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Avatar universal

Methadone detox

Hello all. I'm new here, and I'd like to share my story here, and I appreciate any input or advice.

It all started after a surgery in 1999. Painkillers like lorcet and percs were precribed for post-op pain. Had complications and required painkillers for an extended period of time...3 months. Guess what? I became addicted to the Lorcet. Later found out I had degenerative disc disease. Began seeing a doc who freely wrote me Lorcet scripts. Doc finally cut me off, but that didn't stop the addiction. I just bought them on the street. When that became too expensive, I discovered the wonder drug methadone. Wow, I thought, this stuff is great. One dose per day, it's cheap, cool. How stupid I was. Eventually I was taking 20-30 mg of methadone per day for about 4-5 years. (I know it doesn't sound like a lot to some, but I couldn't go without it without having severe withdrawals.)

I was buying the methadone off the street, too. Never saw a dr. for a script, nor went to a clinic. But I had ready access to it. Plenty of "friends" willing to sell. A few months ago in my state, doctors stopped prescribing the 40 mg wafers, and replaced the wafer scripts with the 10 mg pills, just giving the patients 4 pills for each wafer they had been getting. After several "pain clinic" and doctor busts, and the reduction in dosing by the friends' docs, I saw the writing on the wall. I felt like this would be a good time to start a taper program. I've been wanting to get off methadone, and this seemed like a good time to do it.

I had plenty stockpiled, so I had to control myself. I had the support of my husband, too. The beginning, I made sure I took no more than 20 mg the first week. Not too bad, as the extra 10 mg I sometimes took was just for an extra "buzz". Second week, I cut back my dose to 15 mg. Granted, it's easier to measure amounts with the smaller pills. Stayed on 15 mg for about two or three weeks. Tolerable, I felt pretty rough the first 3 days, but I hung in there. Next step, tapering down to 10 mg. This one seemed to be the most difficult period. I felt like **** for the first several days, but didn't cave in, even with a bottle of pills sitting in my bedroom. I stayed at 10mg for 3-4 weeks. Next taper was to 7.5 mg. Yes, even tiny amounts made a difference for me, at least. Stayed on 7.5 for about 3 weeks, too. Then the step down to 5 mg. This one lasted about 2-3 weeks, perhaps a month. Can't really remember. When I felt comfortable, I decided to cut down even more. It's really difficult to measure doses less than 5 mg, but I cut back to 2-3 mg per day and stayed at that point for about 2 or 3 weeks.

Finally, I thought I was getting somewhere. Friday, June 27, I took my last dose of about 2 mg. I happened to have access to a few Lorcets to take the edge off in the last 6 days. I've been taking 10-20 mg of hydro per day, in 5 mg doses. Some days I only need to take two doses of 5 mg hydro to feel "normal". I plan on tapering down on the hydrocodone now, as I realize I'm right back to square one, if I keep taking the hydro.

It's day 6 with no 'done, and I feel pretty good. I guess the worst suffering was the first three days after any reduction in dosing. After the first 3 days, I didn't seem to notice the reduction and stuck with it. The only side effects I've had in the last few days was some mild diarrhea, fatigue, and a bit of disorientation. Overall I feel OK.

I'm trying to get out and exercise as often as I can. I've been gardening, walking, drinking lots of fluids. I had quite a few sleepless nights, and some nights where I got only a couple hours of sleep, but that seems to be over. An occasional valium helped with the sleep issues.

My friends are shocked that I've been able to do this without the help of a doctor. I spoke to one of those "friends" on Tuesday, July 1, telling him I'd been methadone free since Friday. His comment: "Well that's fine if ya wanna go without it." I strongly did. Tired of being a slave to a drug I really didn't need in the first place. I know it benefits many people who couldn't otherwise function. I was just a bit surprised to receive the response I did from someone I consider a friend.

