FredApril 17, 2016
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.
RichardApril 17, 2015
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 :)
DelilahMay 23, 2015
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.
DianeJuly 2, 2015
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.
lisaOctober 25, 2015
I envy you. I cannot live without Pain meds. I am suffering from too much pain. You are one of the lucky ones.
SteveJune 1, 2016
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.
FredApril 17, 2016
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).
JoanneFebruary 1, 2016
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.
NathanApril 19, 2015
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.
DavidApril 22, 2015
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.
LisaOctober 25, 2015
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.
they suckApril 22, 2015
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.
JosephApril 24, 2015
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.
anonymousApril 25, 2015
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.
cathMay 3, 2015
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.
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
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!
anonymousMay 12, 2015
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.
TerryMay 16, 2015
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
DianeMay 31, 2015
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.
StacyJune 3, 2015
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.
PineapplesJune 7, 2015
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.
GraemeJune 11, 2015
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.
PaulJune 25, 2015
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.
KariJune 25, 2015
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.
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
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.
PaulJune 27, 2015
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.
MikeJuly 10, 2015
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.
FrancesJuly 14, 2015
I recently had a revision of an old knee replacement which was 11 years old. I was given Morphine 15mg to take home with me and was told I could take up to six pills a day. The most I took in one day was three and for the last two months I take one at night. I tried to come off by taking one every other night but the physical symptoms were very difficult to deal with since I have rheumatoid arthritis and am in a flare-up because I missed two infusions (chemo-therapy) due to the surgery. My GP will not give me another prescription so I have to stop taking this drug but I am petrified. I am on a lot of other medications for various health issues including Pristiq and Clonazepam. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to get off this drug?
BillSeptember 1, 2015
Day 1 withdrawal...Complete exhaustion Day 2 diarrhea and no appetite Day 3 insomnia and sweating Day 4 insomnia and sweating Day 5 appetite slowly increased but felt like I had a fever Day 6 to 10 gradually everything returned to normal It was a very unpleasant experience to say the least.
MakaylaMarch 1, 2016
I have been on ms morphine for 3 years. I have been tapering without much success. BUT I STILL TRY EVERY MONTH. This month I ran low (purposely threw away 1.4 of my doses) Now I am down to 15 mugs 2 times daily. It's bad, I have all symptoms but am hopeful. I will only have enough to get me through 2 days for I am going to reduce tomorrow to only 15 mg I time daily then 7.5 the next then none at all. Pray for me please! It hurts already, but I, just like so MANY of you, am so tired of being a slave to this drug.
MonaSeptember 9, 2015
I live in Canada. Went for a massage for a sore shoulder in July and the masseuse decided to pretend she was doctor and shifted my hips oddly. I now have a herniated sciatic disk in my back. The pain was so unbearable I could barely move. I couldn't sit or lay on my back, I could only lay on my stomach. The first week the doctors prescribed me percs, but I was going through them like candy. So they put me on 30mgs of morphine every 12 hours, figuring this would help me for the pain as well as be easy to stop taking. Literally saying to me that "when ever you feel you no longer need them and can stop and switch to advil just stop and do so". So after 4 weeks... I did. That was the worst thing I could have done. 24 hours later I was at the hospital with severe vomiting (I couldn't even keep a sip of water down, it would come back up immediately), anxiety, shaking, chills, restlessness, insomnia... I have a 10 month old baby I neId to be able to look after him, so this was not working for me. After speaking to 2 doctors at the hospital they decided I should taper off the drug by taking 15mgs, and when I asked them for help with my stomach, their opinion was that once I had the morphine back in my system the withdrawal would stop. I went to my family dr received 15mgs, again asked for help with my stomach and was told try gaviscon. Early that morning I was back at the hospital emergency still vomiting, actually vomiting bile at the point, severe chills, unable to control my legs, dehydrated, severe anxiety, panic attacks, crying, insomnia, severe pain... it was the worst thing I've ever experienced, and I've had 2 emergency C sections. The hospital put me on an IV drip, then tried 2 stomach drugs for nausea made for cancer patients and made me take one of the morphine 15mgs pills. All while freaking out on the gurney feeling like I was losing my mind. Then sent me home the second I finally relaxed and fell asleep at 6 am with 2 pills for my stomach. For 2 more days I tried the 15mgs, still having withdrawal symptoms throughout. I went to the walk in doctors clinic to get more meds for the stomach, and finally broke down. I said to him under these circumstances with my history, ignoring everything the other doctors have decided for me so far what would you do. He said, that I was only prolonging the withdrawal and to just stop taking everything. That I would have 72 hours of hell, but that he thought I was strong and could get through it. So I did. I'm 48 hours in. And it sucks!! From not being able to stay still, anxiety, insomnia, tightness in my chest, gasping to breathe, shallow breathing, chills, diarrhea like I've never had before, sweating through layers of clothes through the sheets, pain so bad I cried and screamed for 3 hours... I'm not going to recommend cold turkey... I really wish I had come across one doctor that would have listened to me and taken my symptoms seriously and sent me somewhere for help. I'm lucky I have an amazing family to support me and look after my son. But this was ridiculous. Even though I was not on that strong of a dose for that long, I was VERY sensitive to the morphine and my body acted like it was a massive dose. And as I sit here writing this with massive cramping pain, all I can say is stay away from these drugs. Get off them as fast as possible. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through this.
Mo RussellSeptember 10, 2015
I have been on some form of extended release morphine sulfate for about 15 years now. First it was the fentanyl patches, then Avinza and now Kadian (generic). I'm at 300 mgs per day...or WAS until a month ago. My taper is going in increments of 20mgs. I tried withdrawal at 40 mgs of decrease per day about 8 years ago and it was hell on earth. This time, the 20 increment decrease is working "pretty well". The problem is that the pain I have is chronic and there's no magic fix. I am only at the 260 mgs stage right now. But I'm going to see how I do as I keep the decreases of 20 mgs at a time going. I feel awful for all of you and the stories of read of your withdrawals. I know it can be hell because I've felt it. I was unsuccessful 8 years ago but I am feeling better this time around. My doctor is changing these every two weeks. So it's going to take a minimum of six months if I DO make it through this. My only symptoms so far are the following: sweating like crazy (which for a 52 year old menopausal woman ain't fun!? :)), burning pain in my shoulder blades and actually my entire torso, which seems to disappear as I adjust to the new dose, headaches (which I NEVER get, it's the only place that doesn't hurt on my body!?), and low blood pressure, when I stand up I get incredibly dizzy. Other than that, this time, there is NO nausea, no shakes, no increased depression, no suicidal feelings, no "additional" anxiety, and really ...nothing much that is mentioned above. The downside to all of this is, it's going to take a LONG time. However, my goal is to try to deal with my pain through yoga, stretching and my usual exercise routine. We shall see. I have more hope than most people and tend to be very positive and I hope those help. Good luck to anyone who is trying this and please, if you can be patient, do it slowly because withdrawal is much more tolerable that way. :)
VictoriaSeptember 10, 2015
I really feel for everyone who has tried or is trying to get off morphine. I am horrified at the cavalier attitude many doctors have about withdrawal. The pain management place I have been going to for 4 years (degenerative disk disease, at least 2 of my disks are completely flat, and I have neuropathy in both legs) suddenly changed staff, and the physician's assistant I saw yesterday was someone who used to run an urgent care facility years ago. What's weird about this is that he is into alternative quackery such as Reiki, "healing at a distance", and "intuitive healing". I never thought I would see him working at a place where most of the treatment is just prescribing opiates. When I entered the facility yesterday, it was nearly empty. I think what's happened is the clinic is cutting people off and dumping them - that is the only explanation I can think of for a clinic that is usually full to be suddenly nearly empty. I told the PA the morphine wasn't working as well as it used to (tolerance), and that it interferes with my vacation plans (I had to cancel a Christmas trip last year because the DEA has now made it nearly impossible to fill out of state prescriptions). His idea? "Just stop taking them." Go from 60 mg/day time-released morphine sulfate to nothing? It says in my chart I take medication for hypertension - didn't he think that just stopping would cause my blood pressure to skyrocket? And to top it off, this guy used to work at the same drug rehab place I worked at (I was a D&A counselor), so he really ought to have been better educated than to suggest something like that! So, he ended up prescribing 15 mg BID (cut the dosage in half, essentially) with 10 mg oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I asked him what else could I do if I still have pain after I come off the meds? His answer: "Continue with your vegetarian diet and ignore your pain." I am not aware that disks can regenerate (unless you're Dr. Who), so I don't think I am going to be pain-free without medication by just ignoring it. There is no evidence to support Reiki (this "life force" they talk about doesn't exist), acupuncture, or hypnotherapy for pain management. I am shocked that a pain management clinic would hire someone who is such a quack. So far I am OK with the dosage, though I did have some extra 30 mg pills so I am at 45 mg, not 30. I will taper off to 15 mg/day by the time I go back next month. I am just so tired of having to schedule visits with my adult kids around my opiate supply. I don't know what I will do about the pain. I already do all the cognitive things I am supposed to do (meditation, distraction, and so on). I really wish Pennsylvania would legalize medical marijuana because I am sure that would help with the neuropathy. But, being on disability means I cannot afford any kind of cannabis product, legal or otherwise. I would much prefer cannabis to opiates, any day. There just doesn't seem to be a good solution to pain.
Art WeaverSeptember 15, 2015
I'm weaning off of a 180mg daily morphine addiction. I'm on day 25, and only taking 15mg daily at this point. In the next few days I'll be reducing to 7.5mg daily. Taking Emergen-C mega-dose powders along with acetylcholine and melatonin will help with many of the symptoms. They are all OTC! For me the worst has been the incredible fatigue, followed closely by the restlessness. The stomach cramps/pain is awful as well. But, if you find something easily digested and drink Pedialyte or similar it helps a lot. I'm taking clonidine and Baclofen from the doc, but they don't seem to help much...
scared sisterSeptember 23, 2015
I have read approximately 100 of the previous comments/testimonials and taken two full legal-sized pages of notes. My sister who is 70 years old has been on morphine for several years due to severe pain from chronic polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, broken neck vertebrae, broken shoulder, etc. In the last couple years my sister's pain clinic doctor cut her painkiller morphine in half. Then, during the last visit they gave her 50/50 morphine & Vicodin. The Vicodin did not help the pain at all, but the pain clinic would not reinstate the other 50% of her morphine until the next month's dosage was due in two weeks. Hence she is out of her morphine completely for the past 24 hrs and feeling nauseous. The pain clinic physicians are unmoved by her pain or withdrawal. She will probably end up in ER, as this sounds like the beginning of cold turkey withdrawal and her morphine Rx won't be renewed for two more weeks. What can be done to get her enough medication for her to taper off the M or get what she needs without having to go to the ER? She is not a Hospice patient and is not terminal with any of her maladies. She has been on antidepressants all of her life and has had suicidal ideations in the past and has ongoing severe anxiety even without withdrawal. I fear that cold turkey withdrawal could cause her to take her life. I am scared. How can I help her? How often do people die from withdrawal? If she dies, will the pain clinic take responsibility for her death?
SueSeptember 24, 2015
To anyone who has gone "cold turkey" from opiates, it really is the absolute worse experience ever! I thought I was going to die honestly...But there is light at the end of the tunnel, taking that medication really seems to actually make your pain worse. I have been clean off this horrible drug for 9 months now and my brain is finally back to the so called norm. My withdrawal lasted for approx 5 weeks, and took about 6 months to actually start feeling like me again! But it does get easier! And I actually have no pain anymore! So those of you going through this, just think there really is light at the end of the tunnel, and your brain function will come back! They really need to take these horrible drugs off the market!
