Hi fido. Methadone is measured in mg's. Sometimes I make the mistake and use ml's,because I get it in liquid form.But mg is the correct measurement.
That is a very high dose,300mg.Most people can get down to about 50mg. without too many problems.Then it can get harder,BUT,dont get the mindset that it will get too terrible.Talk to your doctor and go slow. Good luck. kc
PS. I am down to 6mg.
This was always part of my frustration about being in the clinic system, they never really keep us informed of our own medication!!!
Methadone Hydrochloride comes in a few forms. The liquid form called Methadose which comes in a few formulations itself. A solution that is 5mg/milliliter, and a solution that comes in 10mgs/milliliter. The vast majority of clinics use the 10mg/ml solution. So if you are on 300mgs, you would be given 30mls to drink *Cringe* (I was on 700mgs at one point, and remember gagging fiercely at the window as they used the unflavored stuff that tastes VILE!!!)
Methadose (Which is a brand name) also comes in orange wafers that are 40mgs a piece and scored for easy breaking. There are a few generic wafers that come in 40mg per tab as well. And if this wasnt confusing enough as it is.... there is also another brand name known as Dolophine. Dolophine is simply Methadone Hcl in an actual pill form, not a wafer. It comes in 5mg, and 10mg strengths. This was oringially designed for people taking methadone for pain control, but was later integrated into the clinic system for those who couldnt tolerate drinking the liquid (Like myself, but Im not sure having to swallow 70 of those pills a day was any better!!!)
In regards to your question about decreasing.... slow and steady wins the race! I tapered from 700mgs down to 20mgs because I wanted to start suboxone. There were a few rough parts, but that didnt come until the end of the taper.
I was given 30 days worth of take home meds, and during my taper I voluntarily relinquished that privilege to help myself. On the bad days I was forced to get out of bed and go to the clinic or I knew I would feel worse. Looking back it was well worth it!
If you have any questions, or need some kind words, post here or feel free to pm me. :-)
Good luck to you!
Henry