My son has been on oral morphine for 12 weeks and is slowly reducing it but is very tearful, is this normal?

Question

My son broke his stenum 12 weeks ago and has been on oral morphine along with other painkillers since, His GP is very slowly reducing his doseage but he keeps bursting into tears for no apparent reason. I wondered if anybody else had any experience of coming off morphine, he is still on a relatively high dose so he's still got a long way to go. He is only 18 and finds being as he is very embarrassing especially as it happens for no apparent reason.

Answer 1

I TAKE IT YOU MEANT STERNUM I HAVE MINE BROKEN IN TWO PLACES ON THE OP TABLE DURING TRIPLE BY PASS AND I WAS ON MORPHINE AND REDUCING DOES AFFECT YOU GOOD LUCK LAD IT WILL BE OK I PROMISE YOU YOUR MUM IS CLOSE BY

Answer 2

I've been on morphine for a long time now, now I'm stubborn and if I think I can do without it, I don't take it, - this is obviously not the best thing to do, and your son should obviously slowly reduce the dose.

The signs that he is showing are also classic of depression.

Stopping morphine can be quite nasty, from upset tummy to mood swings to tiredness - constantly wanting to sleep even, to appitite reduction, and they're just the ones that I most commonly notice.

He needs to mention it to his GP obviously. But people who are close to him need to be there for him, gie him an obscene amount of moral support, and while he's coming off it, catty comments directed to him are far from what he'll need, obviously tention etc, stress and tention increase pain levels so it'll make things really hard for him, so someone saying something like "it can't hurt that much" would reduce him to tears or make him want to swing for them.

If he needs someone to talk to who understands, please feel free to pass on my email address.

Answer 3

I feel for you. I have a almost 3 yo daughter and a 6 mth old baby. Rest assured it really will work out. I was terrified that my daughter (who was quite clingy) would be miserable with me in hospital for 4 days, but she was fine. We didn't have any tantrums or trouble. Both my sister-in-law and my bf who also had kids about the same age we're fine. I understand what you mean about her being two young to really comprehend a new baby - my daughter thought a baby was in everyone's belly, but she'll get it as soon as the new child arrives. The best part of having a second child is that you really appreciate them. I have loved having another baby. More then I ever thought I would. I don't want him to grow up at all. Good luck with the birth and your growing family. I am positive it will all work out for you.

Answer 4

it's fully normal. the morphine has made it so there is no pain. now that it's being reduced. he realizes how painful it is and his mood follows suit and he cries from the pain. talk to the doctor, it might not be the right time to take him off. the best you can do is support him and get him through this painful time.

Answer 5

There are many side effects to the withdrawal of morphine, if crying is the only one he is very lucky. Stick with it just be there to support him.

Answer 6

Extremely common to be emotionally labile when opiate dosages are changed. The chemicals of the brain are not receiving what was considered the norm.

Answer 7

I was prescribed demerol for a long period of time following an injury and it caused the same thing. You could ask your doctor if it might help to pescribe an antidepressant until things get back to normal.

Answer 8

oh yes, and the worst is yet to come.
He will experience the exact same symptoms as any opiate withdrawal, heroin included.

Bear with it, and give him as much moral support as you can, as he's going to need it.
He'll feel empty inside before long, and hit rock bottom