PDADDYSeptember 30, 2015
I have been taking morphine sulfate for 5 years (dosage 15mg Sr 3 x's daily ). It was causing me to not get jobs because the company would tell me I was a liability. So I decided that I have to quit because I need to continue working to take care of my wife, 2 sons and my 81 year old mother. They are depending on me to be a MAN and not a deadbeat. So I talked with my Dr. and he aloud me to wean myself off the morphine. I began by cutting my pill in half and only taking a half dose 3 x's a day. I did this for about 3 weeks and then went to only 2 halves a day for 3 weeks. And finally 1 half a day for 3 weeks. I got laid off on a Thursday and I knew I had to stop for the sake of having to go to another job. I work construction and that's the way it works job to job. I felt awful for the first week or so. It's been 3 weeks and I am still having problems sleeping and then wanting to get out of the bed to go to my new job. I do have other pain meds that have helped me get where I am at, but the hardest part is getting back into the groove of getting up and going to work because I have pain back in my life and it is hard to function properly. I am eaten up with spinal degeneration (arthritis in my neck, shoulders, and lower back causing my arms and legs to hurt and go numb). I'm going to continue to do what I got to do until I can't do no more. I hate that my family has to see me like this, but they love me and support me, and that helps a lot. Hope I was able to help someone by sharing my story. PEACE AND PRAYERS!
LindsayOctober 10, 2015
I have spent several months on morphine whilst awaiting an opp on my spine. I was on 120mgs slow release morphine, topping up with up to 100mgs at the height of liquid morphine. As my opp approached I had managed to taper right down to just 40mgs a day but then I ran out of meds and went cold turkey! I would highly advise against ever doing this. Within about 7 hours of the last pill my body was not my own. Constant vile sickness and nausea, and the worst stabbing pain in my stomach and all along my digestive tract, The diarrhea was constant, foul, chemical, burning and seemed never ending. For three days I have had orange stinging water projectiling from my bum, exhausting. It's the forth day now, the nausea, is subsiding, this is for me the best improvement, although the chills, cramps, muscle spasms, headache, kidney ache etc will not be missed either. This site has given me hope to carry on, I think the worst is behind me, hopefully. Good luck to all, I wish you good health and happiness.
AliOctober 12, 2015
I am on day 4 of cold turkey withdrawal from 60mg every 12 hours of MS Contin and up to 6- 7.5mg Norco per day for over 6 years for ankylosis spondylitis that has caused spinal fusion and severe inflammation and fluid build up. I have stopped taking the Norco before and never had any withdrawal symptoms. However, stopping both at the same time has been pure hell. This is by far the worst thing I have ever gone through. I was not able to taper off because my doctor had a heart attack and suddenly shut down his practice. I called all over to explain the circumstances and there was absolutely no help offered. I was continually told it would be 4-6 weeks to get an appointment. So, without a choice I had to stop taking these pills. The first, second and third days I was tormented with hot and cold flashes all at the same time. I was soaked in sweat but if I got around any cold air blowing on me I was absolutely freezing cold(but still sweating profusely). The muscle spasms have been almost unbearable to deal with, however I did take some Excedrin which helped a little. I also had the non stop yawning and severe watery eyes. The third day started the intense migraine type headaches. I have also started getting overwhelming feelings of sadness and just start to cry. I feel like I'm getting back emotions that have been suppressed for a very long time. Since day one I have had no appetite but have been trying to drink water. When I do eat anything, I become nauseated. I am unable to sit or lay still and when I do fall asleep it's not very long or restful. Luckily, I have some mild muscle relaxers that have allowed me to get some sleep. Day four the hot and cold flashes have stopped(which has been a miracle). The back pain has intensified along with my hips and shoulders, heat and ibuprofen have helped a little with the aches and pains. I am hoping I'm on the home stretch of this nightmare but after reading what others have posted, I'm not so sure. What I do know is that I never want to go through this hell again. When I do get into a doctor in 4-6 weeks, I will refuse any opioid pain pills. In the meantime, I am going to try acupuncture, massage, and naturopathic herbs because at this point I'm willing to give anything a shot(except narcotic meds) to relieve this terrible back pain. I don't recommend the cold turkey method but whether you do this or taper off, do what you can to get off of morphine! It is the devil in disguise. I know I can get through this and will be better off in the long run. I was ignorant when I started taking these narcotic pills and had no idea what they would do to my body and my mind. From here on out, before I start taking any prescription medicine, I will do my research first!!! I wish everyone luck with their journey and hope that once the withdrawal symptoms stop you will know it was the right thing to do.
AliOctober 29, 2015
Update: I've made it to almost three weeks after stopping Morphine Sulphate and Hydrocodone "cold turkey". On day 6, I did end up in the ER completely dehydrated but I was very up front with the doctor about what I was going through and that I did not want anything except fluid. To my amazement the doctor was very supportive and only gave me IV fluid and a cold pack for the back pain. I missed a week of work because the symptoms were so intense. However, I was very fortunate to have a sympathetic boss. Since day 4 I have been going to acupuncture 4 days a week and massage once a week, which I really believe is what has got me to this stage. I have been able to be back at work full time for almost two weeks now. I still do not have an appetite and have lost about 25 pounds but every day I try to force myself to eat a little something. I don't eat big meals because I still get the intestinal cramping if I eat much more than some toast or rice. However, I am able to drink plenty of water so I stay hydrated. I think the worse is over but I know there can still be symptoms for months. I also still am hit and miss when it comes to sleeping soundly. I am hopeful that will also get better. However, I will take all of this over being a slave to a prescription medication. My prayers go out to anyone in the midst of the first stages of withdrawal. There is nothing easy about it. But if I can get through it, anyone can!! It is worth it! Stay strong!
JeanneOctober 23, 2015
I have been on Morphine Sulfate for probably 5 years, for extreme pain from Fibromyalgia. I recently began going to a "chiropractic doctor" that does not do chiropractic anymore but has researched alternative methods to control pain and apparently is fairly well renowned. The therapy for me consists of Class IV Laser, PEMF treatments, an "On Trac" chair that basically gently and intermittently pulls your body to stretch it. After three sessions I have been able to eliminate my nightly dose, thereby taking only 2 pills in the morning around 6:00 and not needing to take any until the next morning. I soon will want to decrease the dosage even more but I definitely will need my doctor to work with me before I attempt it. The chiropractic doctor I am going to is Dr. John Peters at his "Wellness" center in Walnut Creek, California. It is expensive and insurance doesn't over it just as in years ago was the case with acupuncture. Check it out online. It's worth the research. Good luck to all of you, and, I'll keep my fingers crossed for myself that I don't go through bad withdrawals.
ASBOctober 24, 2015
Hello: I am currently on 8mg hydromorphone every 4 hours for bone tumor pain (except middle of the night...explained later) and 0.6ml Opium Tincture every 4 hour for chronic diarrhea, and 5mg xanax twice a day. I was prescribed these meds about 7 years ago, at lower doses of course, but doses increased over the years due to the symptoms and becoming acclimated to them. The saddest part of my story is that there really wasn't any need for these meds in the first place. It wasn't the rare cancer that was causing my problems.... it was my 'ex' who had been planning for years to divorce (I learned in hindsight) and was unwilling to just file for divorce because he believed every penny was "his" and only wanted the $$ from my life insurance and inheritance. He never cared for me (25 yr married) or our daughters, but only the mistresses. His answer to his dilemma was to hasten my demise, which he began way back around 1995. I learned this for a fact in hindsight and twice I actually saw him adding something to my daily coffee, and had I severe reactions (severe vomiting within 10 minutes) to foods which only I ate after I'd been away from my house (even after moving to a rental after separation, this continued)...but I was in denial, thinking 'surely not!" and even though I saw it happen, because he had put video/audio surveillance in our home (monitored my computer, cellphone, home phone, etc.) I didn't know to put any cameras in the house and if I had, his cameras would have 'seen' this and he'd removed them.... so as the court only cares about what you can 'prove', I'm at a loss. What I eventually found out was that the additive he was 'feeding' me for years was a poison.... and when I looked up the symptoms of this, those symptoms mimicked the symptoms of my rare cancer. All along, I and my doctors just thought that the cancer was getting worse. By 2007-2009, I had chronic explosive diarrhea, ocular migraines, rapid weight loss, muscle spasms, severe nerve pain (to the point of tears) 'muscle wasting', non-stop tachycardia, and on and on, that I was prescribed the Opium Tincture for the severe explosive diarrhea and hydromorphone for the pain. The hydromorphone however, did nothing for the nerve pain and nothing stopped the debilitating muscle spasms. The only thing that helped me was to 'give in' and move out.... that hurt because my 'ex' told my daughters that I did not want them. At that time (Nov 2010) I weighed 115lbs whereas I'd averaged 165 my entire life. Although I know my 3 rentals have been accessed (in at least one he and the landlord also installed those smoke detectors which are really audio/video surveillance so he knew when I was away). The last access was this past May, which I know as I had to call the sheriff when man was in my backyard, the alimony check was in the mail box without any postmark (mail hadn't come yet), and I had such a severe reaction to whatever was added to, I think my coffee or water filter pitcher) that I thought I was having a heart attack. Over time, ALL of my symptoms have lessened (except when I suspect access) to the point that I don't think I need these medications. I know that I will still have diarrhea as it is a common side effect of this cancer, but to a much lesser extent that I think I could get by with an OTC. I may also still have pain from the bone tumors, but not enough to need my current dosage of hydromorphone. So, as sad as the reason why I was put on these meds to begin with... at least I'm more or less free from my ex and the hastening (most of the time), and I want to get off of these meds. One of my doctors is aware and he is willing to talk to me 'off record' but he's my endo and GP and isn't the one who prescribes these meds. My oncologist, who prescribes them, is NOT one who I can tell just what happened as he reports ALL in my chart... I cannot tell him I no longer think I need them nor why nor that my symptoms have lessened as he will not taper, but simply no longer prescribe. (He already cut my hydro - 2 year ago - from 360/mth to 300/mth, telling me just not to take my dose in the middle of the night. I told him, however, that when I skip this dose, then it's 8 hrs between doses and I wake up after 4-6 hours already in DTs (dripping sweat, vomiting, chills, muscle spasms, etc) and he just says "sounds like withdrawal.") and continually tries to get me to switch to a long-acting MS Contin, but I refused. I know I need to taper, though being an addictive personality, with no friends or family for support - I live alone, and have no friends through this ugly divorce. STILL in litigation to this day... - it's difficult to control the taper dosage. I am looking into alternative herbal 'help' for the DTs, especially Matt Finch's site on opiate withdrawal. I appreciate everyone's sharing their story.... you all give me hope!
PattiOctober 26, 2015
Day 12 cold turkey... MS Contin. I took only 15mg at night and thought I would march right through stopping without any consequence. Boy was I wrong. I've taken opioids for 10 years after a fusion at s1/l5 where my sciatic nerve was trapped during surgery and remained trapped for a year pending hardware removal when the surgeon realized his mistake. Permanent nerve damage, followed a surgery by North American Spine when the Dr. put a hole in my spinal cord....which created arachnoiditis and subsequently disc torn at L3 and spondeloythesis at l4/l5 with arthritis. Bottom line just had pain constantly in my spine and leg. Had no idea MS Contin was so so addictive! I continue to take Norco 3 times a day which helps withdrawal in the middle of the night. Headache, RLS, depression, lethargy, can't concentrate and want to isolate. Tired of this withdrawal but I will NEVER take morphine again. Prayers to you all that are suffering with these withdrawals. Agree with previous post. We need education on how additive this is. Thanks for reading.
Dug3November 1, 2015
I recently relapsed and started taking 60mg Morphine pills. There steadily available. First thing I had to do was just do it. Delete all my contacts, facebook, whatever ways I can get a hold of someone to get more. I started Tuesday, today is Sunday am. I am at work right now. The 2nd and 3rd days were the hardest. I'm on zoloft and buspar for anxiety, and luckily I had recently hurt myself and had muscle relaxers and Klonopin's to get me through the bad days. This is the 3rd time I've done this. Was on methadone for 6 years, got off of it. Started abusing it by a connection. Then cold turkey, that...was...terrible, the underlying problem was my anxiety and social anxiety. Obviously we all know that opiates make us feel great. So I got on zoloft, and just recently got on 15mg buspar. I've done this 3 times now, and this was the only time I confided in someone about it. At first I didn't feel better, but for that person to give me that push was amazing. I somewhat have my appetite back, anxiety has subsided a bit, the tiredness is still there. I look forward to when I can get off work, walk into my house, lay down and just sleep! And it will come. Biggest thing I thing made the change between yesterday and today was Gatorade and food. Klonopin makes you hungry, I downed 2 bagels. Imodium is a must! Even Alka Celser cold and flu will help. I've stayed away from sleeping stuff, cause if you don't get that sleep that the product requires you'll feel tired and groggy. Get up, take a shower, was dishes and feed your dog, next day do a load of laundry. Push yourself through these things and I promise you it will help mentally, stretching and walks is big too. I abused morphine pills for about 2 months, and I'm steal healing. I didn't taper. Good luck and always remember that it won't always last. Take one day at a time.
