question about respritory depression?

[Dukeee]

I am so so so worried about dying in my sleep.I am on 50mgs of methadone 59 years old my health is good my physical condition is good my diet is good. What signs should my wife and myself be looking for? Snoring, breaths per min. while asleep?

[10356]

yes I will be here for support ! Just as many will.. This is a Wonderful community full of some of the most intelligent kindest peps you can meet I'm really glad you found your way here. It sounds like you are formulating a good plan. Do not forget to add in some kind of aftercare be it AA NA a Preacher Therapist, Addiction Counselor whatever as long as you continue to work on why the addiction.. Recovery is a everyday affair even after the drugs are put away.. Yes I will help as I can.. lesa

[Dukeee]

Good morning, My plan going in to the clinic was to be off in 6months,I have had some slip ups, but those slips scared the s*** out of me.Not a good outcome.Ok I do not want to stay on methadone. I have been reading on what I am up against, I will take steps to improve my diet, vitamin supplements,exercise, and a slow to moderate decrease dosing. All the information and help from you all is good.Will you help me?

[10356]

This is Good to read !! I'm Happy that you are dropping the hydro and maybe resolved your sleeping worries. Are you planning on staying on the methadone maintenance ? No judgement as many of us addicts need help It is just good we have others to be accountable to In order to stay in recovery..

[Dukeee]

Yes I plan to drop the hydro. I slept well I followed some advice to sleep with my pillows elevated and that helped

[Dukeee]

I requested my dose to be lowered today by 5mgs.My plan is to taper slowly,and I have an appointment with my primary doctor for a full checkup to include an EKG.Thanks again.

[10356]

Morning Dukeee. How are you doing this morning ? I read you have a plan. I hope part of it is dropping the hydro as you really do not need them while on the methadone. I wish you well, lesa

[Dukeee]

Thanks for your time, I went up 5mgs from 45,three days ago after talking to the clinic doc, I am not over weight, the slow breathing was only noticed by my wife on one occation.

[jethro733]

It sounds like you two are freaking each other out and being worried over something that is very likely just a fear.

If you didn't die from whatever you were taking previously that put you in the position of being on 50mgs of methadone it is highly unlikely you are going to asphyxiate in your sleep on this.

In saying that though there is always the option of getting some sort of evaluation, the call is ultimately yours at the end of the day.

[vicki595]

Hi-  Is there a particular reason why you're worried about this after 3 months on Methadone?  Is there more to your fear that you haven't mentioned?

If I were afraid of dying in my sleep, I wouldn't take the drug or I would take very little of it and probably stay awake all night to assess my condition.

[Ejm7263]

So I was a nurse & I'm on day 9 off everything. Methadone, hydrocodone, Valium. You need a sleep study now. You need to tell the doctor exactly what you take and when.
Remember accidental death from prescription drugs happens  less than every 10 minutes.
I did go off everything but the methadone for a month. Then 9 days ago stopped the methadone. Stay connected we're here to help.

[atthebeach]

Hi did you recently up your dose?
Or Are you overweight?
Did you only start to experience the slow breathing and awakening yourself with a loud snore since you started the methadone?

[VICourageous]

I agree with Ang..Please do not snort your drugs..I did with my methadone and then at the end added some street adderral..This is what did contribute a bit to me getting Artery disease (Partly) with a stent put in my heart last month. Plus my back history of snorting other drugs..Not Good!!!
However, it sounds like you are not like that..Good!!

Also like CIK said adding other opiates to the methadone is not good. I added 2 with mine and payed for it when I went threw a LONG detox a couple of years ago. I would like to say you would of been much better doing a taper from the hydos..BUT it is all in the process..Please do not let them make it go up any higher..Lots of times those clinic are in for the money and want you to hang on forever.
I wish you the best.
Bless

[Dukeee]

Thank you,yes this helps ease my mind.

