Methadone is a synthetic opioid drug that is used primarily in opioid replacement therapy. It is also commonly used as an analgesic drug due to its pain-relieving properties. For individuals with chronic pain, taking Methadone may provide effective pain relief. This is a drug that acts on the same opioid receptors in the brain as both morphine and heroin – which leads people to experience similar effects from this drug.
Many individuals that have serious addictions will go on Methadone as an alternative to a more powerful drug like heroin. In other words, a person will stop using heroin and instead start taking Methadone. The idea behind using this medication is to serve as a safer replacement for an illicit drug like heroin. A person will take this drug over a period of time and a doctor will eventually help that person gradually reduce their dose – thus helping them defeat their opiate addiction.
A common problem associated with Methadone is that many people find it to be just as addicting (in some cases more addicting) than illicit opiates like heroin. People end up taking this drug and ironically become addicted to the drug that was supposed to help them kick the other addiction. However, research does support the idea that this is a less powerful substance than illicit opioids and in some cases, this is the most effective option for hardcore addicts.
Factors that influence Methadone withdrawal include:
When withdrawing from a drug like Methadone, there are going to be a number of different factors that affect the severity of your withdrawal experience. Various important factors include things like: time span over which you took the drug, dosage, individual factors, and how gradually you tapered off of it.
1. Time Span
How long have you been taking Methadone? Some people have been on it for years as a means to provide pain relief. Others have been on it years to help them cope with opioid dependence. If you have been on Methadone for a shorter duration, the withdrawal should be easier than someone who has been on this drug for an extended period of time (i.e. years). Whenever you take a drug like this for a long period of time, it changes your nervous system and you become physically and psychologically dependent on this drug for daily functioning.
2. Dosage (15 mg to 120 mg)
For opioid replacement therapy, usually a dose between 20 mg and 120 mg is prescribed to be taken daily. For people taking Methadone for pain relief, a dose between 2.5 mg and 10 mg is usually taken every 12 hours. Generally, the greater the dose of Methadone you are taking, the greater the difficulty of withdrawal. Higher dosages require longer tapering periods and when you have built up a tolerance or dependency to high amounts of this drug, it will take your body much longer to adjust to functioning without it.
3. Individual Physiology
Many individual factors play a role in determining how you respond to withdrawal. Some people may not experience nearly as many symptoms or as intense of symptoms as others. With that said, most people experience a pretty profound withdrawal when they have been taking Methadone for an extended period of time.
A lot depends on individual factors including, physiology, nervous system, genetics, environment, habits, etc. These factors are part of the reason that withdrawal is a unique experience for everyone.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
It is never recommended to quit a drug like Methadone cold turkey, but there have been people that have successfully done it. Some people swear by withdrawing from opiates cold turkey because the symptoms are intense for a shorter duration of time. However, most people have a seriously difficult time with “cold turkey” withdrawal – additionally the symptoms that you could experience from quitting cold turkey may be dangerous.
It is professionally recommended to gradually taper off of Methadone – some suggest reducing your dosage by 10% every 2 weeks. Although tapering is going to be unpleasant as well, it is going to make for a much less intense, less severe withdrawal than if you were to quit cold turkey. People tend to tolerate withdrawal symptoms better when they gradually reduce their dosage.
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Included below are some common symptoms that people experience when they withdraw from Methadone. Keep in mind that everyone is affected differently and that you may not experience all of the symptoms on the list below. I already wrote a post detailing “Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms” that you can also reference for further information.
- Anxiety: For some individuals, Methadone helps keep them calm and anxiety at bay. When the person withdraws, they may experience severe and/or intense feelings of anxiety and panic. The panic is likely a result of the person feeling and experiencing all of these withdrawal effects.
- Body aches: It is common to feel aches throughout the body when you withdraw. These aches may be mild or intense. Just know that the achiness should gradually improve and become less intense after you have been off of the drug for awhile.
- Chills: You may feel chills throughout your body when you stop taking Methadone. This is a common experience that will usually last a couple of weeks.
- Concentration problems: Not only will you likely have an array of physical symptoms to deal with, your focus and concentration will plummet. This is because your brain is trying to function without stimulation from the drug. Your focus should gradually start to return after a few weeks.
- Confusion: Many people report feeling intense confusion when they quit this drug. This is a result of them experiencing so many effects both physically and psychologically upon withdrawal. The cognition of the individual that withdraws is likely to be significantly reduced.
- Cramps: You may get cramps throughout your entire body when you stop taking this drug. Most people report severe “abdominal cramps” when they quit. These cramps can be painful in their own right – so do your best to fight through this pain.
- Cravings: If you were addicted to opioids, it is extremely common to experience drug cravings. Not only can a certain level of psychological addiction be created, but physical addiction occurs as well. During withdrawal, you may have intense cravings for this drug and/or other opioids. Do your best to fight through the addiction and avoid going back on the drug at all costs.
- Depersonalization: You may feel depersonalized when you quit taking this drug. This means you may feel unlike your natural self and feel as if you have transformed into a zombie or alien. This is a result of neurochemistry changes and physical changes that your body is enduring. This feeling will go away following an extended detoxification period.
- Depression: Some individuals have claimed that Methadone works to treat depression. Clinical evidence has found that drugs like this one have been used with success at treating refractory depression (i.e. Suboxone for depression). Since most people receive feelings of pleasure and/or an antidepressant effect from taking this drug, it is no wonder that they experience depression when they withdraw. The depression may become very severe because not only are neurotransmitters in a state of chaos, endorphin levels are likely to be lower than average.
- Diarrhea: It is almost guaranteed that you are going to have pretty intense diarrhea during your withdrawal. This diarrhea may strike early within the first few days and may be pretty severe. The best way to cope with this is to go get some Imodium (available over-the-counter). While on Methadone, you may have easily become constipated – during withdrawal, the opposite happens.
- Dilated pupils: While taking any opiate drug, your pupils will contract. When you stop taking it, your pupils will naturally become dilated.
- Dizziness: The dizziness you experience may be incredible and tough to deal with. It may feel as if you have no balance and/or your motor skills are affected by withdrawal.
- Fatigue: Do you feel excessively tired after you quit Methadone? If you feel tired, lethargic, fatigued, etc. – this is because your body is trying to heal itself. It recognizes that it is no longer receiving the drug and is resting in order to restore natural functioning.
- Headaches: A side effect that most people experience during drug withdrawal is that of headaches. If you are experiencing headaches, just know that this is part of the withdrawal process. Working to rest, relax, and stay properly hydrated can go a long way in helping manage these.
- Insomnia: Some people report intense sleepiness, but insomnia is also very common. You may have both sleepiness at times, and insomnia at others. If you are unable to fall asleep at night, this may also have something to do with the anxiety and symptoms you are experiencing. Your best bet is to fight through these symptoms and focus on relaxation if your insomnia is caused by anxiety.
- Irritability: The irritability that is experienced during withdrawal is pretty difficult to tame. When you are being irritable, recognize it as being a withdrawal symptom and try to not let it get the best of your character. It is a result of the depression that you experience when withdrawing.