JeffNovember 7, 2015
It's 2.05 am and it's still impossible to sleep. I was only on morphine sulphate 30mg at night and 20mg during the day plus 10 ml of oromorph when needed for 3 months. I started cutting back about two weeks ago and today is the 3rd day without any at all. What a nightmare. I have slept for a maximum of 6 hours in 3 days. Runny nose, feel like I have flue, really irritable, blurred vision and feeling like crap, diarrhea and terrible itching all over my body. I can't wait to put this behind me and get my life back.
NicoleNovember 23, 2015
I have had the blurred vision too. All the other symptoms people are saying, but you're the first I've seen with that one like me. Also sneezing like crazy. I day 4 almost 5 without. This past week has been a blur and I can't wait to get my normal life back. Praying for you!
LynneNovember 7, 2015
I've been on 100mg MS Contin 3 x daily for almost 10 years, plus Fentanyl 75mcg patches, and Hydromorphone 8 mg prn. I lowered my MS Contin dose to 100 2x daily and 60 mg 1x daily for 3 months. I've been depressed, sweating, irritable, but want to get this over with. This is all outpatient as my insurance won't cover any facilities I'd feel safe with. I had pancreatitis at one point and the hospital gave me a weak Demerol drip as I could take nothing by mouth. I experienced absolute hell, going through every possible cold turkey withdrawal symptoms including hallucinating, vomiting non stop, and losing continence in my bed. I remember waking up in ICU with a Dr. and students discussing me as an example of a heroin addict. I got my boyfriend to sneak in my meds (I was on a much lower dose at the time) as I was cleared to eat by mouth. I got the HELL out of there as fast as possible. Another facility took away my diazepam (I have panic disorder even on all the opiates,) so needless to say I am terrified of going into any facilities. My recent pain Dr gave me MS Contin 60 mg 3x a day which is an 80 mg jump. I'm going to his office with no appointment Monday am as I refuse to be tortured any further for having Chronic Pain Syndrome. PLEASE EVERYONE TAKE CARE, DR'S ARE BUSY AND CAN MAKE ERRORS, BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!
SuzanneNovember 7, 2015
I had syncromed pump fitted 73 days ago as I have suffered for many years with spina bifida ocultta. Although I didnt know I had it I was operated on, I had a spinal fusion on my facet joints. To cut a very long story short, 14 days after having it fitted my legs started to swell and become very sore. Also I had chronic fatigue. After being told that it had nothing to do with the pump they tried all different test. I was having 0.75mg of morphine straight to the spine and got the pump switched right down to the minimal setting. I am now going through cold turkey... It's hard all my pain has come back but the withdrawal is awful. Anxiety... Don't want to see anyone, Restlessness... Feel I can't keep still, Sickness... I can't eat anything I really don't want food but I'm trying to drink as much water as I can, Dizziness... This is hard climbing stairs is awful, Moods... I cry just burst out crying. But with all this going on I can feel my body coming back to me.
RubyNovember 14, 2015
I feel the same with my RSD which is all my myelin sheath on nerves is gone. I hope that I soon feel myself which I do not now - that is right now at 21 days opiate free. But I can relate to anxiety and restlessness and sweats still. Prayers for everyone on this page.
RubyNovember 14, 2015
Been taking opiates since 1908 quit in 2003 only to go back on after an injury to my back trying to cold turkey both morphine and Percocet. 21 days now still feel those nasty withdrawals and want to take the meds, but I keep saying you are 21 days now it has to get better. My withdrawals are so bad I hate my life this way, but I hate my life on meds. I have cried, been far from normal. When I was on meds I could function fine. It was when I tried to wean or skip a dose. But the thought of being on these drugs makes me unhappy not functioning like I want to be as a mom of 5 kids. Feel I am not going outside I totally am de socialized. I just read all the comments and I just want to say I know it is hard. Hard is not even close to describe these symptoms because only a person who is trying to quit knows what I mean it is beyond words to describe what we feel like. My nerve dystrophy hurts so bad that is why I am on meds. Morphine is the best drug that helps the pain. Percocets are just fill ins I take Xanax due to pain disorder. Zofran for nausea. I cannot stopy Xanax yet. I am scared due to the withdrawal pains seem to have not subsided but seem just as bad since day one. I wish there were groups for morphine or opiate people who are in our place to cope with not NA, but chronic pain clean groups. Because I do not understand the word NA and getting high this is not my situation getting high is not me addicted yes, cravings for the mess no just plan sick of pain addiction is what I feel I am. Pain is a word I will have everyday but addiction pain is what I want out of my life. Thank you because no one understands unless you are trying to QUIT.
NicoleNovember 23, 2015
I have been on morphine 15mg 4-6 times a day for a little over two years. I have fibro and when I lost my insurance my mom offered me her PRN morphine that she didn't use so I have been using that for my pain meds. Out of nowhere she said she can't give me the meds anymore so I had to quit cold turkey. I am on day 4 without. The first 3 days were horrific. Right now I am suffering from insomnia, restless legs, sneezing, cold/hot flashes and crying spells, and NO energy. Sounds like a lot but its much better than it was. The one thing that is getting to me is if I was handed a tab I probably wouldn't turn it down at this point BC I know it would take this all away. However I've come this far and that's what is keeping me going. I'm only 32 and have 4 young children. This medicine has me hostage. If I was away from home and knew I needed it soon I would start panicking. It was my world. So now I am starting over, a clean new world with no chains attached. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I will be praying for all of you too. You can do this!!!
DanNovember 28, 2015
I was on a high dose of Morphine and Vicodin for 10 year through the VA, and was forced to go go cold turkey due to administrative issues. I had to change Doctors and my new doc would not prescribe the meds, or even taper me off. By the time I went to the patient advocate and got a response, I was already in full blown withdrawals and could not possibly handled leaving the house under my own power. The severe portion of withdrawal came about two days after stoppage and lasted about ten days. I don't remember sleeping for 5 of them days. Pain was unbelievable, as well as the rest of the symptoms, but being out of my mind, I tried taking cough medicines, regular OTC pain meds, and even though I had been dry for many years, I took two strong mixed drinks, and they didn't even make a dent. I didn't want to include a hangover on top of what I was going through, and I didn't want to resume active alcoholism either, so I waited it out. Restless leg syndrome about drove me out of my mind. There were so many things that happened during this period, that I couldn't possibly write them all down, and surprisingly, not all of them were bad. Most were. These took place over a period of about 2 months, after the 10 day, I thought I was gonna die period. Then the hard part began... Depression. By this time I was able to drive and made appt with my shrink. I was transferred to a new shrink cause my old one wouldn't see me anymore. I was prescribed anti-depressants and found them to cloud my mind, it also ruined any chance of a sex life. It also didn't solve the depression. I closed myself off from the world for the next two years. I made just enough appts to my shrink to get the klonopin I needed to stave off anxiety attacks. I am just now getting out into the world and doing things socially. I have backed off the klonopin by a large degree and now take Gabapentin for pain. The Gaba also seems to help with perking me up some, but it makes me want to smoke more. Strange, but hopefully this is a phase and I can wean off the Gaba. I am still working on it after 2 years, but I am not sure all of it is withdrawal related. Hell, I am not sure of anything these days, but I am off the morphine and vicodin and that is the main thing. One of the things I kept reading was the cravings for more morphine, but if someone were to offer me any, they would likely get shot! I didn't have the cravings. Thank God. I would like to add, that while I did this mostly on my own (not a good idea), I think I should have forced myself to get out more, but I just didn't care to. I guess that is why they call it depression... I had also shut down my business and pushed away all my friends until they stopped trying. I still don't like answering the phone or knocks on the door, but do make phone calls and go places now. I like to do this on my terms, so I am not reliable yet to make predetermined dates or get-togethers, but it keeps getting better, with lapses here and there. Going at it hard for a day or two, invites a few days of downtime. I am still scared sh*tless of the Wal-Mart store, but I am making progress. I am not sure why it is taking me so long to get through the depression stage, but I believe it to be a combination of factors. I am getting ripe at 59 and I seem to be having issues finding new friends or even hooking up with old ones. I seem to like my solitude, but hate my lack of ambition. I can do just about anything I want, I just don't want to. I did buy a Corvette, but it mostly stays in the garage. I just need to find something to do with myself and keep doing it. Might have to move off the farm and try some city livin. At least now I have a choice and am not addled by the dope. Good luck everyone and God bless. -Dan
clareNovember 29, 2015
Hi having read all of your unique yet united stories I'm scared but positive. I notice that no one took I.M. I inject 15mg twice a day for chest pain, a messy historectomy and recurring mastitis. This has been for 18 months. My GP put me on cloneazepam for epilepsy god knows what he was thinking. After 5 months I got of that alone it took 90 days and would want my worst enemy to be on it or withdraw from it. My doc also had me on fentanyl 75mg patches i had for 2 years which I went cold turkey. 2 weeks of physical flu symptoms and muscle pain anxiety and insomnia and a further 3 of psychological side effects. I was given the morphine while I was on the patches to help when I had a case mastitis. However I was only on morphine then and it crept up to 60mg a day. So with the great sadness it was safer to go back on the fentanyl than keep injecting and risking an ulcer in my butt cheeks. So as I said on 15mg twice a day and the patches. I want of the morphine as it feels unnatural injecting even day. So having read your personal experiences, I am going to reduce to 20mg per 24 hours then 10mg then use the clonazepam to go through withdrawal as I never got a buzz and hated and figure 6 days or so is not long enough for my body to need it and I will be morphine free. Then as I have done the fentanyl before I know I can do that and I have only been on it again for 2 months this time. Any advice will be so helpfull. You each have such varied honest and encouraging posts even if I get no response I will read them again and again when need as on my own and it has scared me but given me the encouragement to this and I don't know if or when I would have stopped if you all hadn't taken the time to share your experiences and give each other support. So if I hear nothing what you have done already has helped me and will continue to do so. Many Thanks and my respect for you all. Clare
GarryDecember 5, 2015
I was on morphine for almost 2 month's now and the doc has been weaning me off slowly. I haven't taken it for 3 days now. However I am going through some withdrawals... I have been vomiting off an on for 2 days now. I do drink liquids. I did drink 2 glasses of OJ I don't recommend that. I did spike a little fever but that didn't last very long. I am on my way to recovery.
mikehodDecember 10, 2015
I've gone cold turkey from 1 to 2 grams of heroin a day before which is way worse the prescription pills. I've gone cold turkey several times actually. All you folks struggling with opiate withdrawal should google "mega dose vitamin c for opiate withdrawal"... I went that route the last 2 times and it knocks 80-90% of the withdrawals out.
