Detoxing off Methadone

[tomma]

I've been slowly tapering off of a 15 year Methadone maintainence program for about 2 years now. Roughly dropping 5 milligrams every month or so. About a month ago my dose was at 3 mgs. At that point I really didn't feel to bad during the day although the nights were horrible due not being able to sleep.

At that point I decided to just stop the meth all together, rather than prolonging the agony of dropping from 3 -2, then 2-1 etc. I stopped altogether about 3 weeks ago and have not slept more than 3 hours a night since. What makes it worse is it's not a simple toss and turn all night, it's an almost indesribable twisting, knawing feeling in the pit of my stomach that forces me out of bed, even though I'm so tired I can't hold my head up.

I've tried having a couple drinks before bed, over the counter sleep meds, even got some halcion from a friend, all to no avail.

How long can I expect this to last, or is there something I can do to lessen the pain in the meantime?

[kaylee2012]

you can do it

[Browneyes1967]

I HAVE BEEN ON METHADONE FOR 10 YEARS NOW, AT 280MG . I STARTING DETOXING FIRST IT WAS 1MG A WEEK NOW IT;S 5MG A WEEK SINCE I HAVE STARTED THIS DETOX OH BY THE WAY I;M AT ABOUT 155MG /160MG NOW BUT SINCE I STARTED , I HAVE NOTICES VERY BAD SWEELING IN MY ANKLES ALL THE WAY UP TO MY KNEES DOES THE SWEELING AND VERY VERY  VERY HURTFUL PAIN HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS , IVE HAD EVERY TEST FROM HUNDREDS OF BLOOD TEST TO MRI'S TO ULTRA SOUNDS FOR BLOOD CLOT'S EVER SINGLE TEST CAME OUT CLEAN AS I DON'T KNOW WHAT.. THE SWELLING BEGINS IN ANKLES THEN LEG'S ALL THE WAY UP TO MY KNEE, I HOPE SOME ONE OUT HERE CAN HELP . I;M SCARED TO DEATH , AND ON TOP OF THIS I,M BYPOLAR BAD . LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER AND THIS I.M GOING THROUGH DON'T HELP A BIT .... PLEASE HELP ME

[MEILIMOO60]

My daughter has been on 10,mg Methadone for 10 years for severe back and leg pain but the doctor now is talking about taking her off it.  What now, hse is more afraid of the pain than the withdrawal?  Can a Dr. really do this cold turkey?

[ariley13]

Hi there and welcome! This is an old thread that you are posting on. If you go to the top of the page and hit the orange 'post a question' link you can start your own post, tell your story, and ask questions you may have. That will help more people to see it which means more advice and support. I don't have any personal experience with Methadone, but there are a ton of folks on here that do. There is also a forum called 'living with an addict' on this site. You might want to check that out to get some support for yourself. Please take care and I wish you and your brother all the best.

[desperatesis]

i was wondering if anyone could help me with helpin my brother get off methadone what is the best method and should he see a dr to do it,,,he told me he takes 2 pills a day n has done this for a yr now . what can he take to help him as well such as vitiamins n such

[jwajoe]

go as low on the done as is possible and then skip a day on the absolute lowest dose   even .25 mg per day  that is a very strong positive determined way to reduce ....u must have given up heroin completely to achieve this otherwise its pointless stay on done til you are ready