I just wanted to share my story. I'm also wondering if I can expect any further withdrawal symptoms this far out in my detox of methadone. I'm thinking since I did a very long taper program, I've pretty much got it whipped after nearly a week without. Any comments or advice are extremely welcome.
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Can someone please tell me how long I can expect the sweats and chills to last? Still having drenching sweats at times, followed by a cold chill. I'm kinda worried now after reading some other posts by folks who are in day 10 of detox and are *still* really sick. Maybe I don't have this thing whipped after all. Not feeling nearly as good as I did earlier, took 5 mg hydrocodone which seems to have worn off. Took a B-12 shot, too. I'm really jittery and my lower back hurts (duh). Wondering if I should dip into the old stash and chip off another 2 mg of 'done or just take some more Lorcet or just suffer.
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I must say that I did first visit the "We Speak Methadone" forums. I posted my story there, got one response in support, then got a slap on the wrist by the moderator for using the word "methadone monster". After reading a few other posts here, I agree, that site apparently is mostly for people who want to stay on methadone permanently. I read some of those comparisons to insulin, too, and was quite shocked. I was also quite shocked at the cold shoulder I got over on that forum. I'm registered under the same user ID there if anyone wants to see the "outpouring of nothing" that came from the users over there. Just looking for a little support and guidance, and maybe I shouldn't take it personally, but it felt like a slap in the face.
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My last dose was Friday, June 27, took about 2.5 mg. I'm using lorcet still to keep the lower back pain, fatigue, minor disorientation, shortness of breath, etc. at bay. Anyone got any advice as to what I can expect in the next week or two? I thought after a week, I'd be free from WD, but so far I've had to use a crutch, the hydros. I feel pretty good in the early mornings, but by about 10 am, I feel as if I can't take another step without taking 5mg of hydro. Taking occasional valium and smoking a j at night to help with sleep. ANY advice or input is welcome.
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Avatar universal
Penelope,

Although your post on Methadone detox was not meant for me, I read it and at least I know what I am in for. Thanks so much for being so open and through. I went from 4 10mg a day down to 2 10mg a day and am now being forced to nothing as my medicine apparently was stolen. I take it for  severe neoropathy of the ankles and feet brought on by Diabetes that went years without being diagnosed. I am at day three cold turkey from the doses I described above and I feel awful, and I am afraid it's just going to get worse. I will not be able to refill my medication for another 3 weeks. Your thoughts? I have been on this medication for 9 years.
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Avatar universal
im on 140mls of methadone. nobody will help me i have a 2year old beautiful daughter sometimes i feel asif my drug workers wont let me be free of methadone for the rest of my life. i certainly dont want that. what can i do i feel so so bad n sometimes fell that i would be better off dead. please halp me PLEASE
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Avatar universal
I have been on methadone for 6 yrs.  Prescribed 90mg a day.  Before the methadone i was on every pain pill made.  Duiladid, Oxycontin, Morphine, Morphine patches, 10mg hydrocodone, Percicet and I am sure more.  My dr. prescribled them freely and refilled when ever i wanted creating a hardcore addiction for me.  He would give me two different scripts at a time! As the yrs went on i needed more and more and would feel so awful without. The withdrawls were so painful and I hated feeling like a drug addict.  I am in need of lifelong pain therapy due to a horrible accident that has left me very messed up.  My dr. had offered the methadone many times and the word "methadone" just verified to me that I was not a drug addict and i wanted nothing to do with it.   After alot of research i changed my mind, fearing my liver and my health.  I am only 32 now, have been doing this for over 10 yrs!   I have 3 children and didnt want to be "sick" so much, or needing to find a "high" to be a good mom to them.   The methadone has been a wonderdrug for me.  My pain is very manageable and i have never once needed a fill early. I take as prescribed, and not having that "need" for more has made me feel much better.  I saw a pain specialist, thinking he would get me off everything and give me shots in my knees and hips to make me drug free, Nope.. he was amazing with my injuries I was only on 90mg and thought that was the best route for me.. for the rest of my life!   A few months ago I did the HCG diet. .i had this new energy and felt so good. i havent felt like that in 10 yrs!   It inspired me to get off, or try to on my own.  Not telling my dr. I have been slowly tapering off.. i went straight from 9mg a day to 5mg.. NO PROB!!!  I felt so good about my self!   Made it to 4, no changes!   My biggest complain was constipation.   I hadnt been able to go to bathroom with out some help for yrs.   that cant be good for my body, and i am ready to be the healthiest me.   in the last month i tapered from 4mg to 3mg and now to 2mg.  I did it pretty fast and cant say that my symptoms are horrible.  I feel right away in the morning i need that 2mg.  I get the sweats and chills.. but very mild.  I am going to the restroom a few times a day, not diareah like some have said, but definently nothing i have every exp.d.  My biggest complaint is sleeping.  I am not restless, just up...I am taking a xanex at night, it puts me right out,, then by 2 am.. wide awake!   I want off this stuff!  From what i have read the last 2mg are the worst!  It has only been a week so I am going to stay here for a while.   I have also heard of horrible things happening if you go off too soon.  
This is alot of read.  Sorry... my husband and my dr. are the only people who know about me even taking methadone so I have no one to ask questions or talk to about this.  
any advice is much appriciated!  
Thx!  
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Avatar universal
i have been on methadone for 3 yrs. my highest dose was 130. i have been coming off 2miligrams a week and so far so good. i'm at 14 now and just wondering what i'm in for or what can work best for me. i havent done a single drug or had a drink in these 3yrs. i'm dedicated to do whatever it takes. i need your help. thank you very much
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Avatar universal
i came off it to..but the pain ur going threw is difft 4 everyone..i never got the runs or even threw up not 1 time..my sytoms were, cold sweats,chilled to the bone...1 min hot 1 min froze..couldnt sleep like 4 days in a row..this was the bad part..i used xanax that im prescribed..vistaril,,clondine i,m on for blod p..and trazadone 100 mgs..i still got 3 hrs only..u been on like 10 days..then u have a few more..i went 18 days from the 5 days it took to get FULL BLOWN SYTOMS..HANG,HANG IN THERE,,UR GOING TO MAKE IT..I FELT LIKE YOU LIKE I WAS GOING TO DIE..NO ONE DIES FROM OPIATE WITHDRAWALS  BENZOS YES NOT OPIATE'S YOU MITE WISHED YOU WERE DEAD WE ALL NO UR PAIN HERE..I,M ON 2.5 MGS ADAY LIKE I SAID..THE MIND  GAME STILL THERE..IM SLEEP APNEA ALSO,..BUT I STILL CANT GT OVER 5 HRS A NITE...BUT WILL AND SO WILL YOU DAY BY DAY MY FRIEND..


