Hi, its coward again.

Question

I have tried to stop the methadone but its SOOOO hard. I have been on it for 6 yrs. taking anywhere from 30-50mg. a day and decided about 3 months ago to taper off.  I went down to 15-5mg. a day and even skipping days.  Well, I finally decided to just stop and the worse problem from it is the sleep.  Thank God I can eat and dont feel sick just exhausted!!!!!  I have tried everything from p.m. pills, benadryl, even took a xanax one night but just cant sleep, how long is this gonna go on?  Did I come off too soon?  Should I have tapered off even more before stopping?
Any help is good help.  Appreciated

Penelope14 · Answer

Yes the sleep issues are horrible, and yes you may feel drained for quite a while longer, but soon your body will adjust to life without methadone, it took me about 6 weeks, then a additional 2 months to start to really feel good, everyone is different but typically this is the average time frame for methadone recovery. I sent ya a P.M. Have a good day and I hope you get some sleep. Penelope

stannab · Answer

I am currently in pprocess of tapering off norco 10mg.  One of my biggest concerns is also sleeping.  I am sleeping now even on much lower dose than I was using.  But I had trouble sleeping even before my addication and that is a huge fear for me, also.  I am going to try to keep busy tons of exercise and lots of prayer and meditation.  Have you ever tried meditation.  It is better even than drugs just takes more effort.  Wish I would have stayed on that and off the drugs.
stannab

CBS426 · Answer

It may take a while for you to get back to sleeping, but your body will eventually pass out. Hang in there- no matter how you taper... methadone has a way of storing itself in your body, and you're going to have this same problem regardless whether you go back on, and taper more or not. Congrats on taking this step! Just hang in there! You've come this far- you can do it!

worried878 · Answer

If u r well on yoour way to being clean..back tracking can be a decision only u can make..alternate narcotics for help can be a good tool....for me..if i could "go it" without the risk of another addiction, then i would keep moving forward...stay healthy..walk or exercise...ask ur doctor for a sleep aid or try something over the counter...valerian root helps many as does melatonin...some non habit forming drugs that help with sleep are phenergan, muscle relaxers, tricyclics like elavil in a low dose, ambien helped me but i do know there is a portential for some to abuse it, benzos are habitforming but if used short term may be a good choice if nothing else works...and for a short time only at the prescribed dose..sleep is important to recovery...i hope u find your peace

ochooked · Answer

Having been on Sub for the 21 day period, I would highly recommend you continue your fight with Methadone if at all possible.   You didn't say how long you have been off of it but the first week may be pretty rough.  Then it will get progressively better.   I can see in your post the determination to get clean --- please don't trade for another very strong opiate (Sub) ---  Hang in --- keep posting ----- get the Thomas Recipe and Amino Acid Protocol.  You can do this and you are going to (very soon) look back on this as one of the greatest things you ever did for yourself and those who love you.  All the best.

lovepat906 · Answer

You are so NOT a coward. You are one of the bravest of the brave to fight this addiction. Methadone is so difficult to escape.Have you considered a 21 day suboxone detox? It might help ease the way as you get the 'done completely out of your systen. If you do- start and stay low- 2mgs max- and then taper .25 every five days. You will not get addicted if you do this super short term. It is a crutch but would be preferable to failure- and you have come soooo far. Good luck and God bless.