Morphine is one prescription drug that frequently results in harsh withdrawal symptoms when it is discontinued suddenly. While the typical morphine withdrawal symptoms are not usually life-threatening, they can be bothersome and painful. Many people experience stomach problems, for example, including cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Changes in behavior may also occur, such as sudden irritability and restlessness. Certain issues are obvious to other people, such as watery eyes and dilated pupils, while some are typically only noticed by the patient or his doctor; these might include high blood pressure and fast heart rate.
Some of the most common morphine withdrawal symptoms involve problems with the stomach. For instance, many people who suddenly stop taking this drug suffer from nausea and stomach cramps, causing patients to lose their appetite. While these symptoms are not typically serious, the vomiting and diarrhea that often result from morphine withdrawal can lead to dehydration if not treated early. Thus, even though most symptoms are not life-threatening, many doctors advise that patients gradually decrease their dose of morphine rather than quiting all at once.
Withdrawal from this drug may also result in a change of behavior for some patients. For example, some patients become restless and anxious while in the midst of quitting this drug, often leading to insomnia. Of course, lack of sleep at night can lead to constant yawning, as well as irritability. These changes in behavior may alarm those in contact with the patient, especially if they are not aware that he is trying to quit this drug.
There are other symptoms of morphine withdrawal that may be evident to those around the patient. For instance, some patients may display a runny nose and watery eyes, and while these signs may be brushed off as a cold or allergies, they are often accompanied by dilated pupils. Constant sweatiness and chills may also appear, leading to concern by people close to the patient.
Of course, there are some morphine withdrawal symptoms that are only noticeable to either the patient or his doctor rather. Patients may feel pain in the joints, muscles, and the back. They may also tend to breathe faster than usual, and notice that their heart rate is also higher than normal. Patients who are not sure whether they are experiencing symptoms of morphine withdrawal or some other condition may find out for sure when they visit a doctor, who will usually note their high blood pressure and other more obvious symptoms.