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How Long Does Morphine Detoxification Take?

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Posted on Sat, 12 Sep 2015
Question: I have taken Morphine sulfate (30mg tabs, 3x per day) for almost 8-10 years. My Pain Management doctor said it may take up to 8 weeks to totally rid itself from by body. I am currently detoxing with the help and guidance of this medical professional. Will it really take it that long to detox? Thank you, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes morphine (opioid) detoxification will take long time

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us.

Morphine is an opioid group of drug. After chronic use body becomes dependent on it. If it is stopped suddenly, there will be severe withdrawal features.
To prevent these withdrawal symptoms dose of morphine should be reduced gradually.

You have been taking morphine since 8-10 years. So your dose should be reduced very slowly. Morphine is soluble in fat so it stays long in body even if its short half-life.

8 weeks of total detoxification is very fine. I think your doctor is doing absolutely right thing.

I recommend following his advice.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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How Long Does Morphine Detoxification Take?

Brief Answer: yes morphine (opioid) detoxification will take long time Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us. Morphine is an opioid group of drug. After chronic use body becomes dependent on it. If it is stopped suddenly, there will be severe withdrawal features. To prevent these withdrawal symptoms dose of morphine should be reduced gradually. You have been taking morphine since 8-10 years. So your dose should be reduced very slowly. Morphine is soluble in fat so it stays long in body even if its short half-life. 8 weeks of total detoxification is very fine. I think your doctor is doing absolutely right thing. I recommend following his advice. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.