Morphine sulfate, a legally prescribed narcotic pain-killer, is classified as an opiate and is derived from the poppy plant. Morphine is a highly effective and addictive analgesic that alleviates moderate to severe pain. Opiates work by binding with and activating specific parts of the brain known as opioid receptors; these activated receptors affect the pain experience, and they also trigger the pleasure center of the brain, which plays a role in addiction. Although not fatal, if you become addicted to morphine, the effects from withdrawal are not pleasant.
Flu-like Symptoms
According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA), major opiate withdrawal effects peak anywhere between 48 to 72 hours after the last dose of the opiate is ingested; moreover, it will take between 7 to 10 days for these opiate withdrawal effects to dissipate. For many individuals, the first side effects to manifest are cold or flu-like symptoms such as a runny rose, sneezing with nasal discharge, and watery eyes. Additionally, you may experience aches and pains. Unfortunately, the pain may get worse before it gets better. Pupils dilate and breathing becomes stressed, which usually is accompanied by yawning. Headaches and sweating may occur along with gooseflesh. In withdrawal, you may complain of being cold one instant and complaining of being hot the next.
Mood and Activity Changes
As withdrawal from morphine continues, you will often display major changes in mood and activity. For example, you're likely to experience anxiety or depression, as well as agitation during withdrawal. Other side effects that commonly occur are restlessness and hyperactivity, which are typically accompanied by trouble sleeping. Opiates like morphine dull some actions of the sympathetic nervous system, such as alertness and muscle movement. As a result, the reactivation of this part of the nervous system during withdrawal can lead to abnormal muscle activity, like shakiness. Muscle tremors can cause the body to shake uncontrollably, and trying to drink out of a cup with shaking, trembling hands can add to your agitation.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Withdrawal from morphine can produce gastrointestinal problems as the body reacts to the absence of morphine doses. An individual going through withdrawal usually will have a drop in appetite, and as withdrawal continues, gastrointestinal effects tend to become more intense: you might experience an upset stomach, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting and possibly severe diarrhea.
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