Neural mechanisms underlying morphine withdrawal in addicted patients: a review

• Main Authors: Nima Babhadiashar, Golnaz Vaseghi, Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei, Sasan Andalib, Azadeh Eshraghi, Nooshin Masoudian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences 2015-06-01
• Series: Reviews in Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: Morphine dependence; Morphine withdrawal; Morphine withdrawal syndrome; Neural mechanisms
• Online Access: http://rcm.mums.ac.ir/pdf_4346_e655db9d53aed778ff697af37c8cc659.html

Morphine is one of the most potent alkaloid in opium, which has substantial medical uses and needs and it is the first active principle purified from herbal source. Morphine has commonly been used for relief of moderate to severe pain as it acts directly on the central nervous system; nonetheless, its chronic abuse increases tolerance and physical dependence, which is commonly known as opiate addiction. Morphine withdrawal syndrome is physiological and behavioral symptoms that stem from prolonged exposure to morphine. A majority of brain regions are hypofunctional over prolonged abstinence and acute morphine withdrawal. Furthermore, several neural mechanisms are likely to contribute to morphine withdrawal. The present review summarizes the literature pertaining to neural mechanisms underlying morphine withdrawal. Despite the fact that morphine withdrawal is a complex process, it is suggested that neural mechanisms play key roles in morphine withdrawal.