- Lightheadedness: Another reported symptom is that of feeling lightheaded. This goes hand in hand with feeling dizzy. You may get surges of extreme lightheadedness that prompt you to lie down and rest.
- Mood swings: The moods that you experience when coming off of Methadone may feel totally out of your control. One minute you may feel extremely depressed and like crying, the next you may feel angry and irritable. Eventually you will see the light at the end of the tunnel and your mood will begin to improve and stabilize.
- Muscle pains: If you were taking this drug for pain management, you can expect a lot of the pain to return. In some cases the pain you experience will be even worse than before you started. This is because your body’s natural painkillers (i.e. endorphins) have been depleted by the consistent use of this drug. It will take awhile for your body to re-establish proper endorphin functioning.
- Nausea: If you feel nauseated you are certainly not alone. Many people feel extremely nauseous when they first quit Methadone. The nausea may be intense enough to cause vomiting. Realize that this is your body’s response to coming off of a powerful drug – it will fade.
- Restless legs: It is common to experience restless legs during withdrawal. In other words, your legs may constantly shake or appear restless. This is a symptom that may take a couple of weeks before it starts to subside.
- Runny nose: Another common symptom to experience is that of a runny nose. Although this will eventually dry up, your nose run like a faucet. You can prepare for this by keeping extra tissues around.
- Shakes: Your body may shake in an almost uncontrollable manner and this may be uncomfortable. Although this is going to be uncomfortable and the shakes are difficult to cope with, they will eventually subside. Give your body time to work out these withdrawal effects and it will eventually begin to function without shaking.
- Sleepiness: Most people report feelings of excessive tiredness and sleepiness. During this time your body is trying to recharge itself and re-establish drug-free functioning. This sleepiness may be intense during the initial couple weeks of withdrawal. Over a period of time, your energy levels should return to normal.
- Suicidal thoughts: Both the physical and mental depression can become so severe during withdrawal that you may become suicidal. If you are having constant suicidal thoughts, be sure to seek help or talk to someone about it. Realize that these thoughts are not normal and will not last forever – they are merely a result of withdrawal.
- Sweating: Many people report profuse sweating throughout the day and while they sleep (i.e. night sweats). If you are sweating, just know that this is a very common symptom and it’s your body’s natural way of detoxifying itself.
- Vomiting: Some people report intense vomiting when they stop taking this drug. The vomiting is a result of the person feeling nauseous and sick because their body doesn’t know how to cope without the drug. If you are vomiting and feel sick, these symptoms should go away within a week or two.
Methadone Withdrawal Duration: How long does it last?
The withdrawal process affects everyone differently, but can take a long time. Methadone has a half life ranging from 8 to 59 hours. So at the longest half life, Methadone stays in your system for up to 2 weeks after you’ve discontinued. The first week might be difficult, but the bulk of the withdrawal symptoms will likely become most severe once the drug has fully left the body (this could take several weeks). Expecting to feel fully recovered after a few weeks of withdrawal is typically not realistic.
Long after the drug has been cleared from your body, you can experience what is called a “post-acute withdrawal syndrome” or PAWS. In the event that you experience PAWS, it is likely that it will take an even longer period of time for you to fully recover. My rule of thumb is to give the withdrawal process 90 days before you judge whether you are really starting to feel “back to normal.”
If you were on this drug for an extended period of time, it may take an extended period of withdrawal time for you to completely recover. If the withdrawal process becomes too difficult for you to cope with, consider working with a professional. A psychiatrist may be able to prescribe you with some much-needed medications (e.g. Clonidine) that will help you cope with some of the intense symptoms that you are experiencing.
During withdrawal, make sure you are doing your best to engage in healthy activities. Consider doing some light exercise, try to make sure you are getting sleep, socialize, and stay as productive as you can. As time continues to pass, your body and mind will continue to heal and you will eventually return to normal. If you would like to share your withdrawal experience, feel free to do so in the comments section below!
This is my story. After a long run with opiates I decided to go to my local clinic to get “clean.” “Many methadone patients live productive lives” my counselor said. After 2 years of being on 80mg methadone I detoxed for 9 days. Suboxone and meds for 9 days at detox and then I was off to a faith based “no medicine” facility. Basically, I was only allowed Tylenol for 2 months. It was complete hell cold-turkey and I wouldn’t recommend the hell I went through.
I didn’t eat for 2 weeks, didn’t sleep for over a week. The pain in my legs, the hot and cold flashes and the anxiety was unbearable. I continuously told myself It would get better. FINALLY, after 45 days I could live a somewhat normal life. Any other opiate WD lasts 7 days tops. I would have been much better off never stepping foot in the clinic. This was 3 years ago and it changed me as a person. Stay away from methadone. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so.
Hi, I’ve been off methadone for three years now. When you say it changed you as a person what did you mean? Are you back to normal or do you have any paw symptoms? Thanks!
I was on heroin (high dose daily by nose) and methadone (30mg and under) in varying amounts and combinations for about 25 years. The past 5 years has been mostly low dose methadone: under 20 mg, with at least weekly heroin use. After tapering down to less than 5 mg of methadone over several months, and then down to less than 2 mg over a few weeks, I dropped off and prepared to get clean.
I still feel classic withdrawal symptoms 1 1/2 weeks after total cessation of heroin and methadone. Withdrawal includes transient restless leg syndrome at night, which clears up during the day. I am still having serial sneeze attacks of 3-5 unstoppable sneezes many times a day, and strangely, my eyes can still appear pinned. I wonder if these sneeze and leg attacks indicate some methadone remaining in my system (I’m pretty sure all the heroin is gone). Based on the rate of overall symptom reduction, I expect to be totally clean in about another week or so.
Hoping the sleep will be better soon, and more energy will develop. One factor playing against me is that I’m not young anymore at age 63. I was a dope addict since age 17, with a 2 year break. But recently I was feeling like I couldn’t handle the heroin so well anymore, as a dose of a few decent bags would make me lose all sleep, and completely render me useless for the following day or even days. Hopefully I’ll be able to walk away from this before August is finished.
I must become drug free – undetectable in a urine test – to be approved for a new Hep-C drug. Right now it feels like I could make it, as the mind makes minor withdrawal symptoms far worse than they really are. And the thought that easy relief is available on the next street corner. Still fighting back – no terrible symptoms, only those gnawing ones that can wear you down in a weak moment.
I’ve been tapering for the past few months. I’ve been on methadone for 10 years now, and finally had a mental awakening if you will. I thought I’d be a lifer, then one day I was just done with it. I’m down to 2.5 mg twice daily. It’s been pretty symptom free, but it’s getting hard now. I have zero energy… I know it could be so much worse, but my mental state and will power has gotten me this far. I just want to sleep all day. Ugh I hate it. I should be going down again now, but as I stated, it’s getting harder. I could really use some motivation to take this next step…. I just want it to be done!
