Weight-loss on methadone and when to switch to subs?

[jn1985]

Hello. I am currently on 36mg of methadone tapering 3mg a week from 95mg. I have gained 50lbs while on methadone as I know now weight gain is common among mmt patients. I have been eagerly awaiting for the weight to come off but as of yet I haven't lost a lb. I know everyone loses their methadone weight in different ways but I was wondering if anyone started losing the weight as they tapered down? If so, around what mg were u on when the weight started coming off? Or did most of it come off AFTER u stopped taking methadone? One more question I have is if anyone can tell me why some people decide to switch to subs from methadone towards the end of recovery? Is it easier to get off than methadone? Is it better?  I know some say to make the switch when ur methadone dose is at 20mg or lower so its easier. This forum has been a great resource for me during my recovery and I want to thank you all for ur advice.

[jn1985]

Thanks gnarly_1 for the advice. I really appreciate the replies from you whenever I have a question, just want u to know its VERY much appreciated! You know I've heard sooo many horror stories from a ton of people about the tapering process that made me so scared to start tapering off methadone. But honestly, it hasn't been even half as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'm pretty sure at me being at 36mg going down 3mg a week, I haven't seen the worst of it yet though. The only problem so far is the lack of energy so i consider my self lucky! But I do still remember my life before addiction. What I most contemplate now is if I'm ever going to feel the way I did 3 years ago before the pain pills after I'm done with methadone. I remember waking up, stretching out my legs that actually felt good instead of cramping with pain. I remember being able to work 8-10 hrs without needing pain pills. I remember naturally being in a good mood instead of the mood swings I now experience. I just often wonder after all of this if ill ever get to feel those things again. But remembering makes me trek on. I have nothing to lose anymore and a life to gain back :-)

[gnarly_1]

Hi and welcome to the forum..as for the weight gain it is very common when methadone is taken for long periods of time  but the weight is usually lost once your done  I know I packed on a good 50lb also but it was gone in the first 6 mo of recovery as for switching to sub....Once you get down below 20mg it is hard for the serum level to carry you threw 24hr and  if it is whereing off in 15hr it send you into withdrawals I tapered all the way down and it was miserable as for those that make the switch we have about a 50/50 mix of both people that did well and those that stayed on the sub to long and got addicted to it it is only second to methadone as far as being hard to get off of if you do a 1 month program it is long enough to break the hard part of the methadone withdrawal keep posting for support good luck and God bless.............Gnarly