GrizzDecember 12, 2015
Grizz started taking morphine when 16 Norco tablets a day could not relieve my chronic pain from an industrial injury. Since then I was able to live a normal albeit seditary life for 15 years. Then the government's of California and the Feds came down hard on morphine and I was instantly treated like a criminal. I was taking over 400 mg ER morphine orally daily. I tapered myself off the first 200 mg before I got an appointment. They continued to taper me to the point where the back pain was winning again, and I was morbidly in fear of the unbearable pain and withdrawal. I fell down near my bed one night severely re-injuring my back injury and experiencing the worst back and hip and leg pain ever. Of course they would not give me a higher dose. In the weeks that followed I tried to cope and took too many pills by the time for my next monthly med check and Rx. The P A chided and humiliated me, then denied any help and said I had to wait for my regular time to pick up more morphine. I was forced to endure a 75% rapid reduction for the next six days, and became sicker than I have ever been in my life, and my weak heart (2 open heart surgeries and 12 CABGrafts) felt like it was going to rip out of my chest. I had to go to my personal doctor who helped me calm down and even sleep with a small Rx of Ativan. Worked great. I have only 60mg daily now to get off of. Hopefully I can do it slowly and taper after I receive an SCS Implant in 3 days. MY ADVICE TO ANYONE = NEVER TRY ANY THING LIKE THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW JESUS. PRAY CONSTANTLY AND TRUST IN JESUS!!!!!. Even if you die, you will live again in Heaven, but the Love and help you can receive from trusting in Him is very real. You will be amazed! Grizz
Mr annonDecember 15, 2015
I have been taking Morphine for the past 17 years in the form of MS continue. I have just started to reduce my dosage by one 30mg cap per day and I'm 3 days into it. Whilst I knew (well & truly) that I was hooked on the stuff I can't believe the withdrawal symptoms I'm experiencing by just dropping that small an amount? I have been nodding my head to all of the above as I read through it. I'm determined to keep reducing it until I reach zero. I would just like to thank the authors of this article for it's accuracy and no BS approach. I will endeavor to post some more when I get a little further down the way, I'm sure I'll make it through OK and at the least I now know a little of what I am in for? Thanks.
Mr annonDecember 17, 2015
Still going, 5 days into withdrawal. My bowels have settled down which is good news! Light headed and almost zombie like, I am shaky too so have to be careful when picking things up. That wretched flu-like symptoms are still there and actually feel worse than yesterday? Last night was the best sleep I've had in the past 5 days so there is some relief amongst it all? I have only dropped my dose of MS Contin by 30mg, but I think that once I get through this withdrawal I will get my doctor to prescribe some 10mg ms contin and drop the last 60mg slowly bit by bit. I said it before but I am quite astounded how by just cutting my dose by one third that I am feeling as lousy as I do? Must be due to the very long time that I've been on it? I am determined to beat this evil and so will keep hanging in there. It's good to know that I am not alone, reading through the others' accounts and how they have beat it helps me a lot. Cheers
Mr annonDecember 17, 2015
Still going and now 5 days into withdrawal. Just a little nausea feeling but can cope with it OK, no appetite at all. My bowels have settled down a bit which is good news but still shaky feeling, and feel almost zombie like? Light headed & that wretched flu-like feeling is hanging on too. I'm too far into it to stop now, but remember I have only dropped my dose of MS contin by 30mg - another 60mg to go, but I think that I will get my doc to prescribe some 10mg ms contin (sr) and drop the dosage a bit slower rather than by 30mg in one hit. Makes me feel stronger by reading through all of the other posts and so I know my withdrawal is not unique, thanks again.
Addie StameyDecember 20, 2015
Over a week in the ER 3 times and then admitted for a kidney stone, so 4 days intermittently that week on Dilaudid. Took away the pain. Stones passed. Home now. Massive constipation for 2 days, scary. Constant fatigue, sleeping 8 hours at night, but naps needed during the day. Muscle aches. Quivering leg muscles. Hot flashes and sweats. Chills - can't get warm. Trace nausea. Good to know these are side effects from Dilaudid and they will get better. Hope I never have to go on this again.
KatherynDecember 27, 2015
I have been taking Fentanyl patches, 200mcg/3days and Morphine sulphate for over 17 years when my Doctor of 32 years decided to retire and that meant she "must taper me down, because no new doctor will prescribe this medication to you, not without several visits and questions." It has been 31 days since this body has had morphine of any kind. We went from 100 to 60 to 30 to 10 for about 3 days... then we ran out and we have not Dr. (finding a new one in Ontario is a long, uncertain process). I am down to a 50mcg patch (left over from last summer). Did I mention that just three of our diagnoses are Asthma. It feels like there is something wrong far beyond the withdrawal, our pain is no longer a number or a "spot". It is "everywhere" and it feels often like our blood is boiling. I am exhausted but cannot sleep for night even on 5 pillows brings phlegm and leg cramps that make me want to scream. I went through 5 full days of throwing up - what ended up being black crap. This also means no more migraine meds or anxiety/sleep meds... I'm always nauseated even when taking gravol. .... And this is only day 31?! I wouldn't wish this on anyone, there is absolutely No quality to my life. God help us all.
MarleneDecember 28, 2015
I was on morphine for only 3 days. It was making me sick so I cold turkey'd it 3 days ago and am still having withdrawals. Not sure how a drug you only take for 3 days is so hard on the body to get off. Here's to a better me in 2016.
Matthew RobertsonJanuary 2, 2016
Thank you for this website, it helped me navigate withdrawal from 10 years of MScontin, 50 mg x 3 times a day, for chronic pain issues. So far it's been 14 days cold turkey with the first 10 feeling like being in a 24 hour hangover plus interrupted sleep for the first week. But I'm feeling so much better now after 2 weeks MS free! Yes there are pain issues I will have to face, but no more monthly trips to Walgreens and the scrutiny that travels with the medication! Just a shout out to all those teetering on the edge, hang on and see this through. My turning point was at around day 11. I will never go back to those meds, all those doctor appointments and the stigma that travels with its use. I am lucky to have a wife who is supportive and accepting in my health issues. I only wish that you have someone to reach out to when it looks bleak... Please remember this will pass. Thank you again for the information that is on this website, it helped me tremendously.
NancyJanuary 5, 2016
Morphine withdrawal was a very difficult task for me. I took morphine sulfate ER 15 mg tablets 1 tablet 4 times a day for 15 YEARS!! I told my doctor they did nothing except give me withdrawal symptoms when I needed the next one! My pain was not controlled. He refused to let me stop so I changed Doctors and am now Morphine free and my pain is better controlled with gabapentin!! I had terrible problems with restless legs (kicking the habit) despite going down to 1/2 tab twice a day before quitting. I had a lot of stomach restlessness too. It affects your stomach a lot! I also still have diarrhea a month later. Good luck. It is worth quitting. I feel better in many ways. Morphine also dulls sexual response folks so be ready for that to awaken too!!
AnonymousJanuary 5, 2016
I was in the hospital for 24 hours and received 5 doses of 10mg morphine by injection. I never thought I would feel the withdrawal effects! But I did! I am actually. It's been 24 hours since the last injection and I was wondering what was happening: restlessness, muscle spasm, nausea and chills. I thought I was having a bad drug interaction with my normal medication but after reading this article, I realize that it's morphine withdrawal! Wow, I'm happy I only took it for one day. I can't imagine what it must be like for long-time users. For sure, if I need to get hospitalized again, I will ask for a different pain medication.
JoyJanuary 8, 2016
I'm currently withdrawing from 120mg morphine taken for 6 years for severe back pain having had 2 failed ops. It was my decision as the doctor's choice would be to just keep increasing this evil drug, but the side effects from the morphine were becoming intolerable, so I've decided to come off it! It's going to take 3 months as I'm reducing it 10mg weekly. It's a nightmare... pain, constant restlessness, muscle spasms, joint pain, dreadful headaches, crawling skin, goosebumps, itching, no appetite, no energy, watering eyes, pins & needles to name but a few. I'm currently down to 40mg and hope to be off it end of January but then what? Nothing else helps the pain... I'm frightened of what's ahead.
AdamJanuary 22, 2016
I've been off of my 90mg per day morphine habit for 5 weeks now, after taking it for around 4 years. I found this site on my second day of withdrawal and these comments really helped me so thanks to everyone who's posted. All of my symptoms disappeared after around one week apart from the sweating from my armpits! It's getting ridiculous now, it seems to have slowed down a bit but it still runs down my arms and ribs... so uncomfortable! Just wondering if anyone else had this after so long?? Or if anyone knows of anything to help..? Other than that I feel great. Didn't realize how much the opiates were actually effecting me until I stopped taking them. I'm sleeping and eating better than I have in years! My advice to anyone going through this is just stick with it (I realize that's easier said than done, but it's really worth it). There is light at the end of the tunnel so just stay strong and keep in mind that within a week or even a month at the most you WILL feel better!
TiaMay 9, 2016
I'm glad to hear things are better for you. It gives me some hope. I've been on morphine 200mg+ a day for 10 years. I've decided as my dose keeps going up there is no solution to managing my pain and I will probably be in the same amount of pain with or without it. I want to be drug free so I'm going cold turkey. I'm on day 3 and feel horrific. Every symptom described. I want the withdrawal symptoms to stop and keep wondering if I'm doing the right thing. I wish I knew how long I'm going to feel like this for. It's total hell. Knowing you've been on it for years and managed gives me hope but I'm terrified that my body is so used to it it might take ages. I don't know if I can do it.
AshleyJanuary 27, 2016
I've been going up and down morphine for over a year now due to needing back to back hip surgeries. I'm finally taking the steps to get off this crap. To say I feel like carp is an understatement. Due to having Lupus and several autoimmune diseases, I'm having to taper down very, very slowly. I can't eat and I'm severely nauseous and dizzy. My moods are up and down and am in a continuous brain fog. I wish I would have been told the side effects and consequences of taking this long term. I wish everyone going through withdrawals the best of luck.
MargaretJanuary 27, 2016
I have been on morphine IR 20mg for the past 6 months. I would run out early because myself and my partner would take them (for pain) more than we should have.. We are on day 3 of giving up cold turkey and boy, I did not expect this. I have aches head to toe, chills, hot/cold sweats, insomnia, no appetite, etc. I can hardly walk or even function. We are coping, and today is thankfully better than yesterday. It's going to be a long road ahead but I'm ready to get back to normal. Good luck to you all, I hope you find the help you need to get through this horrible withdrawal.
PamelaFebruary 6, 2016
I have been researching the best way to help my husband get off of Morphine. My husband has been on 100 mg extended release for years he takes 2 a day. He also suffers from PTSD and is on a lot of medication for that. Ed talks about going cold turkey but I really think that he should be tapered off of the medications, very slowly, like snail slowly. My husband was in the 82nd Airborne for 10 years, he jumped out of perfectly good planes and they didn't land softly. Ed has had a body scan and has been told that he has arthritis all through his body. If he is taken off of the Morphine what medication out there can possibly help this man with the pain that he suffers with every day? How long does withdrawal take? Do the drugs that people use to get over Morphine really work or are you just trading one addictive drug for another. Advixe is appreciated.
KalawayaFebruary 21, 2016
I have a rare neurological disorder called Dystonia mine is generalized meaning everywhere. I've been on oxycod/ani 10 for over a year and slow release morphine. I recently went cold turkey I took as prescribed one in a blue moon I would take an extra for worse pain. It has been a challenge the withdrawal is horrible but coupled with my neurological disorder it's down right unbearable. I will get through it I keep in my mind that this is a poison and I would never blatantly poison myself so why do I want to keep taking them. This has worked very well plus having my family support me during this has only encouraged me to keep off this poison. I've also started taking CBD oil without the THC which I think has helped. If you live in a state that allows THC I would recommend it. You have to ingest it not smoke it. Start with low dose see how you do increase if needed. Stay strong it's not your fault you've become addicted keep a positive attitude it will get better
NotsayingMarch 4, 2016
Hey y'all... I have been addicted to Avinza (morphine sulfate) 120mg 4 times a day for 9 years. I tried everything to come off but the withdrawals were to bad. I felt like I really was going to die. So I did a little digging and found the wonder (drug) neurontin 400mg. I take 9 400mg twice a day once in the morning and once at night. So far I have made it through to day 4 and it's very bad but nothing compared to quitting cold turkey without it. I just hope I make it threw till day 14. I really hope all of you could use this info, because I know how it is. And thank y'all for posting how y'all dealt and are dealing with y'all withdrawals. Feel free to ask me anything. I will love to help someone get off this horrible drug morphine.
