How Long Does Morphine Detoxification Take?

Posted on Sun, 16 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 Answered on

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

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

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (-5 hours 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.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar