Last Methadone at 11am last Friday.

[NoMoMeth4me]

Any Methadone experts out there??? I'm three days in and it's starting to get worse now.
It's now Monday and I took my last Methadone 5mg pill 3 days ago. I Feel tired, yawning a lot, tearing up and constant headache but nothing too bad yet. I have been on Meth for about a year to treat chronic pain and it worked the best for me but had no idea it would be so hard to quit. I have been on 30-40mg and have tapered down to 5mg. I tried to stop once before but the W/Ds were just too much. Do you think I'm going to be ok this time seeing as it's been 72 hours since my last dose and I feel I can handle the W/Ds right now? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[spacecadette]

hey,
  Can I ask if your quitting by choice or by force? Methadone is definately a tough one.  It honestly doesn't matter whether you quit at 5 mgs or 50 mgs.  I've done it at both.  Don't be discouraged by this, but be mentally prepared.  Methadone withdrawls don't fully kick in for 3 to 5 days.  The half life is much longer and metabolic rate for how it is metabolized and stored is much more complex, meaning that withdrawls will sadly last longer as well.  For me, the worst of the withdrawls lasted 3 and a half weeks.  and then it took about a month and a half after that to get on a regular sleep schedule, and not have hot flashes and sweats and feel closer to normal.  Things such as back pain, neck pain, or whatever pain you may have been feeling before u started taking opiates,cannot fairly be diagnosed until about 2 to 3 months after you stop taking the drug.  I often see people say "i have pain in my back (or whereever) and don't know how to ease it." the fact is that your body needs to learn how to deal with it again.  And constantly seeking a "NO PAIN" mindset is simply impossible to do. Pain tolerance has gone way up now that you've quit methadone so every tiny muscle soarness, headache, strain, etc. will feel 20 times more severe than it actually is.  Try things like hot baths, and otc pain meds, and the thomas recipe to help.   You'll have to learn to bare it and get through as much as you can before you can fairly understand if the pain your feeling is due to something other than adjustment during withdrawls.  Your brain doesn't know how to kick in it's natural endorphins right now.  Slowly starting to excercise and go on brisk walks will help restore that. (take your time) And most of all family support if you can get it.  And once your through the first 4 weeks I would begin seeking after care.  I know it's hard and oh so painful hun....I'll never forget it myself.  But my goodness its SOOO worth it.......everything will change if you stick to it.  I promise you.  Your life will be so much easier.  And you'll feel soo free.  It's the most liberating feeling I've ever had.  When the day comes where you feel human again.....it's almost like being re born...and we learn to appreciate all that we've taken forgranted and be happy!!! You can do it! Please stay strong..and keep posting...i'll be here rooting for you!!!

[spacecadette]

oopss..sorry...i just re read it and i noticed i wrote that pain tolerance has gone "way up".....i meant to write that it has gone way down.  But it will go back up once you get through this and it will be much easier to tough out every day aches.....:)  

[theeagle]

Check out some parts of the Health Pages on med help.......find sadinmichigan and read her journals....look for 10356 and do the same ...... I wont sugar coat this for you. I stopped a much larger dose than you cold turkey = it was no fun but i remain glad that I did it. Realistically - it took me a solid six months to turn things around .......... stay strong and dont give up!  You may PM me anytime with questions or for support or just to chat. I am a big fan of the Amino Acid Protocols and feel that SaMe and 5-HTP will help you avoid an antidepressant. As much as you will fight exercise, it is your friend and you will feel better faster if you only take walks around the block. More exercise is better, of course.......but do something physical......start by walking out to the mailbox if needed. Just keep taking small steps ..... and make certain the steps lead forward....

[theeagle]

Informationally - remember, no sugar coat here....this is harsh reality. Its what you have to work with for a short while.

Researchers say that they cannot distinguish the difference between an individual coming off 30mg methadone or 3mg methadone ......... it will still be a fight.  Prepare yourself for this and dont expect any cakewalk.......this is simply something that you must do......and it is something that many have done before you. Being free of the methadone is reward enough - but there are also many other rewards ..... stay strong  - - obstacles are what you will see if you take your eyes off the goal.   Good luck - stay in touch - - eagle