Morphine

[Lucycal]

I have been on Morphine MST for around 12 years and I have been having a lot of problems so I am trying to stop it. I have reduced my dose from 55mg twice daily to 10 mg twice daily but now I'm struggling to get any lower.Has anyone else managed to stop and how did you do it?

Thanks

[012703060610]

I hope you are under supervision for dialing it back. You just have to be so careful to avoid any withdrawal impacts. Do you feel like you don't need it because you have no pain or are you looking for an alternative pain solution? Most folks use Naltrexone to dial it down and avoid withdrawal. That would be the best advice that I can give to ensure you are safe....but of course I don't know all of the details per se either.

[Lucycal in reply to 012703060610]

Thanks for your reply.

I’m struggling to get support. The addiction team sends me to my GP who sends me back. Just so frustrated with the situation.

[Amkoffee]

I have had to quit opioids twice. The first time I was able to taper the second time I had to stop it cold turkey. To be quite honest neither time was pleasant however tapering was quite a bit easier. You may need to switch over to a different type of opioid. Morphine lasts a lot longer in the system than something like hydrocodone. If you're taking an extended release morphine you'll want to stop that because that will be very hard to taper from. Something you take more regularly and can cut in half would be easier to taper. If you use something like hydrocodone you can cut the pills in half making it a little easier to taper. But it is very important that you work this out with a doctor. My doctor gave me a great deal of latitude and let me taper as I felt comfortable. The only time I had withdrawal symptoms was the first day that I took no pill at all. And I will tell you that in both cases it was like having a severe case of the flu. You'll be hot and cold and sweaty and have trouble sitting still and it is miserable. But you have to remind yourself that it is temporary. Usually the worst of it is over within 3 to 4 days. Good luck!

[Lucycal in reply to Amkoffee]

Thanks for your reply.

I had withdrawal symptoms between doses before I started reducing the MST which is why I wanted to stop.