Drug interraction between Methadone and Paxil

[Plumpkin]

I have been on Methadone maintenance for almost 3 years and have abstained from all other drugs and alcohol.  I have been experiencing feelings of depression and feeling overwhelmed and would like to try an anti-depressent.  I took Paxil, briefly while in College.  I had a good result and remember no sexual side effect.  Is there a negative reaction when Methadon and Paxil are mixed?  Will it show up on a drug screen?  If Paxil isn't an anti-depressent I want to consider, is there another one that I should discuss with my physician?

[Huiler]

Yes, I agree with that, I SHOULD know all that. Since I don't, that's why I'm asking. My clinic seems to hire good sensitive, creaative, intelligent educated people, often with no addictions themselves, and lets them learn on the job. Life is full of people who are learning the jobs they are doing, I have found! But I Really Do want to help my patients with withdrawal, especially from 10 mg on down to getting off, and the next few weeks after that. I can't seem to get my own question going, so anyone who has any personal experience to share with me about what helped them, I would be Most Grateful for! Maybe I'll get my own question sometime.

[mrmichael67]

I have no intentions of whipping you.  That is not my style.  But, I do think it is disturbing for a methadone clinic counselor to not know methadone like the back of their hand.  That would include getting off of it.  In all honesty, you are the one who should be fielding questions, not asking them.  It is cool you are making an effort to learn.  I do applaude you for that as a lot of counselors could give half a ****.  I am a mmt patient, so I know how it goes.  I have no disrespect for you.  I was just being honest in that I feel someone in your position should know it all about getting off of methadone, that's all.

[Huiler]

Hi, Thanks for answereing my question. Yes, it is a problem for me too that we don't cirulate more good advice to our patients when they are trying to detox. I mean, the nurses and most everyone else, remcommends "very very slowly" to everyone, but other than that, they sort of mention diet and excerise. and that's about it. It is of much concern to me, because I want to see my patients succeeding when they get off the clinic. Not that I have a huge objection to some of those old-times being on methadone for life, except for the amount of money it costs everyone. Because I think an addiction brain is an addicted brain, and the right amount of opiates make the addicted brain a normal brain. Methadone is good because it takes you through the day. But the younger people - well, everyone really - why should they be on methadone the rest of their lives? Anyway, there's so much more to say, however, I can say it later. Can you really feel "yourself" after getting off methadone after being on it for months or years?

It is neat for me to read other points of view on these subjects. Regarding my clinic not seeming very wise, I don't want to seem cynical, but I've wondered. The answers I've gotten when inquring about more extensive information about withdrawal, comes down to, "Everybody's different." I respect my clinic a lot and I think it is ethical and fair, and I myself feel proud of the work I do, doing counseling and therapy with them - over a longer period of time than one usually gets a chance to do. I've seen some wonderful changes in people.

I hope you guys won't be mad to hear that a methadone counselor doesn't know everything about methadone, and won't turn me into some kind of a whipping post (those of you who don't like Methdadone.)

PS, I tried to post a question this morning 5/31/03 at 7 past 12:00 midnight, and it said they were all filed up. Go figure.

[mrmichael67]

Your question on the other thread about what would help withdrawal off of methadone lead me to ask that question.  And, it causes me concern to see a counselor from a methadone clinic asking such a question.  If you were just the person who checks people in and takes payment, then I wouldn't think twice.

[Huiler]

I have been working as a counselor/case manager at this methadone clinic for a little over 2 years. Before that, I was working as a substance abuse counselor, mostly outpatient, since 1989. Why would you like to know?

[mrmichael67]

In what capacity did you or do you work at the clinic?