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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Use of slow-release oral morphine for the treatment of opioid dependence
Dominik Kraigher1, Reinhold Jagsch, Wolfgang Gombas
1Clinical Department of General Psychiatry, University Clinic of Psychiatry, Vienna, Austria.
Aims:
In addition to methadone, other synthetic opioids are now available for the treatment of opioid dependence. The study investigated the treatment satisfaction of oral slow-release morphine for maintenance therapy in opioid-dependent patients in an open-label 3-week study.
Design:
We evaluated the treatment satisfaction of oral slow-release morphine hydrochloride for 3 weeks in 110 patients meeting the diagnosis of opioid dependence (DSM-IV 304.0) or polysubstance dependence (DSM-IV 304.9).
Measurements:
Primary outcome measures were the study retention rate, urinalysis for additional illicit consumption other than heroin, cravings and withdrawal symptoms 24 h after the last intake of the medication (duration of action of treatment).
Findings:
In total, 103 patients completed the study, representing a retention rate of 94%. Patients reported significant improvements in somatic complaints, as well as significant reductions in heroin and cocaine cravings (p < 0.0001) and in additional consumption of cocaine in supervised urinalysis (p = 0.0083). Additional illicit consumption of benzodiazepines remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
The high study retention rate implies a good acceptance of slow-release acting oral morphine. However, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy studies with a longer investigational period are needed to meet criteria for evidence-based medicine.
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