I HEAR PEOPLE SAYING THEY EXERCISE WILE IN FULL WITHDRAWALS..THATS CRAP..NOT AL;OT DO THAT...NOR DO THEY WORK AT THIS POINT IN TIME...

JUST KEEP GOING MY FREIND IT GETS BETTER..PRAY...WORKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
wow a long thread...i been on methadone over 5 yrs ..with pain m..i detoxed recently went threw hell..but did what i had to do..im agorphobia..i couldnt go back cuz of it..im now stuck  at 2.5 mgs..im in pain but would rather give it up ,,and deal with CHRONIC LOWE BACK PAIN..KNEES ALSO.. 2.5 mgs dont sound like alot..pill form i was also on waffers top dose 240 mgs..then 160 then 1st tapper..the 2.5 dont help pain more less buying me time to decide just what it is im going to do..a non narcotic wont touch my pain after being on the DEVILS MED!!!!!!!!!!!!     GREAT LUCK TO YA,,
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Avatar universal
i read what you had to say about the magnesium and zinc and im a 35 year user the last 4 years of methadone and morphine 7 days ago i stopped and went on a 13 day suboxone detox so far its working i havent used i just need to know if the mag and zinc will mess or react wrong with the suboxone
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Avatar universal
it's gererally not a good idea to take opiates after done except for darvon which helped me with some bezo. I remember once I did some strong opiates  a week after coming off done. I was so sick after that I started crying. I think it was one of the worse times I had. So you see taking opiates after done can really make things worse.
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Avatar universal
Im with Penelope14,,,my last attempt at methadone monster w/d I started taking Norco to help curb some of the pain,,, well come to find out it was prolonging my even more suffering.  I know how extremely hard this is as Im on day one of w/d to switch to Sub (which is not a good choice) but I have to try every option.  I wish you all the luck and keep us all posted.  :)
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Avatar universal
I was one of the ones who went from vicodin to methodone and I couldn't agree with you more.I'm totally against methodone for people who are addicted to pills and that may make me unpopular,but I stand my ground on that.I have never done heroin,so I would never dare to speak on what the the w/ds from it are like as I have no personal experience.However,I have had former heroin users who also did the methodone,tell me that they would rather detox off of heroin 5 times then methodone once.Theres someone on this sight who sums it up perfectly they say"methodone,theres no future in it."Peace.
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Avatar universal
This is turning into a long thread....I have methadone horror stories also - but they arent enough different to relate....meth is a monster....lots of people go to a different narc and then detox from that....just be careful with your hydro helper - smoke old AJ (Foyt?) and continue your plan.....
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Avatar universal
I don't like to see people on vicodin go on methadone. I know that won't make me popular here but that's what most folks here are or were on it. I was on it too but before it was street dope. The difference between detoxing from vicdin and heroin is enormous. Back in the 70's and 80-'s most of the addicts that came to the methadone clinic were junkies now most are pill heads. What the difference? Junkies would do such dangerous things and crime to get their fix and were shoting up unknow amounts of dope and running the risk of jail and death every day. The thinking was that it is better harm reductuction to put these ppl on done and society would be safer. I don't think vicodin addicts run the same risks that the junkies did and shouldn't  be given a much stronger drug to get hooked on (done) which they might never be able to get off
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Avatar universal
When I first started taking the methodone I justified it  as I was using it as a means to stop my 20 plus a day addiction to vicodin.Sadly after being on it for a few months,I started learning just what I had gotten myself into by overhearing what some of the veterans at the methodone clinic had to say about it.I never took that high of a dose compared to some.In fact the clinic I went to started you out on 35 mgs and the second day I made them take me down to 30 mgs,because the 35mgs made me so "high' I couldn't hold my head up I was so sick.You think that would have given me a clue,but I wanted so much to believe that I was doing the right thing and this drug was going to be my ticket out of addiction.I understand where alot of those people are on that other site,the ones who are taking the methodone to 'overcome',and I use that term lightly,their addictions.My heart goes out to them.They want so much to be free of addiction,and they have doctors reassuring them that this is in fact a 'miracle drug' that is going to help them accomplish that.They have no idea what this drug is doing to their bodies,nor do they know whether their taking it as 'prescribed' or  not ,how hard it is going to be if they ever make the decision to stop.All the rest of us who have been there can do for them is be right here for them .If in fact they do ever make the decision to stop,and I pray that they do,they're are going to need to pull on the strength and wisdom from the rest of us who know first hand what this drug does to you.They're going to need to hear that it is possible to live a happy,healthy,alot less painful life post- methodone.I will remember to keep them in my prayers.Peace.
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Avatar universal
when I was at the clinic..I couldn't even begin to estimate how many people in there were totally working the system..A good amount of them just took enough methadone for it to be in their system and then got their take homes (if they could) and sold them as soon as they left the clinic..The woman that i used to get my pills from had been going to the methadone clinic for at least 10 yrs..she had built up her status to of course get her takehomes for a week..and worked herself up to 150 mg/dy..But she only took maybe 5 mg..every other day..she sold all the rest..and the thing that really ticks me off is our government pays for these people to go..$80/wk..no matter what dose per day your on..it is big business..methadone is so frickin cheap it's sick..
You will be free of this drug..I have 2 yrs comming up in Aug..the "sickness" was worth it..
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Avatar universal
I agree. IMO, there are a lot more people on methadone than who truly need to be. I know the stigma of people who have to go to the methadone clinics. I haven't done it personally, but I know someone who has. He's one of those "lifers", who now in his 60s, will probably never even attempt to taper or jump off. He was a heroin addict when he was younger, then a pain pill addict, then discovered the methadone clinic. He now sees a doctor who writes his methadone for "pain". This friend recently about 3 years in jail, and as soon as he came out, he was doctor shopping. Even after he went thru the miserable detox he described in his first month of incarceration, he got right back on the 'done as soon as he came out. I just don't understand. If I ever get free from this, I'd like to think I'd never take another crumb of the stuff again, unless perhaps I was terminal and needed it for pain relief.