I was in the same situation 5 weeks ago. I made the cut from 5mg to 2.5mg, I stayed there a week and a half then stopped. The first 2 weeks were bad, not as bad as a lot of cold turkey quitters I read about. At 5 weeks the only symptoms I still have are minor leg shakes, some sleeplessness and periodic hot cold flashes. At first I was put on gabapentin to help with the pain I was still feeling, then a muscle relaxer to help the leg shakes. I figure 2 to 3 more weeks of mild symptoms and I should be done. -BigMac 1766
Hi, my name is Sarah and I have been on methadone for 5 years. I am on day 33 of methadone free! I tapered down from 120. I started by decreasing by 20 milligrams every other week until I reached 60 milligrams. Once I reached 60. I started to decrease by 10 every other week until I reached 20 milligrams. I then started to decrease by 1 milligram every week until I got down to 4 milligrams. I was getting take homes for the whole week. I picked up on a Friday for the week.
I dosed Saturday and didn’t dose after that. I returned my unopened bottles the following Friday and asked my counselor to discharge me. I was scared at first from all my research online. After day 1 I didn’t feel any withdrawals, next thing I know day 6 still nothing. After about 3 weeks I had some body aches in my neck. That lasted about a week. I used a heating pad and took ibuprofen. I never use to go to the restroom regularly. But I did start to as soon as I stopped dosing. I wouldn’t say it was diarrhea like I have read online and was expecting.
I sleep through the night and never had this restless leg BS I have been so scared to get. Not saying it doesn’t exist. Because I have missed days when I was dosing and witnessed it. All I can say is tapering down DOES work. I didn’t believe it would. But it really does. I have been working full time through all of this and swear that it is possible to get off that sh*t! Please if anyone has any questions ask. I would love to help anyone through their drug free life change!
Thank you – you cannot imagine how much reading this post meant to me! I have tears in my eyes <3 I am bookmarking this page so I can come back time and time again just to read how it is possible to get off of opiates. I have read too many articles about how once on methadone you will never be right and never be able to get off of it and live a healthy drug free life. I'm going to start my tapering off tomorrow – please say a prayer for me and all the other addicts that want to be free of these chains.
Hi Sahra, I just read your post. Not sure if your still active but I just wanted to say thank you. After reading your post I was encouraged. All the others were depressing. Is like to ask you some more questions if you wouldn’t mind responding. I’m at 7ml right now and want to keep dropping I’d like to be off by Christmas.
I had been addicted to opiates for 3 years before getting into the methadone clinic. I was on a dose of 70 mg/day for about a year before I started to taper off. I went down by 5 mg every 2 weeks and got sick for a couple days almost every drop. At 20mg I began decreasing my dosage by 1 mg every 3 days (much easier than 5mg at once.) I stopped at 10 mgs. The first week was rough. I was pretty much useless.
The 2nd week wasn’t easy but definitely a lot easier. I was able to go out and socialize for a couple hours, started eating more solid food and mostly stopped throwing up. Towards the end of the 2nd week I was mostly back to feeling how I was before dropping the last 10 mgs. Still couldn’t sleep more than 5 or 6 hours though. After those first 2 weeks its still uncomfortable, some days more than others, but its bearable. Now, 1 month in, still can’t sleep more than 5 or 6 hours, low energy, still having diarrhea and stomach cramps but its really not that bad.
I’ve found that anything you’ve heard is healthy will help you get through withdrawals easier. Eat good unprocessed food. Stay away from greasy, fatty, sugary or spicy food, especially red meat, cheese stuff like that. EXERCISE!! It helped kick-start my appetite and helped the cramps and restless legs like crazy! It was hard to force myself out the door but once you do you’ll find that being active will actually give you more energy.
Socializing with good friends will help keep your mind off being sick and will keep your spirits up. Those things have helped me get through this mentally and physically. Just keep in mind that it WILL suck and be mentally prepared to jump through that wall of fire to get to the other side. After all, you gotta die first if you wanna be reborn so kill that addiction, keep your head up and push through! See you on the other side!
So after three weeks 100% clean I decided to take ayahuasca. What I was expecting and hoping for was a kind of emotional and physiological reset and to finally sleep normally with no RLS. What I actually got was hard to deal with. The experience was far from pleasurable, I relived deep seated emotional traumas that I had long since buried. However I don’t feel I managed to successfully let go of these emotions. It showed me there are many layers to my psyche, that need stripping away like an onion, before I can move on to a happier place.
It was not a magic reset and did not help with my withdrawal symptoms. I guess I’m writing this as a warning after dogmatically advocating it’s use. I do feel it has had some positive effects, it has opened me up emotionally and showed me the work that needs doings. But if you think you might not like what’s in the Pandora’s box that is your mind then maybe its best not to open it.
I started taking methadone 8 years ago for a benzo and gear habit. At the height of my addiction I was on 140mg and whatever else I could get my hands on. I stopped taking illicit substances 6 months ago, and started tapering of my 60mg daily dose at 5ml a week. I’d already been down to 25mg before and found one of the hardest parts of the reduction going from 25-20mg which makes me wonder how much of my symptoms were psychosomatic.
Once I got down to 10mg I had a 4 week breather, then started again at 1ml a week. Was fine apart from waking early till I got down past 4mg, then things started getting more uncomfortable. When I got down to 2mg I stopped of my own free will as I just felt that I was prolonging the discomfort. I’m seven days 100% clean and if I had enough money now, I would now be sourcing Ibogaine Hcl.
Whilst I don’t think it’s a magic ticket to a pain free withdrawal, I do believe that if you’ve already put in the hard work it can help to reset you to a more comfortable ambient state of being. It works on the NMDA receptors. For me I think resetting my perspective is going to be key to alleviate any long term psychosomatic symptoms such as restless sleep and anhedonia. Other things that may help this are ayahuasca and kambo.
A single psychedelic dose of ketamine (which also works on NMDA receptors) has also been proven to help in studies to help, as have all of the aforementioned. But something worth noting is that in every study, the participants who received these substances, did so under the supervision and guidance of trained psycho therapists. While I believe these things can help I do not advocate the use of illicit substances.
Above all else exercise, diet and meditation have been key for me. To all those who wish to live a life of sobriety, I would say it’s more than just possible it’s easily attainable. You just have to want it, remain positive and thankful you have the opportunity fix yourself. Love and Light to you all :)
I started meth for a Heroin addiction that really wasn’t all that bad. 6 bags a day. I needed four just to get by. I let a friend talk me into going to a meth clinic. I started at 30, went up to 60 and decided right away I wanted off. So I have been on meth a total of about 3 weeks. This last week was tapering down to 30. Today is Tuesday I haven’t dosed since Sunday. I am starting to feel the start of w/d symptoms: sweating, anxiety, dilated pupils. Not sleeping. I am determined to get through it.
Not sure how bad this is gonna be but I am gonna make it. Tomorrow I see a regular doc to see what I can do to ease some of the symptoms. Does anybody know how bad it will be having been on it for 3 weeks? I only spent 3 days at 60 then started going right down. The whole meth clinic thing, in my opinion is a scam. Help from anybody with info would sure help me a lot. God bless all of you who are trying to get your life back. Good luck and God speed.
I quit Methadone cold turkey after 2 years at 30mgs a day. The first few days were pretty tough, but, I tried Loperamide which is the active ingredient in Imodium AD. I took about 30mgs the first time and within an hour I felt 85% better. I have took it every day that I felt badly, drank plenty of water so I didn’t get backed up, and I have not had a sleepless night, no RLS, no sweats, no stomach problems, the overall feeling like crap.
