False Positive Test Results for Methadone

[kmelodya]

I am a 33 year old woman who is currently in a Suboxone program. Before that, I was in a Methadone program for 4 years, at a dose of 130 mgs per day.  I started the Suboxone in February.  In June, I tested positive for Methadone.  The doctor sent out the urine to be retested at a lab, and it was still positive.  He dismissed this, and did not kick me out of the program.  Now, in November, I tested positive again.  I have not had any Methadone since February.  I have read that Methadone stays in your liver and fat cells.  I have lost 50 lbs since I got onto Suboxone.  That is the only reason I can think that it would cause this?  Otherwise, I don't have any other explanation.  I am extremely worried that this could get me kicked off Suboxone!  Help!

[gnarly_1]

thats not all that uncommon whats happening is over 4 yr the serum level has built up in your system this is why it take 90 days to detox off the stuff so for a wile its going to show up they should know this though if you told them about the methadone and how long you where on it stay on the sub for at least 90 days and you will beat the dreaded methadone withdrawal we have severl members who have had success getting off it this way sub withdrawls last a few weeks methadone last 3 mo you do the math ......tell them at the clinic someone who knows about methadone told you it will come up postive for the next mo in your U/As over 4yr you have built up quite a bit in your bloodstream its not actual methadone there seeing but the remaining serum level with any luck they will listen to you besided you cant take both without catastrophic side effect they should know that also
good luck and God bless.......Gnarly  

[Iwillsurvive2011]

When I first started on sub, I was not really committed to it and I was still using heroin quite heavily. I never had withdrawal and from what I understand, if u have ur first dose of sub too soon after heroin/oxy etc, it will cause the immediate withdrawal but once u are on sub, if u then take gear, the gear does not knock the sub off the brain receptor and so all that happens is you dont feel the effect of the gear. The danger is that you can overdose easily because you take more to try and get a high.

[kmelodya]

Yes, any opiates, especially Methadone, will cause you to go into immediate withdrawl.  I hate withdrawl more than anything in the world.  So, it is just not logical that I could ever take Methadone while on Suboxone.  I really hope that no matter what these further test results report, that my doctor will see that!  I have too much going for me to lose this now!  

[Ballgame]

Can you even take another opiate on sub? Doesn't it make you sick if you take opiates? Sounds like you have a good dr