Asking for a friend methadone--------to Oxycotin 20mg for pain

[tireddad6]

I have a friend who i was unaware has been on methadone for 3-4 years, we have talked and he can't get off the methadone now he has tappered down to 10 mils, he has two questions 1. any suggestions on how to get off the 10 mils he has tried 5 mils but was sick for 3 weeks and it didn't seem like it was going to change so the clinic put him back to 10 mils,,, He is wondering also, he wants to start his medication again for pain, as it has gotten worst over the years, how can he restart his perscription (oxycotin 20mg) how long does he need to wait from methadone to do them, he understands he was addcited to them, but he says they have tried other meds over the last few years and nothing is really releiving the pain any longer, I gave mu opinion and well he doesn't want opinion, he just wants an answer i don't have it as i am strugling with my own addiction, so i though i would post it here and print off the answers and give them to him... Thank you so much in advance everyone

[tireddad6]

I am doing good thanks for asking, i am happier anyways, as for my friend i didnt know what to say, just said i would see what got said

[HenryS354]

How have you been doing?

Remember when we all suggestes you stay as far away from methadone as possible? Your friends struggles are a prime example of why.

No matter how hard I tried to taper, I struggled with completely coming off the methadone. It was only with suboxone that I was able to do that. Suboxone wd isnt fun, but it made methadone wd seem like candy.

Like the others have said above, he needs to see his prescribing doc to restart is oxy prescription safely.  Methadone seems to really screw with your Mu receptors in a way far greater than other opiates, and can also change his tolerance.

20mgs of oxy may be too much, or it could be way too little.  

Wish we had some better news for you

Henry

[vicki595]

Tireddad~   It's very hard for us to give you advice for your friend. These are difficult questions to answer and not knowing his medical history puts us in a tough spot. So the prudent thing would be to get in touch with a doctor or ask a pharmacist.   I will say
that it's always a bad idea to start messing with methadone or sub. without medical supervision. And now you see why. There are always questions and now your friend wants an answer and not an opinion.  Anything you get on the forum will be anecdotal
although there are many bright folks here.  I'd like to know he's safe,so he needs to talk with a pro.
Good luck~
Vicki

[dumbsmartkid]

Like she said, no drs here but it took my father and x husband a year to completely come off. Mywent down 10 a wk. My father in his Las wk did it very rapidly both were very sick and not for weeks but months. He said methadone made coming off heroin a walk in the park
How can your friend not be aware of what he was taking? Oxycontin will just do the same so on that and once again (not a Dr) I would really look into the long term effects of those its really all the same thing! Even suboxone falls under opiates and also hurts like hell with withdrawal
Is the pain so bad he'll always have to be on something or is it from withdrawals (witch can last longer than 3wks) if he's gone this long he should keep it up, the pain will lessen  and maybe he can try another form of treatment. Opiates are so horrible! & they destroyed my family. Now I'm on here with a family of my own almost  doing the same damn thing. Only I'm not, I'm on here and sober now for almost 3 wks. You sound like a good friend!  He's lucky to have you just keep being supportive that helps soooo much!

[IBKleen]

Hi,

He is going to have to work with his doctor to make the switch. there are no doctors here so all he will get is suggestions, opinions and experiences.

There is a pm forum here and you may want to post your question there and see if the members can help you.

I wish him the best.