Only symptoms I’ve experienced were body aches (nothing Aleve can’t handle) and no energy. I’m on day #15 clean from Methadone today and I don’t feel too awful, but, I know my body is still going through some rough stuff. The mental part only gets bad when I’m alone and bored. As long as I stay busy the anxiety doesn’t take over.
Your message made me so happy. I was prescribed up to 30 mg a day, but quickly settled on 10. This was 4 years ago or so, and I went from 10 to 7.5 on Sunday and have no symptoms, which I am hoping continues. Congrats!
Hello Guys. I want to give all of you some hope. I had been on methadone for approximately 5 years at a dosage of 190MG at year 5. I decided it was enough. I ended up quitting cold turkey. I will tell you it was one of the hardest things I have done. But I am now on week 5 and feeling much much better. Focus is returning. Shakes are minimal and fading. Still some occasional diarrhea. The interesting thing is… It took 14 days of trying and on the 15 day after last dose, I SLEPT.
Now my strength is returning and sweats/chills/crawling skin is almost gone. Depression was tough but if you have strong willpower, NO MATTER YOUR DOSAGE you will be fine with time and healing thoughts. TIP. when trying to sleep, use meditation music or nature sounds. You may not sleep but you will feel physically rested. I wish you guys out there good luck who are going through their little bit of hell on earth. Just remember where there is a will there is a way. Peace be upon you all.
I was on methadone for about 2 years for pain management. When I quit I was taking between 80-100mg per day depending on my pain levels My prescribed dosage was 200mg per day. I went through severe withdrawal symptoms for about 2 weeks. Then I was hospitalized. My wife talked me into going to the hospital because my heart was pounding like I was running a non-stop marathon for about 4 days straight, on top of feeling suicidal, unspeakable pain and Sickness.
When I was admitted into the hospital they had to put me on about 10 different medications to stabilize my body. After 5 days they let me go home. While in the hospital I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease, which is a thyroid disease. The doctors told me that prolonged use of methadone was likely what caused my thyroid problem. My family doctor disagreed, but was also the one who started me on methadone. It has now been 1 year and 10 months since I’ve been off of methadone.
Before taking it I didn’t have insomnia issues, which ever since I quit I’ve struggled majorly with. As far as the way I feel physically, I’ve never felt the same as I did before starting the drug. If the thyroid disease truly was a result of methadone use, that drug has changed my life forever. I’m 29 years old. I’ve seen an alarming amount of friends, family, and people around this small town have their lives turned upside down from methadone, opiates, benzo’s, and psych meds they never should have been prescribed in the first place.
Just in the past 4 years off the top of my head I can think of 9 people that have died from overdoses. Thats no exaggeration, the sad part is all but 1 was younger than I am. Some much younger. Anyway, I can relate to the hell this drug can bring about. I can also relate to the feeling that a person has no other choice when dealing with severe chronic pain, that you think and feel drugs like that and their consequences are better than the suffering your in when starting them.
It truly helped me ignore the pain for a long time, at least enough to do the only work I’ve ever known to support my family. But in the end It just made everything worse! I could go on and on about this but this is a situation that so many people , and many many young people are dealing with and suffering from. I’m willing to bet anyone from junior-high on through adulthood knows at least one person that has gone through the same type of thing, or knows someone that the drug ended up taking their life.
My advice is DO NOT TAKE METHADONE UNLESS YOUR ALREADY ON YOUR DEATH BED! There are many lighter drugs and herbal medicines you can look into. I learned that sometimes you have to suffer with pain and find the strength within yourself, because if I can do it, many others can too! I hope this can be at least somewhat of a deterrent someone, or help you get some insight before you get too deep. Good luck everyone!
I’ve been on methadone for 6 years for an opiate addiction. I did a very slow taper, started on 140mg/day for a year, tapered to 30mg/day by the 4th year, down to 10mg/day for a year. This past week I went to 1 mg/day, I was dropping 1mg every six weeks since 5 mg/day. It’s been pretty good. My biggest problems are fatigue and muscle/body aches. I feel like an 80 year old in a 33 year old body and a bit of depression. I just don’t want to do anything.
I hate the thought of getting up in the morning and going to work…but I do! I really hope these things go away sooner rather then later. After reading all these posts, I hate the thoughts of withdrawal symptoms lasting for months. Just gotta bite the bullet and make myself go out and face the world eh!? It won’t last forever. I hope… Hope everyone is doing well! This article is really helpful and all the posts are good to read! Thanks all!
I was an addict for 15 years (started with pills then quickly escalated to IV heroin use, my life fell apart over and over again, and I came clean with my family about my addiction. Started methadone at 35mgs a day and went up to 70mgs. Methadone robbed me of my mind after 5 months on methadone I began to taper went down to 49mgs before I just couldn’t take the prison that is clinics in America. So I jumped off cold turkey at 49mgs a day on my own.
Acute withdrawal started 5 days after my last dose, intense vomiting, chills, body aches, pins and needles in the whole body, restless legs, stomach cramps, and of course other digestive issues. Days five through 14, I couldn’t eat sleep or drink, I was sure I would die, nothing would stay down not even with the use of phenagren. This was the worst period sleep wouldn’t come no matter what I did for more than an hour.
At this point I quit even trying to take Benadryl or Tylenol as they both seemed to escalate the withdrawal issues particularly the pins and needles and RLS. Day 15 was the beginning of feeling better, I hadn’t left bed for days except to sit in a bath or vomit, (the showers/bathes are life savers) but was compelled by the fact that the sun was out and crawled out of bed to sit in the sun. The sun really helps I would bundled up even though it was 70+ outside I loved the warmth I felt.
By day 15 I was still experiencing insomnia, body aches, chills, goosebumps, and had no energy it hurt to do anything. Also at this point I had lost 36lbs. Day 16-21, was a recovery period for my body, was very weak had trouble standing up for any amount of time. But could eat again, was sleeping 2-3 hours a night and my acute withdrawal symptoms started to fade a bit at a time. Your body is struggling to heal itself it can take a long time, but stick with it just gotta do your time and pass the hours however you can.
Days 21-35 were much better, stomach cramps dissipated, but was left with some insomnia, needles and pins feelings and body aches, had zero drive to do anything but forced myself to get out of the house everyday. Days 36 and on, I was still achy but slept. I did have days where PAWS would rear there ugly head and just feel like death, but by then I had my mind back and was feeling much sharper and aware symptoms seemed to decrease daily and are far less severe when they Do come on.
Things you should have before going cold turkey or even tapering:
-Heating pad, this is essential great for putting on your legs at the end of the day.
-A really comfortable bed pillows and blankets, it’s calming to have nice comfy sheets and blankets. I loved fleece blankets the whole time I went through bad withdrawal I built a nest of them and would stay there for hours.
-Imodium trust me you need this, makes things much more bearable. The digestive stuff is no fun just don’t over do it, try to take only one.
-As much human contact as you can handle, and patient understanding friends and family. I would force myself to sit and talk with the people I was around, it always made me feel mentally better.
