Husband has sudden personality change after cessation of Methadone

My husband took Methadone for a year after two neck surgeries. His doctor discontinued it 5 months ago. The first month was a living hell for him. He was switched to hydrocodone, which he has taken on and off for years with no ill effects.

Since stopping methadone, his personality change is becoming more pronounced each month. From being caring and loving, he does not want to be touched, reacts angrily at any suggestion I have. If I do not agree with him on something, he is convinced that he is right and I am crazy for thinking otherwise. The change is escalating.

As example, the morning after an argument, I told him that I loved him no matter what. He became enraged and shouted at me that I was blowing things out of proportion again. It was something I said to him many mornings as he left for work.

Can this be attributed to Methadone 5 months after cessation?

He is 51 years old. We have had a long and happy marriage until the past few months.



Thank you.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The personality change can not be directly related to the methadone, but indirectly they may be connected.  When in pain, and taking that kind of medication that suppresses your mind function, a lot of thoughts and feelings get repressed and not worked out, and when released come out wrong.  It may be a good idea for you and your husband work somethings through with a third party, like a marriage counselor/therapist, and see if that helps...