One more thing I just thought about: the mod at NAMA stated, "But most folks here are taking methadone as prescribed..." That made me stop and think. I know 5 or 6 people who are on methadone. Perhaps 1 or 2 of those people truly need it. And every single one of them that I know *sells* part of their prescription every month to people like me. Maybe I'm just living in a depressed area where people need cash, but I've got a feeling that it's not just my area. The one friend who takes it that I know truly needs it, sells just enough of her medication to pay for her monthly doctor visit and pharmacy bill. And believe it or not, she's the only one of those "friends" who supports my decision to get off methadone.
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Avatar universal
I glad you understand my point and just wanted to tell you my experience. The NAMA website is very slanted. I feel for these people because nobody respects people who go to methadone clinics so they have this website and other methadonians to justify their addiction. I think some ppl need methadone for life but for a lot of others, it's a cop out to justify staying on done because they don't want to suffer the long withdrawl. It a shame to go through life sweating, sedated and constipated. I did it for years.
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Avatar universal
I had to add this:  The people on the NAMA site are a bit delusional, I think.  This is what one of the moderators posted to me.

"Now, in your case, you were using methadone as a street drug, in an addictive manner, and I'm sure that it did develop into an addiction for you, one you are glad to be free of. That is as it should be. But most folks here are taking methadone as prescribed, to treat addiction and/or pain, and in many cases it is making a very positive difference in their lives."