-Hydrate! Drink Gatorade and water as much as you can your body needs this more than sleep.
-Rest, insomnia is terrible for the first weeks, I found even if I couldn’t sleep I would sit with my eyes closed and just try and breathe through it. Take any rest you can get even 10 minutes of sleep is better than none.
-Xanax if you can come by it, this really helps, one don’t over do it, take mainly at night, and you might get some sleep.
-Bravery. Quitting junk of any kind is really nasty business and everyone goes through it differently but it will be quite an ordeal. Be brave stay strong and man up, know it’s going to get better that it won’t last forever.
This is the worst I’ve ever felt in my life…I thought coming off subs was bad; this is worse.
Day 7 of methadone withdrawals. Was on 130mgs for 2 years then rapid detoxed to 15mg in 15 days. (THAT SUCKED by the way!). I then switched to different clinic, worked my way back up to 40mg then slowly to 28mg then 21 day detoxed to 1mg on March 30, 2015. The diarrhea sucks, the insomnia sucks, the mood swings suck. Also: chills, always cold, sneezing, muscle twitches everywhere all the time, dry eyes & nose, no energy, feeling like the end stages of a flu…which blows. And am I only one that keeps getting “zapping” sensations all the time especially in the morning? I know it’ll get better but the symptoms start to mess with your head after a while.
Hi Myka, You are doing great. I felt zaps in my head for weeks and I hated them until my doctor told me to consider them a part of the healing process. Let the zaps come. Every zap is an indicator that you are getting better and better and one day soon you will feel good again. Better. Happier than you ever felt on any drug.
I have been withdrawing from Methadone since October 2014. I have been taking 80mg for over 10 years for pain. I am down to 1 mg every other day mow and it has been hard. It has been hard the whole time but now I am getting worse. Any suggestions?
Day 11 with no methadone! I’m 22 weeks pregnant and was taking 130 mg of methadone daily for about 8 months then started tapering as soon as I found out I was pregnant. 3 months later, 11 days ago, had my last dose of 10mg of methadone. I went from 10mg to nothing cold turkey while pregnant, totally against all unsolicited professional advice. I haven’t taken anything not pregnant safe for withdrawals. Its been hell. Without the support of my family and the love for my baby I wouldn’t have come this far. I can say that this is the best thing for me and baby.
Who wants to take care of a screaming baby withdrawing? No one. Plus now CPS can’t pry into my life AND I get my life back too. Being on methadone is a prison! Going to the clinic every day is no way to live nor is withdrawing from methadone. If your reading this, just know someone out there knows what you’re going through and just hang on, it’s all worth it in the end! You’re getting your life back! What helps is a lot of cannabis, valerian root, vitamin B6, prenatals, sex, walking, massage, vitamin C, lots of protein, hot baths and doing normal things. Hang in there. If I can detox at home with no prescribed medication while pregnant you can do it too!
I went from a methadone clinic at 70mg to a pain management clinic on 30mg of methadone overnight. It has been over three weeks and I can barely get out of bed. I have taken clonidine, Adderall, and kratom capsules to feel better. I’ve even stooped to taking heroin. And nothing works. The doctor won’t call me back. How long can this go on?
I am on day 11 after jumping off at 2.5mg every 12 hours. I had been on 30 mg a day for 12 years as prescribed by my VA providers for pain. Never increased and never failed a drug screen as required by pain management agreement. Nevertheless, a provider decided I should no longer be on it and cut my dose to 15mg a day, that was my first decrease. One month later I was cut to 10mg a day. Then two weeks later told to decrease to 7.5, so I went ahead and dropped to 2.5 twice a day, then when they started giving me crap about how I shouldn’t be having withdrawal symptoms I just stopped completely.
I feel like crap. Of course when they call and ask tomorrow if I have suicidal thoughts I am going to ask why they think I would trust them with my personal thoughts. I haven’t had diarrhea(big surprise), just hurt like hell, I am irritable, emotional, confused, lightheaded, feel out of body, and can’t sleep. Top it off by I am normally this crazy up person, all old hippy (I am a 55 year old grandma) who preaches and usually lives Law of Attraction, and I can not hardly even get into the frame of mind to meditate. I am simply going crazy.
Ask your doctor for some Gabapentin… it’s worked for me. Also Lyrica for when things feel really bad. Hang in there, some day you will feel like yourself again. Thank you for all the positive comments, it helps to not feel alone.
I’ve been taking a 10mg methadone everyday for a month and a half. Today is my 3rd day of not taking it. The past two days been amazing actually. I felt aches but I convinced myself all I need is my mind to fix this problem – so I kept busy, took Xanax (prescribed to it) as instructed & these withdrawal ease supplements. Last night I kept waking up with aches and restless leg but always fell back to sleep so now I’m scared that this is the beginning of my withdrawal (the 3rd day). Other pain meds usually I feel better after the 3rd day but as I read I realize methadone is different. I’ve taken it in the past and got addicted and my withdrawal didn’t start till the 3rd day but I was taking 4 or more 10mgs a day for a few months. I’m just hoping this is the worst day I have and tomorrow will be better.
Today is day six after jumping off Methadone at 29mg. I tapered down from 45mg at 2mg per week. I am a certified hard-head and finally got sick and tired of Methadone and Methadone Drs. controlling my life! So far, day 3 was absolutely the worst, but now I can honestly say that I feel better than the day prior. The worst symptoms (for me at least) has been the chills. My goodness I hate the chills. I have basically been in a constant state of “goosebumps” the entire week. I still have the chills today but not nearly as frequent. I even got some much needed exercise today. FYI: Insanity is not the best choice of workout while in W/D’s. Trust me. Hopefully each day gets a little better.
Most of these withdrawal philosophies are propagated by the corrupt methadone industry trying to keep patients addicted to methadone. Anyone can stop methadone yeah your going to be sick for a little bit – man up or woman up and Fight. Better that then giving your money to these totally fake “treatment” centers who treat people in a weakened state like dogs. Methadone clinics especially any tied to CRC Health Group will be held accountable one day for their horrid mistreatment of patients or “customers” as they classify patients. I never experienced such blatant corruption as I experienced at various CRC clinics. Blatant overcharging. Violation of patient rights, and corrupt accounting.
Four weeks clean after 21 years on meth… Was back at work two weeks later which kept me busy but now recognize just how much rest and recuperation my body needs. I know each day will get better, but I get frustrated and am fearful in thinking I will always feel anxious, tired, depressed, aching, etc. Ultimately I am in control and although I said I’d be clean by 21 (when in fact it took 21 years), I have no regrets, life is to short. I’m 40 soon and as they say, that’s when life starts – bring it on! It’s never too late!
I took my last pills of Methadone last Friday and a new script on Saturday. The Doc said I wouldn’t have to wean myself off the meth and that the new med Hydrocodone/acetaminophen 7.25 would cover it. I was taking 15 mg per day of the meth when I switched. I have had one hell of a week. Finally Thursday I called the Doc. My BP was out of sight and my heart rate was high at 104. He called in a BP script and another drug called Promethazine and I’ve been better. I was screaming and crying with the massive restless leg problems.