[ang_811]

I do know that when I was on methadone and doing pills my breathing was aweful. I saw a Dr and everything. The Dr told me that my breathing was the way it was from me snorting pills and having the residue from the pills go down into my lungs. Then when I was on methadone I had the same problem. That was due to the cardiac toxicities found in it.  Once I got off of that the dr then told me that my lungs would clear up but I would have to give it time.

Hoped I helped.

[Dukeee]

Thank you all for taking time, I hope someday to be in a position to help others. I will use the information and I feel much better. I have a plan, and with Gods help and with nice and caring people like you all helping
Me I know now It will work. I plan to start a slow taper,keep up my health,nutrition and read a lot about what I am up against.

[clean_in_ks]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  After reading thru your thread here, I would like to offer an opinion....and it's only MY opinion, ok?

If I'm not mistaken, the approximate ratio of methadone to hydrocodone is 2:1.....so if you were taking 40-60 mg of hydro for the past 8 yrs, your current dose of 50 mg of methadone is too high for what your body is used to.  All opiates really suppress our respiratory function (and out central nervous systems).

You also said last night, you added 15 mg of hydro to the 50 mg dose of methadone which would further suppress your respiratory function.
Is there some reason you are still taking hydros while on the methadone?

I personally believe if you are in good health, taking the nutritional supplements you mentioned, and say you eat a good diet that your breathing issues are related to the amount of opiates you are taking.

I'd reduce your methadone dose to get it more in line with your previous hydro habit and stop adding additional hydros to the methadone.  

[newoutlook12]

I know its a little better on your respirations to not lay flat, like maybe try a couple pillows to prop up your head and neck.  Or u could try to sleep in a recliner or something like that's.  Also sleeping on your left side is supposed to be easier on your heart it might also help your breathing. Sorry hope that helps you some!

[VICourageous]

Hi.
I was prescribed methadone for around 12yrs. I do remember the days when I would take to high of a dose and my breathing would be short. I sure would highly encourage you to start dropping now before you really get to far into this drug. It is one of the hardest one to detox off of.
As far as sleep??I would talk to the Dr..Methadone will affect the respiratory and sleep. I would try to prop a pillow up and sleep upwards a bit so you can breath better..BUT YES DO Talk to a DR..I also remember I used to rub Vicks around my nose and chest because of this breathing thing. SO I sure hope you get off soon.
Bless

[Dukeee]

Last nite I was not overly tired,I work fulltime "management" no physical work,a sleep study is something I will do,I just worry about tonite, anything I could do? besides stay up all nite?

[Dukeee]

No other drugs, vitamins omega3 I was abusing pain meds, anything I could find,no more than 40-60mgs for 8yrs. about 3 months ago I started on a methadone program through a clinic,I guess I am finding my right dose.Been reading alot of info on methadone  and nutrition. My plan is to start to taper,or lower my dose.

[10356]

Lowering your dose would not hurt.. You are on 50mg methadon and taking hydro? Is this thru your DR. ? A benzo is Valium, Xanax and such. Have you spoken with your Dr. of this ? He may be able to order a sleep study as suggested above, this would give you a definite of what is going on.. Last night were you extra tired ? Others will be along that have some experience in this I hope. You will learn the site I hope you stay and read You may find your answers in some of the threads.

[msdelight]

So you're on hydros and methadone? Anything else? Benzos are anti anxiety meds (tranquilizers) like zanax, Valium, ativan etc.  You don't have to have sleep apnea for drugs to  depress (slow /stop) your respirations. This is a side effect of taking to much. That's what overdosing is. Take too much or combine meds and they make you stop breathing. Tell us more about yourself.

[Dukeee]

Having trouble navagating this site to give some more info.Thanks for taking the time to help.My wife siad I had slow breathing while asleep,Last nite I awakended my self with a load snore,then I got worried,I am going to lower my dose ,will that help?

[Dukeee]

Thank you for your time,I dont drink alcohol,and I dont know what a benzo is.Is that hydrocodone? I took about 15mgs of hydros last nite