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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Nausea While On Morphine?

I've had # lower back surgeries approx 10 years ago and have dx of FBSS. Long story short I've had an intrathecal Morphine Pain Pump for a little over #5 years. For the last 4 years I've remained at the exact same dosage (not up nor down and on a relatively moderate dosage). I am also diabetic on oral hypoglycemic with relatively stable sugars. The only other health problem(as if the two as written above aren't enough)is I have Low Testosterone. About 4.5 weeks ago my pain pump failed, the pump stopped working as well as the emergency alarm inside the pump failed to alarm me there was trouble. By the end of that weekend I was so sick and in full narcotic withdrawal. One month ago to the day I had a new pump placed by my PMNR physician. I've been in for two follow up's since to gradually increase the rate to the rate prior to the first pump failing. My second post op follow up was yesterday and I am now at the exact rate as I was before the first pump failed. My main concern now is such terrible bought's of nausea that still make me vomit at times. I had nausea so bad when I was in full W/D(to be expected)for 3 plus days that it was constant dry heaving for 2 day's. I've never had any trouble with nausea before this. Is it possible the ongoing/current nausea is being caused from opiod W/D while my body attempts to figure out what the heck is going on. And if so, how long will/would this last?
Thu, 9 Nov 2017
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Thank you for the question, and I am sorry that you are going through this. Sometimes, opiate withdrawal can persist, but I think it is also possible that the morphine itself is responsible for some of the nausea. If you are having any other symptoms like itching or flushing, you may want to inquire about other medications that can help alleviate those symptoms. Also, be wary about developing constipation. If you have continued to throw up, there is a good chance that you have become dehydrated and this could contribute to feeling nauseous and may have lead to constipation. I'd recommend starting simple by drinking more water than you think that you need (at least 64oz a day), and ensuring that you are back on a good bowel regimen of a stool softener and some agent that helps move the gut along (i.e. senna or something similar.) I hope that this resolves quickly for you.
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What Causes Nausea While On Morphine?

Thank you for the question, and I am sorry that you are going through this. Sometimes, opiate withdrawal can persist, but I think it is also possible that the morphine itself is responsible for some of the nausea. If you are having any other symptoms like itching or flushing, you may want to inquire about other medications that can help alleviate those symptoms. Also, be wary about developing constipation. If you have continued to throw up, there is a good chance that you have become dehydrated and this could contribute to feeling nauseous and may have lead to constipation. I d recommend starting simple by drinking more water than you think that you need (at least 64oz a day), and ensuring that you are back on a good bowel regimen of a stool softener and some agent that helps move the gut along (i.e. senna or something similar.) I hope that this resolves quickly for you.