Hello all I’ve been on methadone for about 2.5 years for the purpose of addiction to Oxys at first which then turned into Oxys/cocaine. I’ve been clean and sober for about 2 years now thanks to methadone although now I’m also hating the fact that I ever jumped on methadone. My highest dose on methadone was 150mgs and I was cruising at that dose for about 6 months, started to lower the dose 5mgs a week until I reached at 90mgs. Held that for about 10 months, I felt fine no withdrawal symptoms yet, but I am still eager to come off methadone.
I returned to my doctor and we started to lowering my dose now at 7 mgs a week until I reached 19mg. I started getting mood swings, wasn’t really sleeping much at that point I was fed up with this damn chemical so I picked up my weekly supply of methadone a week ago Saturday, took it Sunday and I had one of those moments where I wanted to make a drastic change so I tossed out my entire weeks worth of methadone, I know now that was stupid but I just want to get my life back. Since being on methadone my personality as changed, I’ve picked up smoking cigarettes at almost a pack a day, etc.
Anyways so it’s been exactly 7 days without a dose of methadone and I must say the first 3-4 days I felt horrible. I was depressed, trouble sleeping, back aches, Restless legs, sneezing, shivers, constipation now diarrhea. Now that I’m on day 7 I feel a lot better in terms of body pain and restless legs, however I can’t sleep! And I’m still depressed with slight mood swings, I feel like now I’m pretty much finished with my body withdrawal symptoms, but now mentally I’m suffering.
My doctor prescribed me Ativan at first but didn’t really work for me that well, now I was prescribed trazodone HCI 50 mg, and it has helped me a little bit with sleeping but not much I still lie awake tossing and turning and can’t shut my brain off. I HATE not being able to sleep and being depressed with mood swings! I guess my question is… Its been 7 days since I had a dose of methadone and my body pains are pretty much gone. However, can somebody please tell me realistically how long will my depression and sleeplessness last? And is there more that I can do that will help?
I’m only on day 28 (I tapered though over 6 weeks and my last dose was 28 days ago) and am only now feeling depression and continuing anxiety. I think it just wears you down because it just goes on for SO LONG. My heart goes out to you and I can feel the pain in your posts. Hang in there! I do know that I feel better when I exercise (and I sleep better!, but not great). It creates natural endorphins which our brains don’t do well after methadone.
I sometimes even walk the neighborhood in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep and my body is wide awake, then take a hot bath and try again. Try magnesium flakes in the bath. During the day I try to get out in the sunshine when there is some. Good luck to you and everyone else too. Keep telling yourself you can do this and remember ALL the reasons why methadone made you feel bad. You have come so far, so I know you already know what it means to dig DEEP. Just keep it up.
Anyone in the boat? I was prescribed methadone 15-25mg daily for sever endometriosis pain. WORSE MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. Years prior to that I unfortunately was addicted to oxycontin, crack and heroin. I thought that was the hardest withdrawal. WRONG. It’s been almost three months since I’ve been sober. So horrible and hard to deal with. I still have cold sweats, and major hand tremors. Does anyone else experience this too? How long will this last? I was told probably 1 year. HELP
I was at a methadone clinic for 7 yrs recently I tapered off for good end of November and I did it the right way slow taper down to 1 mg. It has been the hardest struggle besides my chronic depression that I’ve ever gone through! So it been almost 3 months and still, still having stomach problems with diarrhea, trembling, shaky hands, extreme fatigue, severe irritability, and worse depression! My doctor increased my antidepressant, but no change. But the aches finally got better.
I’m sleeping a little better and my restless legs are getting better. But shouldn’t I be feeling better by now? I know it can last awhile and I just read about “PAWS.” Maybe that’s it, but I’m frustrated! My family is not understanding and tired of me not feeling good. Its been like a flu that never goes away. I’m proud of myself that I did it and glad to be done. I don’t have cravings (thank god). But I feel alone with this. Please reply if you have answers or are in my same position.
Keep in there homie. It’s because of the 4 years of use. Non stop!! Hang in there G!! It will get better. I am going through the same thing. Who ever came up with this methadone SH#T should be thrown to the f*cking wolves!!!!
I’ve been taking methadone for 2 years for my recovery from heroin. My max dose was 45mg but I’m proud to say I’m at 2! I did slow taper over a year. 1 mg every 11 days. I felt nothing til I hit 3mg. Have had diarrhea for over a week, chills, sneezing, nausea. But no restless legs…thankfully. Wish me luck, I’m almost there!
I’m in my 4th day of withdrawal off of methadone. I’ve been on it for more then a year (55mg) which isn’t such a high dosage. I tapered rather fast approx 5 mgs a week. The first 2 months we’re rather easy, little aches and pain nothing I couldn’t handle. The last week of my taper was the start of hell on earth. I went through all of the symptoms that are posted above.
The worst was depression, I have a 3 year old daughter I have to look after while my fiancee works. It’s hard enough going through it by yourself, even harder when you have to be a loving father. Like I said before I’m on the 4th day, my symptoms are slightly easing. It seems like I’ve been depressed for more then a month. I hope I get better for me and my family.
I was taking Methadone for severe headaches and cyst. I got tired of the medical system (it’s become BAD) and dealing with the fear of coming bad times. The weather and economic collapse about to occur made me quit. Not to mention you pay them to essentially make you HAVE to come back so they over schedule and if they make a mistake WILL NOT rectify it, even if they admit they’re wrong! I am an RN who had to quit working due to extreme migraines and I was attacked with a 10 to 15 pound metal padlock on my R jaw years ago which caused extreme TMJ.
Anyway, I’m on 30 days and have no strength. I threw up non-stop for a week and had horrible cluster headaches. At times I thought I might die. But now here it is, a month later and my stomach, weakness and just being worthless due to it. My husband is supportive but doesn’t understand how I feel. I want to know from others if they experienced this and how long before I’m of use to anyone. I try to do what I can but…..$&@! God bless all of you!
I encourage you to keep going. I’m saying the same things. I keep wondering when this will end especially sleep and fatigue. Sometimes the feeling of “impending doom”. This website and blog is awesome. Everybody’s posts are very helpful. Don’t give up. Try and remember all the bad crap looking for drugs, getting ripped off, waiting and spending money. The clinic might be worse in some ways. Tomorrow will be better. That’s how I think.
I don’t think I can do this. I’m on day 4 off methadone. I can’t stop crying. My head hurts so bad. Does this get any better? I feel like if it’s going to get worse for next couple of weeks if I should try and go to a rehab? I don’t want to die coming off of this evil, evil medicine. Doctors should not prescribe this medicine unless the person plans on being on it for the rest of their life.
It is good for people who have chronic pain. (I have neuropathy and fibromyalgia). It helped me work for years. Now my new pain specialist does not and will not prescribe methadone. Suffering from these withdrawal symptoms and I see why. I have like 12 tablets 10 mg each and two tablets of 5 mg tablets left, but I gave them to my husband to hold, because I’m 4 days off. It doesn’t matter if I take those because I will have to endure this eventually.