Jan RobertsonMarch 5, 2016
I have been taking morphine for pain due to bowel cancer for about three months. Nobody warned that you could become dependent upon the drug. I have slowly eliminated all the other drugs I was on and am now tapering to come of morphine too. It's a comfort to realize that what you feel is felt by many other people and that it can be got through. I have gone from 40 trams 2x a day to 30, now I'm on 20 grams, each time reducing again after five days. I get all the withdrawal symptoms but keep repeating, this is chemical only chemical, it's not me. It helps. I expect to get down to 10 germs, then five, then off! I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the support.
FrankMarch 7, 2016
I have been on 200mg morphine sulphate ER/2X a day and 15mg MS IR/4X a day for over six years now due to several spinal surgeries and as of the 1st of March my crappy Medicaid insurance sends me a letter that my meds are no longer in their formulary and won't cover it. It has been a few days now that I am on a fentanyl patch that does not touch the pain and have been experiencing sweats and chills along with body aches so far. After reading many of the comments here I am scared to death of what I can expect in the very near future. I can not understand how an insurance company can just stop covering a medication that will have such a detrimental effect on someones health like this. I have noticed that the dosage I was prescribed is quite high compared to some that I have read others were taking and can only assume I am in for a seriously bad withdrawal. Any advice or recommendations anyone can give me to help me get thru this would be greatly appreciated.
sheilaghMarch 12, 2016
Reading this has been very informative. I have been taking morphine at a very small dose for several months. The last two times I've had blood tests I've been asked if I have kidney problems. This is why I did some Googling. I am starting chemo again in three weeks and realize the the morphine is likely the reason for my extreme constipation, dry mouth, and urinating very little. I have medical marijuana and was very pleased to read it helped relieve symptoms. More than the physical symptoms are the emotional ones, I get sudden severe anxiety which disappears when I take a morphine pill. As it appears it is affecting my kidneys I will try cold turkey and replace with marijuana. I also have clonazepam. Hopefully the combination will help. I'm a little confused about why a couple of posters said taking marijuana was a mistake. But thanks to all, I think I know the source of my kidney problems and hope to see a turn around before my chemo starts. Best of luck to all.
absMarch 13, 2016
I was a heroin addict for about 12 years. I have taken solely morphine for about 6 months and have dropped from 340mg to 30mg a day with few to no symptoms (maybe a little lethargy from time to time). I am now pregnant which was a big shock but so wanted, and am more determined than ever to get clean but can't go into full withdrawal in case it harms my unborn child. In the 3 weeks I have known I am pregnant I have dropped from 60mg to 30mg (as stated above) I have to go more slowly the lower I go as if I drop too much I will start to get symptoms and need my rest, and to keep my baby safe. My body seems to have completely adjusted to the gradual drop of medication and am comfortable. What I'm trying to get at is definitely try tapering, just take it slow. If I can do it everyone can, I have been emotionally addicted as well as physically to opiates for a fair time but feel so empowered getting it down so much and am so positive towards making a better future first for my baby but also for me. If I thought I could get pregnant I would have ensured I was clean first but I thought it was impossible. I am so determined and know that if you drop it by a small amount maybe 5-10 mg every few days to a week, more if you are still feeling fine, then it is completely possible, though takes a while but so worth it. I wish you all so much luck. Stay strong and positive.
CarrieMarch 19, 2016
I am going through withdrawal now for kadian. I have been on narcotics for my back through 3 major car accidents since the age of 12. I have gone through this terrible process way too many times. I too dispise the doctors for pushing these drugs. They have no clue about withdrawal process or how brutal it is. Just hang in there. I have always had to go off cold turkey as I just hate these narcotics and just feel worse on them. Plus the doctors never help me get off them. If you can go off slow and ask for clondine it helps with the leg cramps and the sweats. I hope you all know there's others like you going through the same thing. It really sucks! It's my legs. The pain is the worst. I just know it's only a few more days. Best of luck!
JacqueJune 9, 2016
I was on Kadian for 16 years because of side effects, I chose to stop a few months ago and cannot control the diarrhea! I have generic Lomotil but still can't drink decaf in the morning without the problem! There is no justice in a work injury leaving me unable to do most activities and with chronic pain! I would love any advice!
SteveMarch 25, 2016
I have been IV dosing morphine for over a year and finally realized I had to quit. I haven't dosed in two days and it is absolutely awful.
Yvonne LimerickApril 6, 2016
I have sarcoid and morphine did not give me pain relief and I didn't get high from it either. Got tired of feeling like a zombie and asked my doctors about getting off and none of three offered any support. I used common sense. I was on morphine for five months, the second attempt for weening was successful. More disclosure should be coming from the doctors. I was disappointed in the lack of support and guidance. I hope it's better when they ween me from prednisone. Your site has been very informative as I was on 80mg for two weeks, 5 (plus 3 more) weeks at 40mg, then down to 30mg for unknown time frame. I'm rather nervous thinking about the side effects.
Pam ClineApril 6, 2016
I have been on Morphine for close to a year. I was taking an extended release 1 in the am and 1 at night. I also took the regular Morphine 4 times a day. I have stopped the regular pills and I'm only on 3 extended release pills. I have never taken more then I'm suppose to. I ended up in the ER because I got the shakes really bad and had a bad headache for 9 days. My heart felt like it was skipping a beat and I felt like I could just choke someone. My mood is terrible. I don't sleep as long as I use to which is good but then I feel very tired in the afternoon. At the ER they checked my heart, everything was normal. I was very dehydrated. They gave me Ativan but I couldn't take it. It made me feel spacey and jumpy. It made my headache worse. Then my Dr. Switched me to Methadone. That made me feel spacier then the Ativan so I stopped taking that after only taking 3 pills. I have had the cramps in my stomach, anxiety, depression since they put me on just the 3 extended relief Morphine which was a month ago. Why would I still be having these symptoms. Truthfully I don't even know I'm taking anything when I'm on the Morphine. I don't feel spacey, high, or anxious at all. That's why I'm surprised that I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I want to go off of it so bad but I don't know what to do. The Dr. said the Methadone would help me but I could not take it. I can drive when I'm taking Morphine but no way I could drive while taking Methadone. It feels good to be able to tell someone how I'm feeling. If you have any suggestions for me, I would appreciate it. Thank you.
sanApril 23, 2016
I found this information extremely useful and reassuring. Anyone experiencing this: Be patient. It will pass. God bless.
MikkaApril 25, 2016
I have just started reading this article and comments having just seen my GP regarding reducing my dose of Zomorph. I am actually prescribed 400mg daily but in fact take up to 1,000mg daily (yes really). After 24 operations, I eventually underwent an above-knee amputation of my right leg. I have been taking morphine for six and a half years for the most terrible acute and chronic phantom limb pain. I optimize my Zomorph by taking 800mg - 1,000mg three days a week (Fri, Sat, Sun). After 3 days, my tolerance is so high that I force myself down to 100mg for the next 4 days. It's the only way I can get some pain relief (for 3 days). I then grit, grin and bear it somehow holding out for the weekend when I can return to a big dose and get 3 days blissful pain relief. It's a cycle that has gone on for years. Depression and pain for 4 days and then tearful relief when I can up the dose again. I've realized I can't go on and I have a window of opportunity to come off morphine as I had a Lidocaine Infusion last week which is holding off the pain but for how long I don't know. My plan/hope is that the infusion will keep me relatively pain free and provide an opportunity to get off the drugs. As I said, I've just got back from my GP who is offering no help in any form other than a prolonged, steady reduction in dose each week for however long it takes to be free of addiction. Surely doctor I said - surely you will give me "something" to help my nerves, anxiety, etc.? But no, nay, nada, zilch!! Surely this can't be right? I feel I need "something' to help me climb down from 1,000mg doses of morphine??? So now I'm quietly sitting and staring blankly into space. I'm not sure what the coming days will bring - but I'm terrified. Someone once said "Thank God for Morphine". I just don't know anymore!
ShannonApril 26, 2016
I'm 22 years old & am currently tapering off morphine after a 2 & 1/2 year struggle with addiction that my GP happily scripted for me after an ankle surgery, previous to that I was abusing oxycontin tablets and codeine for about 2 years also, but not daily. I was managing pain wise for quite some time but enjoyed the euphoria too much, as any addicts realize that good feeling doesn't last long after a while. Getting off it is hard yeah, but it's a short path compared to what morphine or any opioids will do to your body long term. My immune system practically died and I was constantly fatigued and sick. I was practically going through withdrawal symptoms before I even started withdrawing. I do not feel 22 that's for sure. Well worth the effort to get off. Sadly I'm also tapering off my antipsychotic medication at the same time so my symptoms may vary from others.
DavidMay 3, 2016
I've been on morphine for the last 7 years and was up to 150mg of it a day + Oxycodone after having some toes amputated... I'm now on day four of withdrawal, cold turkey. Puking my guts out and just trying to get something done... eating is difficult. No energy, haven't made it to the office yet. This is seriously no fun and to be honest, I'm not sure how this is going to work out, as I was taking it for a reason. I'm just sick of feeling like junk on it as it doesn't "seem" to help as it did before. Between the cramps and vomiting, I'm exhausted. No sleep for two days now.... L-rd help me! Persevering, moment by moment.
TiaMay 9, 2016
Ok... so I'm going Cold Turkey doing this alone without my Dr or anyone at all knowing... Useful but terrifying to read this article and these comments. 10 years ago I had a bad injury and about 6 operations over 2 years. I was put on morphine by my Dr and didn't think anything of it - I was in so much pain I would have taken anything he gave me. The pain never went away though so I kept being prescribed it and as my pain got worse the doses went up - I have a few medical issues - my joints dislocate regularly causing chronic pain, I have a brain tumor which is benign but can't be removed and it affects how my body functions causing collapses and horrendous pain. I also have arthritis and other things. Anyway, with all this I took morphine every day for just over years now and I know the hospital wants to put me on ketamine to reduce my pain and make me "comfortable". It made me think. I'm young. Am I just expected to be on opiates until I die? I don't feel any psychological cravings for morphine, I'm on over 200mg a day with top up doses in between yet I'm still in enormous pain. I thought to myself, why put these chemicals in my body when they don't reduce my pain? Where does it end? I'm already given pure heroin intravenously when I go into hospital (regularly)... what happens when I start tolerating that? Will there be a point when there is no pain relief at all that takes the edge off? After thinking a lot about it I decided I want to know how my body really feels and I don't want to cause permanent harm by taking opiates for life. I halved my dose for a week and felt a little rough but nothing major - just more pain. I thought I'd "quit" and then tell my Dr I don't want it if my pain is just the same without it. I'm on day 3 and I'm going through HELL! I had no idea that I was addicted. I didn't feel addicted but my body obviously is. I've had (and am still experiencing) sweats and chills, aches and pains, restless legs, insomnia, nausea, projectile vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headaches, a rapid pounding heartbeat, severe weakness, depression to the point where I felt suicidal last night and had to call an anonymous number as I literally wanted to end my life - but the worst thing is the psychological anxiety and terror. It's a physical sensation of total panic and fear as if I'm about to die and it comes in waves like my other symptoms. I can "tough it out" when it comes to physical symptoms (I hope) but the anxiety and fear I feel for no reason (I know it's a withdrawal symptom) is horrible. So bad I'm wondering whether to just go back on the stuff. I really want to quit and I keep telling myself I can't have gone through 3 days of utter hell for no reason and that if I stick it out I'll suddenly feel better in a day or two. I honestly thought I'd cope. Im drinking loads of water (when I can - sometimes it's hard when I'm vomiting) I'm resting and I've told people I must have the flu or a bug. I'm desperate to prove to myself and my Dr that I'm better off without painkillers. I don't want to be on them forever (and that seems to be the plan). I'm really struggling. Is day 3 or 4 a "hump" day? I know everyone is different but will things get easier from here? I don't think I can take an entire week of this but I keep saying "don't quit now". I want to do this so badly. I hope that the symptoms will ease off but I can't even imagine feeling like this for much longer. I wish I'd never been given the stuff. I wish my Dr hadn't kept increasing the dose. I don't know how 10years has gone by without him or anyone else suggesting a plan, or tapering off. I don't want to be put on ketamine. If he does prescribe that I won't take it so I'd have to go cold turkey anyway as I would only have a prescription for ketamine not morphine. Any advice from people who've been on morphine for years and managed to stop? Will these withdrawal symptoms ease off soon?
