
What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Morphine?

Question: Hi I have been on 30mg of SR morphine sulphate twice daily plus 20 to 30 mg of QR when needed.Also on 300mg Gabapentin 3 x day. History of collapsed thoracic vertebrae due to metastatic RCC. Op was successful but developed very bad shingles as a result. Morphine and Gabapentin continued to alleviate shingle pain which is now in its 9th month. Have decided to go cold turkey on both mess and am at day 3. Have all the characteristic symptoms of wd am 65 yes and would appreciate any advice. Many thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Gabapentin withdrawal can cause anxiety and some insomnia, but compared to morphine withdrawal it will not be a big factor. Morphine withdrawal can be more unpleasant, including cold sweats, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, and vomiting. Due to the large loss of fluids involved, it is important to stay hydrated and to replete your electrolytes with fluids like Gatorade. Get plenty of sleep and be sure to stay sanitary and clean up after yourself. Other than this, in a few days you will be through the worst of it. Good luck to you.
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Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Gabapentin withdrawal can cause anxiety and some insomnia, but compared to morphine withdrawal it will not be a big factor. Morphine withdrawal can be more unpleasant, including cold sweats, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, and vomiting. Due to the large loss of fluids involved, it is important to stay hydrated and to replete your electrolytes with fluids like Gatorade. Get plenty of sleep and be sure to stay sanitary and clean up after yourself. Other than this, in a few days you will be through the worst of it. Good luck to you.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad


Thank you for your quick response. Can you give me rough time line for the morphine wd given my previous dosage. Many thanks.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
It is impossible to predict this. Based on experience my guess is 3-10 days.
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Your panic attacks are likely a reaction to the higher dose of mirtazapine. This paradoxical anxiety reaction can sometimes occur when the antidepressant dose is increased. I would cross-titrate from mirtazapine to a different antidepressant such as escitalopram. This would solve the problem and avoid having to use clonazepam.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
It is impossible to predict this. Based on experience my guess is 3-10 days.
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Your panic attacks are likely a reaction to the higher dose of mirtazapine. This paradoxical anxiety reaction can sometimes occur when the antidepressant dose is increased. I would cross-titrate from mirtazapine to a different antidepressant such as escitalopram. This would solve the problem and avoid having to use clonazepam.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D

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