I go to my pain specialist on Friday and I feel like I’m going to literally yell at him and ask him, “Why did you not tell me I will feel like this?” And for the doctor who prescribed this med for me – I hate you! I just need to get through this next month and I pray to God that everyday will not be like this.
Today is the first day that I have felt this crappy and ill. I think I lost 10 pounds just from urinating so much. So please, anyone, tell me it will get better and that I won’t die from withdrawal symptoms. ?
Day 26 off methadone. Topped at 80mg… 3 month taper of 5mg a week. Stopped at 5mg after 3 days at that dose. 20 months and 1 day in the methadone program. Before methadone I had a 400mg/day oxy habit. Day 7-9 were the hardest, but everyday is getting better. Most noticeable withdrawl symptom is still having diarrhea. Random insomnia… but better than oxy withdrawal.
I wish I had listened to everyone when they warned me about methadone!!! I was addicted to oxys and roxys and eventually when they became to expensive I switched to Heroin, I’ll add, I was an iv user. I’m not ashamed of my story, where I’ve been and how far I’ve come. I went to jail for prescription fraud, spent 10 months, had really no issues with withdrawals while in there, truly showed me a lot was mind over matter. HOWEVER, I was a heroin/opiate addict, the girls in there coming off of methadone…whole other story. So long story short…I get out, I stay clean for 2 months, and all I could think about was that needle. I spent 2 months back on heroin and decided, no more.
So decided to go to methadone clinic. I worked, no insurance, so paid full price, $15/day. I did this for almost 2 years, a prisoner to the methadone clinic. I finally had enough. Decided to start down dosing. I was at 90mg daily, the agreement was I’d go down 3mg a week until down to only 3mg and I’d be done. Was a six month commitment, i had the choice to stop the down dosing at anytime and hold the dose…never had to!! I never had any issues with withdrawals, my last weeks when I was down to 10mg, they gave me rx for Zofran (like phenergan, but no drowsiness) and Baclafan (like flexeril, muscle relaxers). I immediately started taking those along with Aleve and Tums 2 days prior to my final doses).
That was a over a week ago, I’m doing good, pupils are severely dilated (look like a straight tweaker) but I’m able to sleep, I’m NOT HUNGRY AT ALL!! I believe in the taper down method with Methadone, everything else I say screw it. Get some xanax, Gatorade, a trash can and a bathroom close by. It’ll suck for 3-4 days but you’re done. Methadone is NO JOKE….I WOULD NEVER, I MEAN NEVER RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE!! Regardless of your past, remember so much of this withdrawal is truly in our minds. We obsess, we panic, we know there’s someone out there with that drug that’ll make us feel better…YOU GOT THIS, YOU’RE NEVER ALONE!!!!
It’s only been a week. I hope to see your posts in a month or two. My first 5 days were fine. Days 8-11 were really bad.
I hope this gives inspiration to others. I was on 120 mg for a year or more. I was forced to quit by law. If you know what I mean *ah hum*!! Let’s just say it was a tough way to do it. At least I thought it would be. There is something to be said about mind control forced!!!
Well knowing I had no option, and no little pill or bag I could open to get me through, I was on my way cold turkey. Somehow my symptoms never came on like I thought it was going to. Not that I didn’t feel like shit and I didn’t get sleep for 50 days. Legs ached sneezing and all that wonderful stuff. But I know that if I was home all these symptoms would be magnified by a thousand.
And I probably would not have made it. Having to work and just life’s obligations. With all of this said. If you are even thinking of going the methadone route. Please don’t. Go to a proper rehab. And don’t I say don’t substitute with Suboxone, Subutex, or dope. You may have to hit bottom. Like me. To want this. But. It REALLY DOES GET BETTER I never thought. I am 90 days cold turkey. NOTHING. ONLY SOME ADVIL AND HOPE.
Still sneezing end of day fatigue not the best sleep. Remember. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!!! There are people that will never get the chance to feel good ever!!! Cancer, arthritis, chronic pain in general. Us addicts can. It just takes a few months or so. SUCK IT UP. Fool. Good luck all. And don’t die!!!! Someone needs you and loves you!!!
Casie, so you would say after day 4-5 it got better?
Jessica, That is awesome what you have done!! Nobody will understand it until they have to go through it. I am still on 30 mgs daily and I feel exactly like you said. First couple weeks were bad, then after that I would sometimes feel the flu symptoms for 30 minutes or an hour then I would start feeling better. I am scared to go down any until I feel better every day. Its hard at work just to make it through the day. It is an evil drug. The question I have is when I go from 30 mgs to 25mgs daily will the flu like symptoms come back on such a little drop of 5mgs? I have always dropped 10 mgs at a time but at 30 mgs I am shocked how long the sick feeling has lasted. Thank you so much for your information. You know as well as I, nobody has the answers unless they have done it themselves. Very PROUD of you!!!
Wow. If you and Jessica are going through all that then just stop now. Others may disagree but I stopped at 50 MG’s and had all those symptoms except GI problems and no problems eating. I forget how much I sneeze. It’s annoying. I had a little nausea and headaches but nothing aspirin didn’t cure. After 6 weeks fatigue and sleep are still a problem but after reading all these posts it has really helped. Just got to be stubborn. I was stubborn by not quitting drugs now I got to be stubborn by not going backward.
I was on methadone for 10 years. There are no clinics in the area where I live, so my doctor would write a prescription for a month of tabs at a time. My biggest fear had always been withdrawal. There were times when the doctors office did not have my script ready, or the pharmacy would be closed, and I had to go a couple of days without it. The law doesn’t let a patient pick up narcotic pills more than a couple of days early, and sometimes my doctors office would take 2 days just writing the prescription. That was rough.
So, I knew how awful withdrawal could be. That us what took me 10 years to quit. I knocked down my dose slowly over those years, leveling out at 5mg. I had discomfort and fatigue each time I cut back, but it was not as bad as completely being without it. Six weeks ago I quit. The first week was the worst, but it was not as hard as I had imagined it would be. I didn’t sleep without benadryl – I had crawling sensations in my arms when I even tried to sleep, I would sweat profusely, and I felt fatigue and restlessness at the same time. There were also stomach problems, like diarrhea, cramping and nausea, but these symptoms were manageable.
My brain was a little fuzzy and I did have a few mood swings, but I am taking antidepressants to make quitting easier. I still have a runny nose and the sneezing is getting ridiculous. I sneeze all of the time! My body feels better though. I sweat a lot still but most of the discomfort of withdrawal is gone. It’s weird, but sometimes I will have short lived bouts of fatigue/flu-like symptoms. This only lasts about a half hour or so, then it’s gone. I will never take this poison again, or any opiates for that matter. I learned the hard way. I realize that I still have a couple of months before I’m back to “normal” but I’m still happy.
I’m detoxing off of Methodone now after 3 years and I’m using elimidrol. I’ll let you know how it goes in a week. I will know by then.