TessaMay 17, 2016
I started to come off slow release morphine whilst on holiday for 2 weeks, started last week April & finished 1st week in May. I went down from 90mg in the morning & 60mg at night to 30mg in the morning & 22mg at night. I didn't seem to suffer any withdrawal symptoms hardly until I came home. After the 1st week at home, they hit me. I've decided to come off altogether now with the help of this mega vitamin C. I took 20g this evening & will take more tomorrow... will see how much I need. Will keep you posted.
TinaMay 20, 2016
I was run over by a 32-foot motorhome. I had severe leg and knee injuries, almost lost my leg and had a shattered pelvis. I have been in a nursing home for 3 months. I have been on time released 25 mg of morphine - twice daily. The order lapsed and a paperwork mistake was made and so I went 3 days without. I had about 6 of the symptoms. At that point I wanted off them. I was so sick. The doctor said he would rather me come off gradually. I am now taking 25 mg once a day for the next 6 days. Now I can relate to what an addict goes through!!
Cliff LinneyMay 24, 2016
I have had 2 failed lower back surgeries in the year 2000. I have been on 200 mg morphine per day for about 15 years. My doctors want me off this stuff. They only gave me 3 weeks of there wean-off program which was 30 mg twice per day. After that was done I was taking nothing. The addiction is very strong. The sleepless nights straining my muscles from withdraws was so terrible. I am starting my 4th week and I feel worse. If you are thinking about trying this drug, the best advice I can give is don't do it. This is evil in its purest form. I will say more after I am clean until then I hope I am helping someone.
vickiMay 27, 2016
I severely injured my spine at 32 years of age. Before this I never had to take any pills. After many back surgeries, machines, physical therapies, and all kinds of different pain pills plus anything else they could think of to give me to keep me out of the hospital constantly from mind boggling pain I found a pain doctor that put me on 90mg Avinza and 30 mg a day of morphine sulfate (fast acting). This only took 13 yrs to put me on something where I could stand to survive! Then my pain doctor for quite a few years suddenly quit me for no reason. It took a long time to get into another doctor. I found out even though I never overtook my meds and wouldn't take them unless pain was severe, that law was after doctor due to drug addicts misuse. For days my joint and back pain was so severe I almost drowned and back hurt so badly as it used to that I didn't even know what world I was in. Only could feel pain so severe I wanted to die. Finally months later new doctor who had promised to put me back on morphine that's only thing ever worked didn't even look at my spine and all my surgery scars and told me he was leaving me off all meds. I walked (limped) out bent over as usual and crying. He called me back and said he would put me back on meds and ween me off depending on pain levels. After 8 months of huge doses of acetaminophen with little oxycodone and temazepam and requip and wellbutrin...just like before tried on so many meds its unreal that didn't help with pain, I am back to suicidal thoughts because of mind-boggling pain. All he did is switch one opioid for many that even kill your liver. I am so tired of not being able to survive because our government is hurting ones that can't live with pain due to drug addicts and pushers. It shouldn't be this way.
garyJune 16, 2016
Hey all I know is there ain't a easy way to get off these damn pills. I had to go find a new doctor and explain that I have been taking a high dose for 6 years and wanted him to wean me off them. I was on 60 mgs Morphine a day and 100 mgs of oxycodone also and 12 mgs of dilaudid too. I just pray that I will be strong enough to get the hell off the things and not be too sick and give up and just be a slave to them! So here I go yippee!!!!!!!! #@?*$!! LOL.
StacyJune 18, 2016
I had back surgery 3 months ago. I have a low tolerance for pain and since it was severe the doctor put me on muscle relaxers, nerve meds and morphine(30 mg every 4-6). Based on other posts this seems to be a low dosage? I am running out and so tried to stop taking the morphine for three days(I was only taking it at night to help me sleep because of the back pain). I have been experiencing mood swings, diarrhea and restless legs and arms(this wakes me up a couple times a night so I can't sleep). It's an absolutely horrible sensation! I feel like I'm going to go crazy :(. I've read this will go away? I decided to take a pill last night to see if it was the morphine and guess what... slept like a baby. So now I know! I've only been in Morphine for 3 months and already my body is physically addicted. I am not an addictive type person but this has proven me wrong. I've decided to half my remaining pills as long as they last and then talk to my doctor about an even lower dose after that. My symptoms may not be nearly as bad as other people's but I can't stand this!
Decades of PainJune 21, 2016
This article has a lot of good information, but I figured I'd throw my $0.02 in. Background: I'm 45 and have been in pain management off and on for 25 years due to fibromyalgia and a myriad of other exciting, painful diseases that I would not wish upon a dog. I currently take 60 mg 3x a day morphine extended release, up to 6 50mg tramadol, and a handful of medications for other issues. I have been tapered off meds by physicians, I have abruptly gone off meds due to physician errors and/or personal choice. I don't believe I've ever been addicted, but other than not having cravings, non-addicts really don't have an easier time with physical withdrawal symptoms than addicts do, so I won't even address this from an addiction standpoint. One issue I have had is when trying to figure out a medication that worked well to control my pain is realizing after I left a pain management doctor office is availability of medications, particularly is a medication is new, or a new formulation, a less common medication, or a specific manufacturer's medication is needed. (MS Contin is extremely expensive without my prescription plan and I happen to be allergic to a red/orange dye in the brand, as well as many of the generic equivalents.) As easy as it is to blame doctors, they are not always aware of inventory/availability issues. They know about medications, but it really isn't realistic to expect them to know about available stock. Not that I am on a stable medication and dosage, there are a few things I do to ensure I am not going to run into a forced abrupt withdrawal situation. First: I use the same pharmacy every time. It happens to be a Walgreens for my morphine, while I use a CVS in my town for everything else. My physician knows exactly where I will pick up my medication each time, and I make sure to communicate with them on a regular basis regarding pharmacy and formulation issues. I make sure that I follow my physician's instructions and remain 100% in compliance with any rules and requests they have. I tend to get fog-brain due to the fibromyalgia, so I keep notes on my cell phone as I think of them during the month. That just works for me. A couple days before my appointment, I call the pharmacy to confirm they have dosage and quantity on hand. That gives me lead time to make alternate medication plans with my physician BEFORE I leave the office during my appointment. I've never had an issue with the physician OR pharmacy since I have started doing this. It just makes life easier. Pre-planning also keeps me calmer at the doctor office and the pharmacy. The potential of being in an out-of-medication situation can cause anxiety and panic. Not dealing with them in a calm, pleasant manner can also cause distrust by physicians/pharmacies. All that said, I have still found myself in abrupt withdrawing situations. Sometimes "sh*t happens". Withdraw symptoms suck, but I've found some things not mentioned that has made it easier for me. Especially if I am withdrawing on my own without medical support. Any medications I list is not meant to be medical advice. It is always best to follow physician instructions. People can be allergic or have unexpected reactions. Take it with a grain of salt - this has helped me in the past and it might not work the same for you. -Imodium is key. It has has what seems to be a calming, maybe slight muscle relaxing property at about 3x the listed dose. You don't want to take that much more than 3-5 days. You don't want to follow up a sucky situation with a bowel blockage. -Benadryl also has relaxing properties. it helps me sleep, and also has helped A LOT with the itchy, crawly skin sensations that I get. -Showers: you might not feel like getting out of bed, but a nice lukewarm (not too hot) shower can do amazing things for one's outlook! It helps wash off all the icky-sick sweat and will help regulate your temperature. Figure out what shower temp feels best for you, and know it will likely change hour by hour while detoxing. In between showers, try a warmish washcloth (microwave a damp washcloth for 15-30 seconds but ensure you don't burn your face or skin). Put it over your face and breathe deeply between showers/baths. For extra relaxation, try a few drops or lavender, peppermint and/or rose aromatherapy drops, or whatever your favorite calming scent. -Don't forget to change your sheets and have plenty of "comfy" clothes. It sucks to get your body clean then crawl into dank, damp clothes and/or sheets. As a rule, I always use a laundry detergent with aromatherapies, even when I am not sick. -Try to stay in a place where you can regulate your temperature. I hate cold, but in those situations I keep the temp colder than normal. That way, I can also wear light-weight yoga-type pants and a long light-weight t-shirt. The skin creepy-crawlies get worse when things tough my skin or blow on me, so it allows me to have a light barrier that is consistent and not irritating me. Also, when feeling bad, it is always easier to cover up with a blanket than be too hot. -Keep some "minor" pain relievers on hand, such as tylenol, motrin and/or aspirin. DO NOT take more than suggested amount - they can be very hard on your system. Too much aspirin can cause bleeding, tylenol can shut down your liver, etc. You don't want to make a bad situation even worse.. -Find something to do to keep your mind off of how horrible you feel. Reading or doing something "active" with your mind helps. It is easier to "forget" how awful you feel if you are too busy to remember. -Try also to do something "active" with your body. Exercise releases the body's endorphins. Free, natural, non-toxic pain relief! It also helps increase your metabolism to speed up the process of detox a little. If you have energy, go swimming. That helps activity and temperature regulation (like showering). Also, people are expected to look sweaty when exercising, so there is less of a feeling of stigma of looking "ill". -Gatorade and pedialyte help. Stay hydrated as much as possible. I've tried to mix either of them with water to cut down on the sugar intake, but keep enough electrolytes and flavor to ensure I will actually drink it. If you like hot tea, herbal teas can be handy. You can often find herbal teas which are easy on your stomach and help with nausea. Try to stay away from caffeine and alchohol, which can leave you dehydrated. (Although, alcohol in moderation can be relaxing and make you forget how bad you feel). -Finally, try to keep a support group of friends/family that want you to succeed around. Detoxing is a hard enough process, and supportive people can go a LONG way toward helping the process be as painless as possible. I'm likely forgetting a bunch of stuff, but hopefully this can help folks. I just kind of stumbled on this post - hadn't really thought about detoxing in a while.
JLWJune 24, 2016
I'm gonna tell you all my story....which some might find absolutely UNBELIEVABLE! I've been on morphine ER and IRs for the last 13 years. For the last 3 years, my dosage was 400 mg of MScontin every 8 hours, plus 60mg of the IR's every 8 hours for breakthrough pain...GRAND TOTAL per day, 1380mgs. Yes, that is a very high dosage...but that is what it took to relieve my pain to a level where I could function a somewhat normal life. Well, out of the blue, without any warning whatsoever, when I walk into my doctor's office to get my monthly scripts June 1st, they weren't there. Then my doctor's nurse came to the window and informed me that my doctor can't write out my pain medicine anymore because of the new pain medication rules. You talk about flipping out... I show my ass in front of EVERYONE in that waiting room. I told her if he wants me of this medication, he has to taper me off, not cut me off cold turkey. She then said that he knows this, and has set me up with a pain clinic in three days, and she gave me a script for 24 IR's to get me to that Friday. So, I left before the cops were called & just took enough of the IR's to help with the withdrawals. Three days later, I go to this "pain clinic" expecting that my doctor for the last 16 years, had already sent my full medical history over to this place. After waiting for almost 3 hours, I finally get called back... another 30 minute wait before the doctor walks in, opens my file that I filled out in the waiting room, saw how much morphine I was on and... get this, he laughs. I ask him what's so funny... his reply, "I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole"... Needless to say I was highly offended & believe me, I let him have it BIG TIME!! So... after many ER visits & there was no beds available anywhere for a safe place to detox, I decided even if it killed me, I was going to detox on my own at my house. When my primary doctor found out what I was going to do, he called me personally & told me how dangerous this would be by trying to detox myself, esp. with my underlining medical conditions. He then ask me to go to the methadone clinic and he would call to inform them I would be there soon. I told him thanks, but no thanks. I was not going to lower myself to that level all because he refused to taper me off all that morphine that HE kept put me on. Well... after we hung up, in less than 30 minutes, I had a social worker at my door to do a well check on me. Man ole man, was I about to blow my stack at that very moment when she told me why she was there. She asked could she come in & said no... whatever you need to know about me, ask me right here on my front porch. The first question she asked was why am I going against my doctor's medical advice. I told her I was not going to live with the stigma of becoming a methadone addict, just because my doctor is running scared from the new guidelines the CDC sent out to every medical board in the country. I then politely ask to leave because I was not feeling very well, as expected. LONGGGGG story cut short, I DID IT! Yes, the 1st week had me thinking of putting my 9mm to my head... after the 13th day, no withdrawal whatsoever. Morphine has a very short half life, so the 1st week of detoxing is your body resetting itself. The reward & pleasure receptors in the brain must now rely on the dopamine that's naturally produced by the body, to start working again. After the 1st week, you will round that curve & it's all a mental issue to that point. I would not advise anyone to do what I did, but rather seek help if it is available. I tried but all the beds were taken in my area and outside my area... which goes to prove how big of a problem this addiction issue has become. I never considered myself as a addict, but rather dependent... BIG DIFFERENCE. As for me, I have a appointment with my primary doctor early in July, and I'm gonna lay it out like this... the hell with pain pills, schedule me for surgery to implant a pain pump or I'm gonna turn my attorney loose & let him work out the details of a medical malpractice claim. I'm done letting these doctors control every aspect of my life... that ended the day I finally got off morphine. By the way, does anyone here know the history of methadone & who invented it & for what reason? Look it up, then you will find out what is going on in this country. A little hint, when it was first invented, it was call Dolophine... year 1939! Whatever you do, stay away from that methadone if you can help it!!
