Clonodine for painkiller withdrawal

[kerri]

I recently discovered that my husband is addicted to prescription pain killers. I actually wrote in to this forum once before about the trust issue and how to cope with this major problem and Brian was kind enough to respond to me - thank you Brian, your comments were very helpful.  I have been reading this almost everyday and have found it so comforting to know that there are others out there going through the same thing.  I've also learned alot about the drug, addiction, and recovery.  However, I am still having a hard time dealing with it, especially trusting him again. He's lied to me since I've known him (3 years), and we only got married about 6 months ago.

Anyway, my question today has to do with clonodine. When I confronted him about his problem, he decided that he could quit on his own and weaned himself off. He was clean for about 7 weeks but had a relapse when he took 4 pills at a weak moment. Thankfully he was honest with me and told me that he did it. Of course I was furious, but got over it rather quickly when he finally realized that he needed professional help. So, he called counsellors and went to his family doctor who prescribed a clonodine patch. My questions are this:

1. I know that clonodine is used to ease the withdrawal symptoms, but by only taking four at one time, would he even go through withdrawal again?

2. What is clonodine and how does it help the symptoms? I read that it lowers blood pressure but he said that in the first few days it actually made him feel hyper. He's been on it a week and hasn't felt much different.

At this point, I think it is mostly mental for him now. I am very happy that he has sought professional help, because there is only so much I can do to support him... in between my occasional fits of anger, mistrust, suspicion, etc. I am trying to be as supportive as I can but I'm still having a hard time forgiving him for lying to me for so long.

So, if anyone knows anything about clonodine or has any insights into coping with a loved one who is addicted, please write back.

Thank you.

[tommm70]

r2h is right, both of those drugs are opiates. Norco is vicodin with less tylenol, nothing more. It is hydrocodone and tylenol. Vicodin, loretab, and others.
What didn't r2h get? So if norco is being blocked my methadone, wouldn't the oxy as well since they are are both opiates?
It really is that simple, and that was the point r2h was trying to make.

So the logic is, you're being given Norco as an anti-depressant, yet the methadone is blocking it from working. So if it is blocked, how is it working as an anti-depressant?
I am really curious as I have never heard this before.

[ready2help]

Sarcasm, hostility, negativity - they will isolate you. I am sorry for your pain and I wish you and your pain treatment the best.

[MissRissa]

You apparently haven't read up on Methadone.  It does cause weight gain and when I gained the weigh I was only on Methadone.  The reason I get Norco and Oxy is because the oxy is strong enough to cover break through pain and the Norco acts as an anti-depressant for me per my doctor and my psycologist.  The Methadone blocks the Norco from even binding to my pain receptors.  I am looking for someone who has gained weight on Methadone like me and several others in Methadone treatment.  I am not the only one.  And there is not a surgery to cure my TOS, I will likely be on pain management the rest of my life.  If you do not suffer chronic pain, then you wouldn't know.  Sorry, but my biggest pet peeve is people who haven't been in my position just telling me that I should wake up one day and say you know what, I am going to stop taking the one thing that makes my shoulder, spine, neck and arm function!  
Thanks for your concern, but you obviously don't get it.

[dray88]

i was a drug abuser for several years although was not too fond of opiates, I was in a car wreck and hospitalized for 3 months, while in the hospital i was on many pain med including morphine and fentanyl, sp?.  I stayed away from drugs for nearly 6 months after getting out of the hospital going through the withdrawals from prescribed meds and thinking i was "cured", but i took an OC one day and now have been on pain pills for 5 months.  i have managed to hide it from family and i dont want to dissappoint them.  ive tried to quit but it hurts, any suggestions as to what to do

[ready2help]

Sorry to hear what you've been going through. I don't know what the weight gain is all about. However, I don't know about your medical history or other meds you may be taking. Perhaps there is a connection there. I don't think it is due directly to the meds you mentioned (check Soma). Plus, considering the bypass. Not sure. Need more pieces of the puzzle.

To my knowledge, there are no sexual side effects specific to methadone or suboxone. But, read the inserts to be sure. Your illnesses, addiction, other meds, etc. may be the culprit.

Again, I don't know your situation but your post made me wonder why on earth a doc is prescribing both oxy and norco. They are both opiates. Hmmm...I don't know. Are you sure this doc is doing the right thing - or are you sucked in because you want access to the drugs. Sometimes, you gotta make a decision - on and off for 6 years? Why not make the commitment to yourself and get into recovery. You may see some of your other concerns improving. Good luck whatever you decide.

[MissRissa]

Hi there, I just wanted to share my story....  I have been on and off or pain meds for nearly 6 years now and consistently have been on Methadone for a year now.  I also take 320mg of Oxy a day, Soma and Norco.  All prescribed by the same doctor.  The methadone has made my appetite odd and I have gained nearly 30 lbs, making me very depressed as if I wasn't depressed before!  The withdrawals from methadone are the worst thing I have ever experienced in my life.  I used to think that I wanted to die when w/drawing from my Norco, but Methadone nearly makes you feel as though you are dead, but your eyes are open to watch it and feel it!  It's terrible.  I was on 120mg's a day and have been slowly tapering down and am now at 90mg's but I am scared to go any lower and originally my doc and I's plan was to get me down to at least 30mg's  a day!  I am writing not only for new friends in the same boat, but I wonder if any of you have experienced sexual side effects from Methadone or maybe Suboxone?  I have never been able to climax during sex the entire time I have been on Methadone!  I hate it, my  boyfriend hates it because he thinks it is him.  I know it's not.  Also, has any gained severe weight like I did?  Has anyone been successful in getting the weight off?  I have had gastric bypass and have been skinny as a bone for 6 years and this is really odd that I still eat like a bird but have gained 30 lbs?  Any comments and help would be greatly appreciated.   Also, ask me anything you'd like.  I am truly a friend and have been through lots of B.S. with narcs!
Needs Advice in Idaho,
Riss