what to do

im on 6 mg of methadone.i wont off!!!how fast should i come down and if i stop now ,how bad will the withdrawals be?

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

Most people addicted to opioids would consider 6 mg to be a very small dose.  I would expect withdrawal from a dose of that size to be pretty minor, even if you just stop completely.  

[BamaIndian]

I just finished a 10mg c/t withdrawal from methadone. It IS painful and it's long lasting. I'm on day 13 and while I feel 80% better, I have lingering symptoms. It's doable but you need to speak to your DR regarding it. I have taken clondine (spelling, I'm sure is off) which is a b/p medicine. Clondine is VITAL, also imodium (immodium) (when you need it) and vitamins. I'm still only sleeping 4 hours, which didn't occur till day 9. Prior to that I would be lucky to sleep 20 minutes. I was given Ambien by my Dr however it didn't work, as in it didn't shut me down to sleep. I flushed them after 5 days of trying to sleep. Other Dr's give benzos. I was given buspar but felt no significant comfort or problem reduction. I took them for 4 days and tossed those as well. Clondine has been all I've taken at 1 pill 2x's a day till day 7 then it's 1 pill a day.

The discomfort is real, it's longer lasting than anything else. You'll need to have your affairs in order; bills paid, food stocked and a plan if and when things get too rough. I did this all without the aide of a support system (I don't recommend forgoing one, I had no choice) other than my Dr. Hot showers, not expecting sleep and having my blood pressure regulated is what saved me from insanity.  It's not fun, it isn't pretty but you'll live. Please do your research and above all else make SURE you're determined to stay clean. Withdrawals don't start till day 3-5 and when they do you'll rethink this detox. If you're determined and committed then you'll make it. Plan on 2 weeks for the rough of it then expect a full 30 days before you're feeling great. It sounds like such a burden to get clean (I know) but it's just 2 weeks out of your ENTIRE life. Of course you'll have to commit to staying clean but that's another story.

Either way, best of luck and please talk to your DR or go to the ER when withdrawals hit so that you can get medication to help ease the suffering which will also ensure you stick with the detox.