davidJune 30, 2016
I have been on morphine sulfate 200mg for 10 years. My doc just dropped my dose to 30 mg. Oh my my. I have been without my meds for 4 days. I haven't slept for 4 days. I will say that the first 2 days were The worst. I have nocturnal back pain so the pain is bad. Please don't take this s**t if you don't need it because I can assure you you will end up without and become so sick you want to die. Thank god for my wife she was there for me. I have tried to get my night back pain fixed but every doc says sorry. So come tomorrow I get my meds back only to be trapped in this vicious cycle again. Please think twice before taking this drug.
CathyJuly 1, 2016
I have an implanted morphine pump that has malfunctioned and my doctor is on vacation in Europe for two weeks. I have been on the pump for about 9 years. I am going through withdrawal severely and need some advice for the constant urges to move and can't sleep. He has put me on OxyContin and oxycodone for pain until he gets back and can replace my pump on the 19th of July. This was NOT my decision to go thru this cold turkey. I was told by my doctor that the medicines he left me on were going to help me thru the withdrawal. NOT... any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
DeterminedJuly 12, 2016
These comments are mostly addicts complaining about Walgreens and Dr.s and not getting there drugs. Been there done that. At 38 I ruptured a disc in my lower back which pushed on left my sciatic nerve. Severe pain and I couldn't walk. I had a discectomy surgery. That first Dr had bottles if Norco in his desk. Didn't even have to go to drug store. A year later the rest of my disc ruptured. Got a second Dr and I had an anterior fusion on the same disc. Any way I graduated from Vicodin 5 to Norco 10s to oxycontin 40, 80, 100mg. Last I was on 100mg morphine and 30 mg instant oxycodone. I was taking about 500mg a day for years. Been on pills 15 years. I have abused my medication in some months in the past and withdrawn for a day or days. I know the hell that withdrawals are. Then WC called me an opiate failure this year and stooped paying for Dr and pills I weaned down to 200mg a day for 2 months. Still was difficult to quit. Had most of the symptoms for at least a week. It's been 23 days. Still have problems sleeping through the night but can feel my nerve ending coming back and muscle tone.Been eating good, drinking lots of water. Working out, sitting in sun and listening to music helps me a lot. Other than that feeling better and more normal every day. The bizarre thing is my pain is no worse? So obviously in the end it was not about pain it became about taking mood altering pills every day. I am bound and determined not to be a slave to opiated ever again. Morphine really should be outlawed. Used only in hospitals. It's the devil. It will kill you. Sooner or later look at Prince. Yes it's hard to stop but if you set your mind to it you can do anything. Don't plan on being far from a bathroom for a good week. If you have a whinny attitude and think you can't live without opiates, you won't stop. Your mind is the most powerful muscle in your body. You can quit if you set your mind to it.. I did. Good luck!!
SueAugust 6, 2016
Help? I have been on 60mg (30 ER 2x a day for about 40 days). I didn't think stopping them would be any big deal - WRONG. Almost immediately after reducing (by cutting the ER tabs in pieces) by half -in other words, 30mg a day - I am anorexic, have diarrhea, hot/cold, don't want to be in public and want to smoke my brains out (or lungs). Am I just prolonging the inevitable by reducing or should I just cold turkey it? I live alone (with a chihuahua who does need care) and have a daughter nearby who is disgusted I would even take morphine again (went this route about 10 years ago). She saw the withdrawals and wants no part of them. I'm pretty much alone in this so should I just stock up on gatorade, benadryl, etc. and use the gabapentin I already have (I have valium too) and just bite the bullet? I hope all this makes sense but I don't know if I should taper or just go cold turkey. Thanks - I've had 2 massive back surgeries so none of this is by choice... I forgot to add I’m also in a back brace so every time I think about going to the bathroom or jumping in the shower, it’s a BIG DEAL. Take the brace off, don’t bend, don’t move, keep shoulders over hips, etc. I can’t imagine what vomiting will do to the hardware in my upper back...
FREEAugust 10, 2016
I have been on this garbage for 5 years and decided the pain won't kill me but this crap will!!! So I went off COLD TURKEY and no it wasn't easy but now it's over and I will tell you this never ever again will I listen to a doctor. I really feel that the doctor's should be made to take this crap for at least a year then take them off it. Perhaps only then these so called professionals will understand how bad this stuff is. Good luck to you all and yes you can do this. Anything worth doing is never easy that's why only the strong survive!
john margettsAugust 18, 2016
Interesting and accurate article. I have tried many times to come off but after a while miss my old friend so much I give in and off I go again. The withdrawal is awful but life without morphine is too. I feel that if I could make it 6 months I may stand a chance.
MelmAugust 30, 2016
I have been detoxing from morphine sulphate er for the past 9 days. I am 44 y/o. I had a cervical fusion 1/15. I recently had a multi level lumbar fusion and discectomy 4/16 after years of therapy, alternative treatments, prescriptions, exercise and 25+ epidural injections. I was prescribed 30mg 2xs a day of er morphine in addition to Percocet for breakthrough pain. The morphine helped quite a bit. I have never felt the feeling of being high or misused any of my Rxs over the years and tried not to take my meds unless absolutely necessary. The first 2 weeks post op were the worst. I started physical therapy 1 month post surgery. I found I needed the Percocet if I overdid my activities. Dr adjusted the morphine about 2 months post op to 15 mgs 2xs a day and still prescribed the Percocet for breakthrough. I tried to go off the morphine at 3 months post op and I did not withdraw correctly, wow, that was horrible on top of it I was still in a lot of physical pain from the surgery so I remained on it until I saw a pain mngt dr at 4 mths post. He took me off the morphine and even at the lowest dose I had some significant withdrawal symptoms. I asked his medical assistant if I should be on a tapering regiment because the last time I tried to go off I had really bad wd issues and she said no, you shouldn't have any issues. She was wrong and I only share this in the hope of helping someone else, you will have WD symptoms even on the lowest dose, ask for a taper schedule. Also, something that I didn't know was morphine and other pain meds can effect your hormones and I gained 15lbs overnight after my surgery. I wish I could blame it on being on bed rest and eating too much but that wasn't the case at all. I was walking post surgery as quickly as I could and I was eating very little, I did not have an appetite to eat. I could see 5 lbs but 15? I was shocked. My dr confirmed that these drugs can wreak havoc on your metabolism if you are on them for long periods of time. A few takeaways from my experience - weight gain on pain meds like morphine can happen. Withdrawal symptoms can also happen even on a low dose so make sure you share your concerns with your dr and talk about your options and an appropriate tapering schedule. Discuss with your dr during your surgery plans, get it all laid out for you so you can see the big picture, don't wait until you're close to the end of your treatment. I am almost 5 months post op and I expect my pain mngt dr to provide me with one more Rx for Percocet maybe 2. He feels I should be off the meds like all the other patients in my condition 4-6 months post op. I don't disagree but I also don't like to be lumped into a whole. I still experience back pain, my ROM sucks, if I clean my house I pay dearly for all the bending and twisting. Parts of my legs and feet are still numb from the nerve impingement. I'll never be the same again but the morphine worked wonders on keeping my pain level at a place where I could function and get things done. I also hate hearing from pain management Drs that I am too young to be on narcotic meds long term. I function without pain and I'm able to be as close to the person I was prior to my body breaking down on these meds. I do not misuse them, I'll pee in any cup you ask, I'll take any psych test you ask, I'm 100% compliant as a patient just don't use my age against me. Does my quality of life fit anywhere in this equation? Good luck out there. I know there are many people that have it worse than I do. I hope that my experience can help you if you find yourself getting ready to withdraw from pain meds and unsure of what might happen.
MarieSeptember 9, 2016
I have been on morphine for 4 years at a dose of 2000mg liquid a month plus 3000mg slow release capsules. I'm currently in withdrawal cold turkey by choice on my 9th day. I urge people not to even start on any form of morphine, withdrawal is hell on earth unbearable evil symptoms.
MarianneSeptember 27, 2016
I had two knee replacement operations close together and was on oral morphine for a number of months. As my pain lessened I stopped taking the oramorph. Wow. Horrible withdrawal, I felt so awful. I have two suggestions which may be minor helps. Keep sipping water between trips to the toilet, it helps with the stomach cramps. Get some hemorrhoid cream, it soothes the soreness in the anus caused by the endless loo trips. Great article and reassuring, thanks.
SylviaOctober 8, 2016
I had hip replacement surgery and all other narcotics made me very sick. Morphine is the only medication that didn't make me severely sick. I stopped taking it a day ago because I felt lightheaded. However, I'm still lightheaded and it's 3 days since I've taken it. I only take it at night, but can't pick my head off my pillow or bend down without getting lightheaded and feeling faint. Should I see a Dr.? Or will this go away soon? I plan in going back to work soon and need to be back to normal. What can I do or a Dr. do for me? Any feedback is appreciated.
FredOctober 9, 2016
Between calendar year 2000 and 2015, I was prescribed 150 mgs of morphine sulphate daily. In early 2014, I accepted the fact that I was no longer taking this medicine for pain relief; rather, I was taking the drug because I was addicted to it. It was then that I began weaning myself off of this drug very, very slowly over a period of nearly a year. By May 2015, I was completely off the drug, and I am firmly convinced that I was successful in getting off this drug by slowly tapering myself off the drug. I believe that anyone committed to getting off of this drug slowly would be best served by getting a pill cutter at their pharmacy and carefully cutting the morphine tablets in halves and in quarters.
MelOctober 17, 2016
I've found this an extremely helpful read. I've been on morphine for 5 weeks. And to be honest, the worst mistake ever was to start on morphine for post op surgery. My doctor has not contacted me once in 5 weeks, to see if I was getting on ok, even the nurse I saw about something totally different didn't bat an eyelid when I asked about coming off it. I'm now day 4 with no morphine and it's horrendous, I've not eaten in 48 hours, barely drinking. As anything I eat and drink just comes back up or out the other end. I'm now sicking up green stuff, and my bowels are bright yellow. Baby pop I call it. The only thing that helps is bathing I spend hours in the bath trying to control the sweating, the hot and cold sweats are the worst. And to be honest I smell bad. Well I think I do. Considering the low dose and the length of time I've been on it I'm really shocked how bad I am. I'm hoping there's going to a light at this very long tunnel.
