Methadone Withdrawal

[genia89]

Good Morning Everyone!!
  My name is genia. This is gonna b kinda long becuz I've never told my story to any1 & need help.  I was on Darvocet for 2 yrs & then my dr switched me to methadone once I found out I was pregnant.  I was on this meds for chronic pain issues related to gastric bypass (everytime I eat I get very sick). B4 the methadone, I was constantly in & out of the hospital with several surgeries even with the darvocet.  My new dr has now decided that I don't "need" this anymore and has weaned off in 2 wks.  I called treatment centers & they stated that this is 2 short of a wean.  But what can I do? So yesterday was my last dose. I am soooo scared of withdrawal symptoms & the chronic pain that i had b4 the narcotics.  I have 2 small children that rely on me only as I have no family or friends where I live. I thought about admiting myself to a treatment center but don't have anyone to care for my children. I called the dr & explained bout the severe muscle & other symptoms on the low dose of methadone.  She rescribed me clonidine.  But I thought this was for blood pressure, so how will it really help me thru wd?? I am 2 take it twice daily and gave me 2 wk supply.   I am more scared for my children then myself....... Can anyone give me advice or suggestions to help me thru this??

[chas37]

Help, I quit methadone cold turkey at 80mg 10 days ago and im still in hell. I tried suboxone after 2 days and that took me to the 7th level of hell for 24 hrs. I didn't think humans could endure that kind of pain. Does anyone know how much longer this should last. Im going out of my mind but trying to stay strong. Thanks.

[daniellla]

I would take Gnarly's advice and call the methadone clinic again before you go into serious withdrawals.  Another option would be to check into Suboxone and see if you can get into treatment with one of those Doc's. You need to do this now before your withdrawals set in because methadone withdrawal is as bad as heroin if not worse and 2 times as long.

I think your Dr is a clueless bit#h and it pisses me what she is about to put you through. I've been in your shoes I know how it feels. I wish I could help you. I wouldn't wish withdrawals on my worst enemy. It's a terrible feeling. I will keep you in my prayers.

If it gets real bad before you can get a solution go to the emergency room.

[genia89]

I tried contacting a pain specialist & they said they won't even make an appointment unless my doctor refers me and wants my records.  I also talked to a methadone clinic & they said I would be turned away because of my chronic pain that I am still having.  I was taking 2/10mg daily and they dropped me to one every three days and that was it.  I am sooo lost because I cannot get any help.  Everywhere I call, I get turned away.  I am so scared and lost.  I don't know where to turn!!

[gnarly_1]

HI .....sounds like your in a jam and the doctor dosent understand methadone ....what dose where you at b/4 you began your taper  ?? and how many mg have you dropped so far
where not aloud to give out taper schedules but 2 weeks is not long enough to even get you off a low dose of methadone the lower the dose the slower you must go.... tapering generally needs to be as slow as possible to avoid major withdrawals and methadone withdrawals can last quit a wile
even after you stop taking it....if I where you I would get a second opinion....talk to a pain management doctor that is familiar with methadone explain you want to go off of it but want to do it the right way also explain what your current doctor is doing to you it should send up a red flag to him/her that there not doing it correctly....I was on methadone for pain management also but it took me 8 1/2 mo to taper off it really depends on how high of dose you where on b/4 you began to taper....if all else fails go to a methadone clinic and tell them you want to do a 1 month taper it will be ruff but a lot more doable then 2 weeks keep posting for support and let me know what dose you started at and what dose your at now I will check back in a few hr to see if you responded good luck and God bless.....Gnarly