Addiction Recovery - Drug and Alcohol - Opioid Addiction - Sobriety

Avinza: Uses, Abuse, and Addiction Treatment

avinza

Avinza is a discontinued brand name for morphine sulfate. Explore its former uses, abuse potential, and morphine addiction treatment options here.

Avinza, a brand name for morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, was once widely used to manage moderate to severe pain requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioid therapy. However, the Avinza brand was discontinued in the U.S. in 2015 due to the introduction of abuse-deterrent formulations and other market factors. 

Despite its discontinuation, morphine remains a widely used opioid analgesic for pain management in various formulations. Morphine also has a notably high potential for abuse and overdose, which can lead to severe health risks.

Learn more about Avinza, its former uses, side effects, and more, and call us today if you or a loved one are struggling with morphine addiction.

What Is Avinza (Morphine)?

Avinza, a brand name for morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, was commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioid therapy. However, the Avinza brand was discontinued in the U.S. in 2015 due to the introduction of abuse-deterrent formulations and other market factors. Despite the discontinuation of Avinza, morphine remains a widely used opioid analgesic for pain management in various formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release forms.

Uses of Avinza

Avinza, a once widely-used medication, was known for its extended-release formulation of morphine sulfate. It was prescribed to manage severe pain requiring continuous, long-term opioid treatment. Here’s a rundown of its former uses:

  • Severe Chronic Pain: Avinza was prescribed for managing severe, long-term pain that necessitates continuous opioid treatment.

  • Cancer Pain: It was effective in alleviating severe, persistent pain associated with cancer.

  • Postoperative Pain: Avinza was utilized to manage intense pain following surgical procedures.

  • Acute Pulmonary Edema: In certain situations, it was used to relieve pain and anxiety linked to acute pulmonary edema.

  • General Anesthesia Adjunct: Avinza also served as an adjunct to general anesthesia for pain management during and after surgery.

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Side Effects of Avinza

Avinza posed a number of potential side effects, ranging from nausea and vomiting to dizziness, itching, and mood fluctuations. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Nausea and Vomiting: Avinza can sometimes make you feel queasy or lead to vomiting. It's crucial to stay hydrated and let your doctor know if it persists.

  • Constipation: This is a common side effect, but it's manageable with dietary changes and medications if needed. Don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about it.

  • Dizziness or Drowsiness: Avinza might cause dizziness or make you feel sleepy. Take extra caution while driving or operating machinery.

  • Itching or Sweating: Some people experience itching or sweating while using Avinza. It's essential to keep your doctor informed if this happens to you.

  • Changes in Mood: You might notice changes in your mood or mental health. If you feel anxious or depressed, reach out for support from loved ones or a healthcare professional.

Signs of Avinza Overdose

Avinza, or morphine, poses risks for overdose, and it’s important to be aware of the signs:

  • Breathing Problems: Avinza overdose can lead to shallow or difficulty breathing. If you're having trouble catching your breath, seek help immediately.

  • Extreme Drowsiness: Feeling excessively sleepy or unable to stay awake could be a sign that you've taken too much Avinza.

  • Confusion or Disorientation: If you're feeling confused or disoriented, it could be a sign of Avinza overdose. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: Experiencing severe nausea or vomiting after taking Avinza could indicate an overdose. It's essential to get help as soon as possible.

  • Muscle Weakness: Weakness or limpness in your muscles could be a sign that you've taken too much Avinza. Don't ignore this symptom; seek help right away.

If you or a loved one is displaying symptoms of a morphine overdose, it’s strongly advised that you seek urgent medical attention. Morphine overdose is deadly, and your healthcare provider can provide the necessary resources and next steps to ensure your safety.

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Warnings and Interaction With Other Drugs

Avinza, or morphine, carries significant risks and requires careful management. Below are critical warnings and interactions to be aware of when using Avinza, including respiratory risks, potential for addiction, and dangerous drug interactions:

Warnings

  • Respiratory Risks: Avinza can cause severe respiratory depression, which may be life-threatening. This risk was higher in elderly patients, those with respiratory conditions, or those taking other medications that depress respiration.

  • Addiction and Misuse: Avinza had a high potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. 

  • Pregnancy: Using Avinza during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated.

Interaction With Other Drugs

  • MAO Inhibitors: Avoid using Avinza (morphine) with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping such treatment, as it can cause severe and dangerous interactions.

  • CNS Depressants: Concurrent use with other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other opioids, can increase the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

  • Interaction with Mixed Agonist/Antagonist Opioids: Combining Avinza (morphine) with mixed agonist/antagonist opioids, such as pentazocine or nalbuphine, may diminish its pain-relieving effects or trigger withdrawal symptoms

Treatment Options for Avinza Abuse

Avinza was commonly abused, and morphine is still used illicitly to this day. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to help individuals recover and break free of their dependence:

  • Medical Detox: Medical detox provides round-the-clock care and medication to ease discomfort and gradually taper individuals off of morphine use.

  • Therapy and Counseling: Therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling helps individuals get to the root of their addiction, and break negative thought patterns.

  • Support Groups: Being surrounded by people who understand what you're going through can make a world of difference. Groups like Narcotics Anonymous, for example, offer a sense of community and solidarity.

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): In some cases, medication can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. It's often used in combination with therapy for the best results.

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Morphine Addiction: Get The Help You Need and Deserve

If you or a loved one have developed a morphine addiction, know that you’re not alone, and help is available to guide you toward recovery. At The Edge Treatment Center, we offer a team of treatment professionals – as well as a range of proven therapies – to support you every step of the way. Call us today to learn more about our programs and how we can lend a hand.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

Written by

the-edge-treatment-center

The Edge Treatment Center

Reviewed by

jeremy-arztJeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

Addiction Recovery

Drug and Alcohol

Opioid Addiction

Sobriety

October 21, 2024

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Chewing extended-release morphine can cause rapid release of the drug, leading to potentially fatal overdose due to the high dose entering the bloodstream quickly.

Avinza might have been discontinued due to factors such as decreased demand, safety concerns, or patent expiration, prompting pharmaceutical companies to discontinue its production.

Avinza can be used to manage pain in elderly patients, but with caution and at lower doses, as they may be more sensitive to its effects and at a higher risk of side effects.

The half-life of Avinza, or morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, is approximately 8 to 12 hours, meaning it takes this amount of time for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.

Avinza is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. It can also pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant, so it's typically advised to avoid its use while breastfeeding.