methadone

Question

Hi, I'm on 5 mg of methadone a day now, been tapering since Sept. from 80-90 mg a day.  I have been taking it for over 7yrs.  I have been on 5 mg for about one week now, and I was wondering if the withdrawal when I stop completely is like what I'm feeling at 5mg?  Should I keep tapering down to 0 mg or is one week at 5mg a day still to much to jump from?  I'm just really scared, not knowing what to expect.  Any answers are greatly appreciated!   Thanks!   Teri :)

gnarly_1 · Accepted Answer

HI Teri tapering below 5mg is miserable and my final withdrawal was no worst then tapering below 5mg so you have done all the damage control you can time to jump ship
I know the sharks dont look as menacing from up on the rail as they do when you got to swim with them but go a head and take the plunge your final withdrawal will last about 7 days then recovery is a 90 day deal some have done it in 60days but for me it was a good 90 days b/4 I started to feel good again dont get discouraged you do get better as you go along its just a slow process stay in touch.......Gnarly

Teri9498 · Answer

Hey guys, thanks for your advice!  Oh yeah, I've been taking the vitamins and the protein shakes twice a day.  It seems to help a lot.  I also run everyday and do pilates twice a week, I think being active helps a lot.  Thanks for all your encouraging words, its greatly appreciated!

atthebeach · Answer

teri you have been on a nice and slow taper. which is important. that being said you have also been on it for 7 years. yes when you stop you will have w/d, there is just no way around it. staying on a 5,4,3,2,1, you will still have w/d. have you been taking the vitamin supplements and drinking the protein drinks? 
dont anticipate and fear what is to come? just take it one day at a time as you have been doing. eating healthy,staying active along with the supplements,protein shakes and time you will continue to heal. it will take time for your body,soul,mind,emotions and spirit to heal. 
keep the faith. you have done awesome. 
did you get the natural sleep aids with melatonin and valerian root?
alteril and or sleep by nature made.
stay strong. you are breaking free.

lal757 · Answer

5mgs your ready now to stop wds should not be to bad. stay focused on what seems to be working for you. Because that is a accomplishment going from 80 to 90 down to 5mgs dont be scared you have done what others want to do your story can help them. hang in there.

Teri9498 · Answer

Hi atthebeach, So do u think 1 week on 5mg a day is long enough to jump?  I'm not feeling to bad, just can't sleep real good.  I'm mostly scared of whats to come.  I read so much about how sick u get when u stop completely, I'm so stressed about it because I have 2 kids to still care for.

atthebeach · Answer

teri,
congratulations on your taper. you are doing awesome.tapering below 5mg is just prolonging the wi/d, staying on it is more of a psychological thing. how are you feeling now?