In an addictive manner. LMAO. Yep. Apparently some of those folks think that because they're taking methadone "as prescribed", they're not addicted. THEY'RE on MMT, they're not addicted. lol. I do realize that methadone has helped some people who do need it, but I feel that way too many people just think they need it. I'm sure having to get up before the crack of dawn to stand in a clinic line is making a huge positive impact on someone's life. wow
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Avatar universal
Point taken. Not very well received, lol, but I understand.You may be right, I won't argue. But I really don't think the j is gonna cause me to relapse on the 'done. If anything causes the relapse, it will be ME giving in to the craving. The j is just to settle the nerves and help relax, when I can sit in my bedroom and contemplate....things. Thanks for your advice, tho. I do appreciate your input.
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Avatar universal
The NAMA methadone site is very pro methadone and I was banned for telling what methadone did to me. I think sub can be even trickier and this doc you have doesn't inspire confidence and I would let him mess you up and have you pay. I hate to tell you but smoking a j may seem like it helps but if you smoke it it you have a greater chance of going back on Narcotics.  People don't like to hear this but one couple that used to post here got off the done and got very defensive when I mentioned this. I don't think they made it. I'm not g trying to be a killjoy but I have to say what I feel and believe.
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Avatar universal
omg..I checked out that forum you were on..no wonder!!!!..they are certainly misguided in my opinion..methadone is not the way to a healthy life..of course there will always be someone that will dispute that..but I don't care..I stand my ground and nobody will shake me. just the fact that a microscopic crumb can give ward off w/ds..should be the first clue to anyone about how strong methadone is..and that includes sub (in my opinion)..it really frustrates me..I can hardly remember the first 3 weeks of my w/d from methadone..I was lucky enough to have someone taking care of my kids so they didn't have to see me..
I am really not sure what taking a hydro or oxy will do as far as setback..it may prolong everything..of course those of us can rationalize that getting off of hydro or oxy..is way better or easier..I would logically say to just let it get out of your system..but I also know how very hard it is to go through meth w/d..it's a tough call..keep posting my friend..you will have tons of support...My prayers are with you...
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Avatar universal
Yes, that's one of the first things I found on this forum, was your info re: methadone in your journal. Quite interesting and informative. Thanks for posting that info.

So far today, I've taken 5 mg hydro at 6:30 am, 5 mg again about 11 am, woke up from a nap at about 4:30, took 10 mg lorcet. If the fatigue, backaches, dizziness and slight disorientation would just go away, I think I could handle the sweats and chills and minor diarrhea. The lorcet is surely masking the other wd symptoms and I don't know what else to do to stop them. Later everyone. Thanks for letting me hang out here.
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Avatar universal
Thank you all so much for your warm welcome and your support. I think I've found the right forum now to help me. For some reason, I felt the need to "talk" to someone about my detox/taper. I thought about going to NA or some other type of meetings, but our town is so small and rural, everyone knows everyone else around here. Thanks to all of you for the moral support. It feels good just getting some of these things off my chest, finding a place to ask ?s without being judged, And I also started a journal here, just thought it was a good idea to record my feelings and experiences.

To sadinmichigan: I finally realized later last night after doing some reading, that I definitely DON'T have this whipped yet. It's a long process, and I've really only just begun.  I definitely know that the other opiates are masking the worst W/D symptoms. However, I felt like the hydros were gonna be easier to kick than the methadone. Hopefully I'll be able to taper or jump off the hydros in a few weeks. Hopefully. Keeping fingers crossed.

Thanks again to everyone for your kind welcome and words of advice.
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Avatar universal
I agree with Lisa,you did a great job tapering on your own.I went cold turkey off of 25 mgs and it took me about 6 weeks.I wouldn't think that you are out of the woods yet though and please be careful about taking the other opiates.It sounds like the other opiates are masking some of the w/ds from the methodone and when you run out of them you might hit a real rough patch and you need to be mentally prepared for that.I know how hard it is to deal with the w/ds and still have to take care of kids.I have 2 granddaughters' that I'm raising [2 and 4] and just making mac and cheese for lunch made me feel like I had run a marathon.I want to congratulate you on your willpower and your success thus far.I'm so happy to hear that you are methodone free.Oh and in your original post you said something about still having a little stash of the methodone,get rid of that garbage,you don't need it anymore.Have a ceremonial flush and jump up and down as it's twirling around in that toilet and yell at the top of your lungs 'I'M FREE ,I DID IT'.Welcome to the forum and keep posting.Peace.
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Avatar universal
wow..you have done an amazing job!! I hope this will inspire someone else here..I too detoxed off methadone but went cold turkey off 65 mg..so I really am not sure about a taper..but,,I would say that you definately son't have it licked just yet..Methadone has done alot of damage..It is a horrid wicked drug..I put some methadone info in my journal..It explains what methadone does to your system and what you can do to build yourself back up..the sweats should be gone in a couple weeks..again Congratualtions!!..I always love to hear that someone is off methadone..please feel free to pm me..
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