SherriNovember 26, 2016
Ok well they have been giving me 120 time released morphine 3x a day plus 4 Vicodin a day. Lucky for me even though I was in pain from CRPS chronic regional pain syndrome I didn't like taking the meds. The pain was real. I did take the morphine but almost never the Vicodin. Well I was feeling like life was passing me by. Three weeks ago I started taking myself off. I have not taken any for 4 days and the list of symptoms are as listed. They change by the minute hot cold nice mean you name it I feel it. I have the worse headache I have ever had. It's Christmas time and I can't believe this is when I'm stopping. I'm scared and the pain doc thinks I should continue on them. I guess it's how he gets paid. I rather take meds as needed and not just to take them. I didn't want to think of myself as an addict because I had a prescription but the truth is I'm and my nervous system are addicted. I can do this but I am scared. I'm going to go see an acupuncturist tomorrow I will post if it helps. I pray anyone looking to quit these nasty drugs can do it. I know I will. It hurts but I really want to live healthy not just exist. Thanks to a great partner I will keep you posted.
SusanJanuary 4, 2017
I was also chemically addicted. My doc wanted me to stay on to improve my quality of life with no nerve pain. Like you, I chose to stop during the holidays. At least I haven't had to miss work. Stay strong!
Jay harrisDecember 4, 2016
Been taking morphine patch's for over a year now. 10mg per hour 240mg per day. I got prescribed them by the doctor for arthritis in both shoulders and right hand. It helps with the pain a lot but wasn't told about the side effects of going cold turkey and just stopping taking the medicine. I'm on my 4th day and not slept in 3 nights. Restless legs and arms are killing me and I'm at my white end. I even did a 5 mile walk 2 days ago but didn't help. Anyone know when the withdrawals will stop. Thanks, Jay
Robert Wilcox SRMarch 30, 2018
It depends how long you have been on it. I went cold turkey been on them 37 years from going to a pain clinic. The withdraws can last for years... just take nausea pills and Tylenol for the migraine headaches. If I can do it - so can you. Sometimes sleeping helps too.
David SkeenDecember 8, 2016
I thought I'd comment on this subject because 48 hours ago I went cold turkey from being on 2 x 50grm a day of slow release morphine for many years. Why I did it I don't really know, I think it was after moving in May, I was starting to get more pain from the two prolapsed discs that I have and I wanted to know if it was because the morphine was stopping working or the discs were getting worse. I do some mad cap things at times. But this was not my smartest move. The first 24 hours were an eye opener chronic diarrhea, shakes, sweats, anxiety, goosebumps, and the other usual stuff. But I thought I'd hang in there as I was coping quite well. Then I hit 30 hours, I had actually dropped to sleep in the chair but woke up retching, having to run to the kitchen, before throwing up all over the sink, and that was just the start, constant vomiting and everything stepped up ten fold. I was crying, getting into fits of depression, severe panic attacks, my whole body itching, there was no way to continue so I called the doctors for a prescription only to find out they are closed Wednesday afternoons. There was no way I could wait till today I had to call my sister to help me, she called the emergency services and I finally got a prescription filled for my 28 day supply. Why did I do it? I'm 60 and have cirrhosis and have had Hep C twice all from a blood transfusion in 1979, and I was starting to feel like a junky taking morphine for all this time. I don't know why I was feeling this way but I get something in my head sometimes and just go Gung Ho. One good thing has come out of this I realise I need the medication for my back, and life is far better being comfortable then worrying about what people think, but I am going to talk to my doctor because it was obviously bothering me. Bravo Anna for your comments they really hit home.
HollyDecember 16, 2016
I have been on morphine in intrathecal pump for seven years. Before that I was on the patch and before that oral for almost 2 years. I'm now tapering off immediate acting oral morphine. I have several of the side effects listed in the article. This is my final minded mood altering medication to taper off of. My tapering journey began five years ago this month. I'm currently taking 3.5 mg in the morning and 7.5 mg at night. The headache is constant. The fatigue is constant. I'm pushing through.
JerryDecember 31, 2016
I am on day 5 of a very long-potent use of opioids for chronic pain. I have not seen my doctor about stopping them nor spoke to anyone, it is something that simply needs to happen in my life I believe, but this is harder than I thought. I was taking a very large dose of Morphine IR (180MG a day) and Morphine ER (45MG a day). I had been taking almost 300mg a day of oxycodone but was able to steer away from it to the morphine. However, on day 5 now at 11am I still do not feel as well as I thought I would be. I started feeling pretty bad on day 2 to be honest, and day 3 into 4 was the worse, but today I still am very, very out of it and feel sick. Any advice/help anyone can give? I cannot see my doctor as it is the holidays and he is gone. Just need to see how much longer I will feel this bad.
SusanJanuary 4, 2017
Due to hospital policy, they won't release you to long term rehab from amputation with morphine. I'd been given morphine 30 mg, three times a day starting in December of 2015, after getting sick and blacking out on the way to the bathroom. I was hospitalized a week and sent to the nursing home for four more. It took the nursing home doc 10 days to get my pain under control because the university hospital released me without a Rx for the morphine they had me on. Morphine was a sanity saver. Controlling my pain allowed me to tolerate physical therapy. By April I was feeling much better, so I stopped taking the morphine. I got terribly sick. I figured out it was withdrawal and got back on my dosage. My General Practitioner was fine with me on that small dosage as it knocked out my nerve pain from partial foot amputation surgeries. But last spring I had another surgery. I also had to be put on a PICC line. The plan was to convalesce in a nursing facility (better one) for the duration of the PICC line treatment. Without even discussing it with me, they discharged me without my morphine Rx, thereby putting me at risk of cold turkey withdrawal on top of foot amputation and a PICC line. The nursing home doc would not go against the hospital doc, as they were affiliated. The nursing home policy forbids use of your private doctor. I was f-cked. So I came home, my kids carried me from the hallway to bed and I had home health come deal with me and took my own meds. Now I'm looking at a mid-calf amputation. The doc has already said they won't continue long term pain management like mine with morphine. I'll be stuck in a similar situation as last June. So, I decided to taper off starting just before Christmas. As I went from every 8 hours to every 12, I added ibuprofen back into my routine. I'm still taking Vicodin every 6 hours. I had some pretty bad nerve pain and sweats. Then I started stretching the time out by two to three hours each day until I was down to one a day. I did five days of that. Had some really tough nights and days... chills for hours, then sweats that soaked my bedding. Crappy appetite. VERY moody. Last pill taken at 10pm on December 30. December 31 evening and night were God-awful regarding chills and sweats. Nerve pain and anxiety off the charts. Broke down and took a lorazepam. New Year's Day laid in bed waiting for my timers to tell me to take my alternate pain meds. Cried a ton. Still cry very easily. Jittery. Chills and sweats, though not as bad or long. No sleep at all this past night... very difficult. My foot has taken a turn for the worse (maybe related to withdrawal? Last springs incident was followed by a flair up of cellulitis) and I was certain that the infection was so bad if I fell asleep, I'd die in my sleep. Thank god a friend was up online and talked me into calming down and. Ring ready to go to the hospital if my foot was really that bad. Then I got up and ate a banana, even tho I wasn't hungry, because I had not eaten since noon. I looked up this website and am so glad I did. The moods, anxiety, chills, sweats, paranoia, crying... it's all textbook. I hope it won't last much longer. At least I won't have the battle post surgery if they send me to a nursing home to convalesce... I can't come home without a foot.
SusanJanuary 4, 2017
What sucks, is that my general doc runs opiate withdrawal support groups and uses suboxone, but I could not get an appointment before Jan 10 and both she, my therapist and the new surgeon have all been on Christmas vacation. At least if it continues another week, I might get some Rx help...if I'm not already hospitalized and amputated by then. I won't make my Jan 10 apt.
SunneeJanuary 11, 2017
Well guys I feel like I was taking lethal doses compared to what I have read. I have been on 600 MG a day of er-morphine plus until 2 years ago was taking 7.5mg perc's 6-8 pills a day until they got "concerned" and wanted me off the Tylenol content and then put me on MS Contin at the same amount per day. I failed to mention that I have been on these meds for almost 20 years! Yes I said 20 yrs. A year ago I told my doc that I did not want to be on this sh-t anymore and that I don't even know my pain level if any since opioids can actually manifest pain so you will keep taking the drugs, smart receptors we have! I have been weaning for a year now and knocked the Oxys out this last summer and when I took my last morphine they were 15mg twice a day. So I didn't think I would have a bad withdrawal after weaning down to that amount... WRONG! I took my last pill 12 days ago and seriously plotted my death a few times. First 3 days were horrible but the 3rd day was the worst!! I threw up for 2 straight hours with dry heaves, restlessness, crawling skin, paced the floors for days, uncontrolled sneezing and feeling like I have the flu. The worst for me has been, not ever getting warm, and my muscles literally squeezing me (they say ur body does that to try to find any remaining opioid in your body to latch onto, so disgusting!) So I feel like I have done extreme exercise including 100 sit ups. I'm past the hardest part but now am dealing with almost more annoying issues, worst anxiety I have ever had in my life, and can't relax to sleep! I feel so sleep deprived that my eye sockets ache. I wake out of a sleep with the worst anxiety and fatigue that I give up and just get up. I can't even nap ?. Dr first gave me Clonidine which made my anxiety worse, so then put me on Buspar which has helped a tiny bit. Trazodone at night for sleep... Uh nope hasn't helped with that either. It seems like everything I try that's supposed to help me relax is working the opposite!!! I'm so frustrated and over this. I feel like I'm never gonna rest again. ?
PattyJanuary 31, 2017
I am 66 years old I was on prescription morphine for years. I had to go cold turkey 2 months ago. It has destroyed me. I have uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes out of control I hurt all over. It has made realize why I went to a pain clinic. Has anyone had this much trouble for so long? Never go to a pain clinic - they will destroy your life. I have had a migraines every day since Christmas. Any suggestions? I am at my wits end.
JustineMarch 15, 2017
Go back to your doctor and tell them. In this day and age there is no need to suffer like this. Plenty of alternatives to take to ease you and your body back into some sort of 'normality'. Good luck.
JulieMarch 2, 2017
I was on 60 mg Morphine ER for 5 years. I weaned myself off 10/16. To this day I still experience the chills and headaches almost daily. Four months since I stopped. I definitely have better memory. My desire to do anything is still gone. I've continued to take Clonidine, Prozac, Norco, Ativan. I had a brain aneurysm clipped 7/11/16. Within a month of stopping the Morphine my heart rate went up to 120 daily so they put me on another blood pressure pill. My new doctor also reduced the Norco from 6 per day to 4 per day 10/16. Why are these withdrawal symptoms still affecting me after 4 months? I'm struggling to keep the Norco down to 4/day. It's horrible! Kaiser took me off my expensive RA meds (Enbrel) and put me on 60mg of Morphine Sulfate ER. Don't let anyone do this to you!!!
KenMarch 21, 2018
I am also trying to get from 60mg morphine 2x per day to 15 2x per day and it is tough. I was also cut off of my anti the by insurance! Ken
NetteSeptember 26, 2018
The Norco and morphine sulfate are keeping the opioid receptors numb. We have our own natural opioid receptors and we also have CBD receptors. I was on THC/CBD for 6 months and it helped immensely with the excruciating pain. I’m off ALL pain medication and I’m finally getting back to moving forward. I wish all the best for you!
NetteSeptember 26, 2018
My treating Dr. decided that he, would “no longer” be providing any care for me. After he had me addicted to morphine and inserted an electronic device in my back (that failed). I was able to get off opioids and the worst of my symptoms were agitation and irritability. I don't have a great support system so that may have been part of it. I’m 2 years clean!!
TruthAugust 30, 2025
It's obvious that the main problem with morphine/opioid-withdrawal is that the medical system often just refuses to keep people on the prescription meds they need. Because of hysteria and political stigma. Then people slide into old or worsened pain and/or psychological problems (that the opioids helped to control) during their withdrawal ... and begin to believe their problems would come from withdrawal ... when the opioids helped them. Lots of medical staff believing in anti opioid propaganda and talking people into believing this BS only makes it worse. Stop the anti opioid propaganda. They should be prescribed when needed. No one should be forced to stop them if they help.

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