HOW LONG

[junerae]

I have cut back to half of what I was taking of methadone, which was 30 mg.  I am now taking 15 mg (only for 5 days).  Today seemed difficult for some reason; depressed, jumpy.  Should I keep at the 15 mg  for a specific amount of time?  I also take hydrocodone (10 mg, 3 x day).  I thought I would get off the methadone first, then work on the hydrocodone.  I am older than most of the people in the forum, I believe; I'm 63.  I started methadone 13 years ago at the advise of a pain clinic dr.  My current dr. is very helpful and I go to him every 3 months for checkups and prescriptions.  But I really want to get off the methadone.  I hate being tied to this.

Any suggestions?  

Thank you

[donewitis]

I knew you would. As I have thought about it after reading gnarly and justsayno's post..I can see why they say the hydrocodone first..then the methadone. Makes alot of sense. And now you know how to send him messages, right? Keep me posted on how you are doing ok?
Hope you enjoy the evening with your company.
I know for me just knowing that there were others out there that could advise me and knew what I was going through helps tremendously.
We have a common purpose...
Good night and you are more than welcome :)

[junerae]

Thanks so much for your wonderful help.  I did get a response!  God Bless You.

[gnarly_1]

HI .......wow a 50% drop in dose thats huge with methadone its al about the % in drop where not allowed to discuss taper plans in the open forum but ther is some gret info if you surf this opage hit the health pages under methadone
lets just say you went 40 % 2 fast and at that its going to take 3 to5 days to hit you I think your doing thid backwarfs though I would go off the hydro first dont do any thing for at least a week then the hydro then the methadone and with the methadone you have to go slow especially in the lower doses this is something you get off of in baby steps sleep and the energy crash is usually the 2 biggest problems both can be debilitating any way sick around surf this website theres lots of info here if you have a specific question you can take your mouse hover it over my name....a box will open up and you can message me I check them daily we can walk you all the way down just let it be know that getting off methadone is ruff.....but it is doable good luck and God bless......Gnarly    

[donewitis]

I am so glad you did find this forum...you will get loads of support and advice from those who have been there. I did send that message and no doubt you will get a response. Great that you'll get your Dr. involved. It's imperative to slowly taper... So I say congratulations in making the first step...knowing this is a problem and that you arelooking for help.
'til soon
God Bless You

[junerae]

Oh, thank you so much for your attention.  I can't tell you how much it means.  Yesterday before I found this site, I thought i was going crazy.  I saw a friend walk by with his grandson and started crying like a baby;  why wasn't I outdoors enjoying life with my husband & grandkids instead of sitting in the house?  It just got worse; my husband was napping so I got on line & here I am!  I might go up to 20 mg & see if that would be better.  We have company coming & don't want to be incapacitated(sp?).  Yes, I'm going to make an appt with my Dr. on Monday to get in as soon as I can.  He is the type who will send me to someone else if he doesn't know what to do.

Thank you again!

[donewitis]

Hi there,
Hope you are doing okay..wow , that's a huge jump. I can't advise about this but so many new people have texted in that by me responding can get your post bumped up. I'm also going to send a message to the man (gnarly) that helps most everyone here regarding Methadone..right now. It's so important to have your Dr. on board..good enough..you'll see him this coming week?
Keep posting..and let me know how you are doing.
God Bless and take care

[junerae]

Thank you so much for the encouragement.  I went from 30 mg to 15 mg just overnight.  Dr is not aware of tapering, but I will make appt to see him next week. I can't see him on the weekend.

I did sleep much better last night; not feeling too bad right now so we will see how today goes.  I guess I was too optimistic thinking I could do it fast.

[donewitis]

btw: Welcome to the Forum...it has been such a blessing to me!

[donewitis]

Good for you...wanting freedom from this drug. That you have a good Dr is important and can give you a taper schedule. You didn't say how quickly you went from 30mgs to 15mgs? I dont know much about Methadone but I recently (41 days) am free of oxycodone and I also tapered. There are many here who are older...it does'nt matter when it comes to dependance/addiction..it still hurts but it is doable for all of us. Other's with experience will jump in and advise you. Check out at the bottom right of page: Thomas's Recipe/Amino Acid Protocol..all these to help with the w/d. If your Dr. is not aware of you tapering..please call him/her tomorrow. Well, keep posting and we will be here to support you.

[justsaynotodrugs]

  Since you are older it notgoing to be real easy to cut back or stop.  I would keep on the methadome and let the hydrocodone go talk to your Doc. about Sub. it works for some.   Hang in there.