Avinza Withdrawal

Avinza is an extended-release capsule formulation of morphine and is prescribed for moderate to severe chronic pain. ¹ It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. ^1,2 The drug has been discontinued, but similar morphine medications are still on the market (MS Contin, Kadian, Morphabond, Embeda).

Dependence develops with repeated use of Avinza or other morphine medications. Physiologic dependence is a reflection of the user’s brain adapting to the persistent presence of the drug. Once dependence develops, the user will feel and function normally when the drug is present. When the person stops taking the drug or reduces their dose, they will often be confronted with a series of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. ³

Dependence often develops in parallel with the user building tolerance to Avinza. As tolerance grows, the user’s no longer responds as strongly to the drug as before. The user must then take a higher dose to achieve the same effects. The repeated use and escalating doses increase the likelihood of dependence. ⁴

Avinza withdrawal may result in unpleasant side effects. Tapering the dose or using an opioid replacement medication may help alleviate symptoms. Medical detoxification and addiction treatment can help minimize the risk of relapse and manage other withdrawal complications.

If you need help with Avinza withdrawal, call to speak with a treatment support specialist about detox centers.

Avinza Withdrawal Symptoms

Avinza withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Muscle and bone pain.
• Insomnia.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Goosebumps.
• Uncontrollable leg movements (“kicking”). ⁵

Symptoms may vary based on how long the person was using Avinza, how much they were using, their physical and mental health, and other factors.

Avinza withdrawal treatment can lessen or prevent the seriousness of these side effects, allowing people to begin their recovery from addiction.

How Long Does Avinza Withdrawal Last?

Major withdrawal symptoms of Avinza begin within 12 hours of the last dose, peak within 36 to 72 hours, and then fade over 7 to 10 days. ^6,7

The timeline and severity of withdrawals will vary depending on the person as well as the length and severity of the addiction.

Withdrawing from Avinza: Treatment Methods and Options for Help

Common treatment methods include tapering and using opioid replacement medications. Treatment for Avinza withdrawal can take place in several different types of facilities. Specialists at these facilities can monitor the person and treat any medical problems or complications.

Detox Options & Methods for Avinza

• In an inpatient detox treatment program or a detox center, the person receives medical care and any needed medications. Detox centers only provide withdrawal care, while many inpatient programs provide detoxification as well as addiction treatment, including individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step meetings, and other activities. Both programs distance users from triggers and cut off access to Avinza, and therefore lower the likelihood of relapse.
• Mild cases of Avinza addiction can be treated in an outpatient setting. In these settings, the person visits a treatment facility or a physician’s office on a set schedule to receive medical monitoring, a tapered dose, or stabilization on an opioid replacement regimen.

Common methods for detoxing from Avinza include:

• Tapering – gradually lowering the dose of Avinza over time.
• Opioid replacement medications – replacing Avinza with a medication such as methadone or buprenorphine and then tapering the dose or maintaining the person on the medication, depending on the situation.

These methods can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and allow for a more comfortable detox.

Learn more about Avinza withdrawal treatment options and medications.

How Long Does Avinza Withdrawal Last?

Major withdrawal symptoms of Avinza begin within 12 hours of the last dose, peak within 36 to 72 hours, and then fade over 7 to 10 days. ^6,7 The timeline and severity of withdrawals will vary depending on the person as well as the length and severity of the addiction.

Detoxing, Addiction Treatment, Rehab, and Recovery

Detoxification is the first step in recovering from drug addiction. As soon as the psychological and physical symptoms of Avinza withdrawal dissipate, addiction treatment can begin.

Types of addiction treatment for Avinza include:

• Inpatient rehab – These centers offer focused recovery interventions that include individual and group counseling, medical care, and other activities including recreation, yoga, meditation, and peer support.
• Outpatient rehab – Outpatient can include everything from attending individual or group sessions multiple times a week to meeting individually with a therapist once a week. Some people begin outpatient after they complete detox, while others transition into outpatient after completing an inpatient program.
• Addiction counseling and therapy – Therapy can take place in an individual setting, in a group setting, or as part of a treatment program at an inpatient or outpatient facility. Recovering users learn techniques to prevent relapse, develop sober living skills, and deal with past trauma or emotional problems that may have led to addiction.
• 12-step programs – In addition to attending therapy sessions, committing to a support group can help former Avinza users maintain long-term recovery. Support groups are usually 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous. But other programs are available depending on the person’s case and location. SMART Recovery is a non-12-step program that focuses on evidence-based treatment methods.

Are There Any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

Natural methods or home remedies, such as taking warm baths, drinking cranberry juice, reducing caffeine and fats in the diet, and increasing water and clear liquid intake are often promoted as alternative ways to help relieve discomfort from withdrawals and flush the body of harmful toxins.

A home remedy, however, is often not sufficient for safe, long-lasting detoxification from Avinza. Many users relapse without supervised care, and relapsing after a period of abstinence can lead to overdose. ⁶ Other possible medical complications include electrolyte disturbances and aspiration from breathing stomach contents into the lungs (if vomiting is present). ⁶

Consider seeking some form of professional treatment to help you detox.

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Avinza?

The length of detox typically varies on an individual basis, but usually lasts several days (see “How Long Does Avinza Withdrawal Last?” section above). Because the most severe withdrawal symptoms occur during the first few days of detox, it is important to seek out professional help.

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Avinza Information at a Glance
Medication Name, Costs	Class of Medicine
Generic Name: Morphine Chemical Name: Morphine sulfate Brand Name: Avinza (discontinued) Brand Name Variations: Arymo ER, Embeda, Kadian, Morphabond, MS Contin, Oramorph SR	Function or Use at Low Dose: Pain relief Function or Use at High Dose: Pain relief System: Opioid receptor agonist Duration of Action: Extended-release, depends on the dose
Form, Intake, and Dose	Interactions and Complications
Drug Forms: Extended-release capsule Administration Routes: oral, snorting, injection 1 Overdose: Possible Overdose symptoms: respiratory depression, extreme drowsiness, blue tint to lips and nailbeds, clammy skin, constricted pupils, fluid in the lungs, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, death 1	Alcohol Interaction: can lead to a rapid release of a potentially fatal dose of morphine 1 Prescription Medications: Taking Avinza or other opioid medications with other central nervous system depressants such as sedatives, anesthetics, or tranquilizers can lead to respiratory depression, low blood pressure, sedation, and coma. 1 Contraindications: patients with hypersensitivity to morphine, respiratory depression, or suspected small bowel obstruction. 1
Effects and Adverse Reactions	Substance Abuse
Side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, stomach pain and cramps, nervousness, mood changes, small pupils, difficulty urinating or pain when urinating 3	Risk of Substance Abuse: High Signs of Abuse: refusal to undergo appropriate examinations, repeated loss of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions, preoccupation with getting medication
Physiological Problem Signs and Symptoms	Dependence and Addiction Issues
Withdrawal Syndrome Onset: usually within 6-12 hours of last dose 4 Withdrawal Symptoms: restlessness, sweating, chills, diarrhea, irritability, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, runny nose, watery eyes, yawning, abdominal cramps 1 Tolerance: Yes	Physical Dependence: Yes Psychological Dependence: Yes
Legal Schedules and Ratings
Controlled Substances Act Rating: Schedule II Rating 1