will immodium set me back because it has opioids?

I have been on methadone for 2 years (10-20mgs a day). I am now on day 5 but I really need something for the diarrhea. Since immodoum has opioids in it will it make this process worse because this is what my body craves?

[GA Guy]

Imodium is an opiate in a sense, but it doesn't pass the blood-brain barrier...therefore it's safe for addicts.

[tiggz1977]

it only effects your intestines and doesn't cross the blood brain barrier. don't take too much of it as it can cause your intestines to become accustomed to the use and you wind up withdrawaling from immodium..  

[laurel453]

no, please..don't be scared of it now.

[IBKleen]

thank you GG, there have been a lot of posts about this lately and members are confused.

This is an otc medication we are talking about here, please do your homework. It does not effect the central nervous system and as was stated, is safe for addicts. Your body will NOT crave it and it will help to ease the withdrawal symptom of diarrhea.

[Frivolousz21]

on other websites..large doses have been said to curb Withdrawals dramatically..but you can't stay on it long

[HenryS354]

Take the immodium as needed to ease your bowel issues! The small doses taken for its intended use dont cause any type craving relief or withdrawals.

Just like GAGuy said, while Loperamide (Immodium) is in itself an opioid, it can not cross the blood brain barrier. Meaning it wont activate all those wonderful receptors in your brain that send out the feel good chemicals.

There are opiod receptors in the intestine however, and this is where immodium works. It activates those receptors which slow the bowel down.  Which is why it works to stop us up just like our opiates did when we were using.

An FYI, dont take immodium long term. Meaning weeks...  When I came off the sub, I had GI issues for a few weeks that didnt get better (Found out later this was caused by something else) I practically lived on multiple daily doses of immodium for over 4 weeks.  When I stopped, I did have minor wd's, just a tad of the RLS and irritability. It was confirmed by my GI doc that my long term immodium use triggered this.

So as long as you take it for a few days, and in the reccomended doses, you are good to go!

Congrats on kicking the M'done!
Henry