This is the best blog I have read! I was on 80 mgs a day for couple of years. Been married to the woman of my life for 25 years. Lost my sex drive, was in my own world, had no feelings, cloudy mind, couldnt think sharp, lost a couple of good jobs,ect… I wanted my life back and started dropping 10 mgs a week until I hit 30mgs. Then all of the withdrawels started. No sleep, felt like I had the flu, nausea, runny nose, depression,cramps ect… I am still on 30, been 3 weeks. Have an appt. with doctor soon in which he suggested suboxen to finish taper. I dont know if that is wise. Does anybody know if the suboxone would be better then just continuing the done?
I’ve just came off a 5mg dose of methadone that I’ve been tapering down over the past 8 years. I’m at day 5 now and have had very little withdrawal symptoms. I kept putting off coming off my tablet because I was so scared of the withdrawals that I’ve had in the past coming off heroin. I’m not sure why I haven’t been a blubbering mess this time and sat in a pool of my own vomit and sweat.
The only thing that I can think of is that I’m fit and strong now and my state of mind was completely prepared for a whole heap of pain. I keep thinking at the minute that it’s all going to go down hill and hit me hard but so far I’m good. To be honest I’m board out of my mind and looking forward to going back to work.. Has any one else ever heard of this happening to a long term user before?
Day 8 – I’m feeling normal… Still not sleeping but I’m dealing with that with nitrazipam and the odd Valium. My biggest issues is twitchy legs but have found that quinine is sorting that out really well. It’s been a long road but I’m now finally there. I’m finding it really hard though with all the praise I’ve been getting from my family and how proud they are of me beating this. I don’t feel that I can accept any of this because it was my own stupid fault for ever getting into H in the first place.
A good way I also found of getting some closure was to get all my medical records from the doctor and drugs team that have worked and helped me though this. It was good to actually see the progression I’ve made and see the points in which I made really good progress. Good luck to everyone out there who are getting there life back. Remember your state of mind is everything. If your not mentally there don’t do it but if your stable in your life and have real goals to work towards, you’re 90% of the way there.
It’s been 3 weeks!!! Life is pretty much back to normal.. Still got twitchy legs but it’s somthing I’m able to live with.. I’ve changed over from quinine to naproxen to see if that helps as I found out after a bit of reading that quinine is not a good drug to be taking and I was getting some side effects from taking them. Mainly raining in my ears.. Good luck to everyone out there battling this. Just remember suck it up get on with life and it’ll all be good in the end.. In the words of buzz lightyear “Never give up. Never surrender.”
Hopefully this will help you guys. So much to tell but I’ll try to put it quick and simple. 33 years old I was on H for 11 years and done for 13. I was very tired and decided to get my life back in 2012. I stopped occasional H highs and stood on my 110 mgs for about a year was building my confidence and strength to overcome what felt impossible. I tapered down from 110 to 3mgs (basically I started with 10% rule until I was feeling ready for another reduction) from 110 to 60 it was pretty easy.
Then at 60 I reduced by 5 to. At 30 I slowed down and was reducing by 3 every week or 2 (careful depression and anxiety started there so you take time until you feeling ready) at 20 I learned that 1 mg reduction every week is OK, but take 2 weeks if you need. At 10 it starts, you begin feeling minor w/d but you are champ beating this! BTW I work construction work 6 days a week 12 hours a day. I reach 8 mgs and I take it well because tapering got me ready for it and I know I will jump off soon.
At 6 – 4 I feel what it is hard, but nothing I can’t take. I just take time socialize and keep optimism because I won’t turn back. I got through the 6-4 crisis and jumped off at 3! I’m tired and I know I’m delying inevitable. No time off from work I decide to take it cold turkey on my chest and I go to work the very next day after no sleep for 36h. I used Thomas’ Recipe but skipped benzos for sleep after 5 days. I sleep a bit and I still work hard at work (I learn that work, exercise, music on my ears most of the time muffles all mental stuff).
I was surprised that it was all bearable. If you keep one thought in your brain “I put my self into it and I will take my life back at all costs and nothing will stop me.” Use the Thomas Recipe, drink lots of Gatorade and waters with electrolytes, minerals and be patient. It gets better every day. You are the Champ and you can do it! My 26 day off methadone and I keep going forward I wish you all the same motivation and strength I got. If you know that you can do it, you will and nothing can stop you :) siupak[AT]comcast.net If you’re going through this and need help.
43 days clean, jumped at 75 mg. Has been hell to say least. Day 1-16 really hurt. Day 21 anxiety turned up to an 11 for about 10/12 Days – adrenal fatigue – look it up. Day 38-43 feel little better unless I do something – fatigue. Still sneezing all the time. Still have much discomfort but tolerable at this point. First month was bout intolerable. Consensus says 60-90 days before real relief. Chugging along. Methadone evil, evil, evil.
If thinking about jumping make sure you plan no less than month off of life. Have someone that can literally take care of you for at least first couple weeks. Don’t expect sleep for a while, even with sleep meds. AND when all else fails, lay in a hot bath/shower. Gives me chills thinking about that first month. But all in all it was worth it. See light at end of tunnel. No way possible I would or could do this twice.
I’m at 35 days, and I jumped at 90 mgs. Our two experiences were pretty much exactly the same.. Whats with the sneezing? I sneeze like 10 times one after another… my only difference is I’m a single dad to an 8 yr old. Needless to say, I haven’t been the best father figure the past month. He’s been a real trooper and says he’s proud to be my son! That made the whole gut wrenching experience, more than worth the pain.
Oh! What a relief! I’m on day 28 and for the last week I have had worse symptoms than the week before. Truly thought I was through the worst, slept some, was happy and energetic then WHAM no sleeping and anxiety and exhaustion that feels as bad as earlier – well not AS bad, but different. It’s great (in a completely twisted way, I apologize) to hear from someone who knows what is going on.
I’ll look for some adrenal support, maybe acupuncture… FYI to all you folks that are breezing through and feeling great, I really didn’t have any troubling symptoms until day 5 or so and yet you are fresh and determined and strong for another week or so. But then it starts to get intolerable from an exhaustion and stamina standpoint.
My point is no one gets through this easily, and if someone says they did they aren’t being truthful. Be grateful if you have a couple of good days but keep up with the vitamins and fluids and internal pep talks. I think I will stick with the 60-90 day estimate, it still comes one day at a time and I will take the W/D’s over that soul-stealing methadone every day.
Hmmh? Not to disagree but I kept going to work. If I sat around and didn’t have some distraction I’m sure I would have used. Taking a month off to go to rehab is a different story. If I had it to do over I would go to rehab. After 6 weeks I still think of going to be honest. You will not want to do anything and fatigue sucks but you have the will to quit just power through it. Walk, find a hobby but occupy yourself as soon as you can. The first month really sucks with week 2-3 being the worst. The first 5 days was pretty easy because of the half life.
This is Mary again…I’m on week 8 and still having withdrawl symptoms. They are nothing compared to the first month but still have body aches, chills, sneezing, stomach issues, lack of concentration and worst of all, troubke sleeping. I agree with what is posted, if you can, get professional help. The symptoms seemed to return with avengence after one month. Maybe because it took that long for methadone to clear my system. Don’t lose hope… it does get easier and I feel like a new person. I can actually feel things again and my emotions are finally regulating. Please do not start taking methadone if you can help it. It’s the hardest drug to kick and if I knew it would take this long, I may not have had the courage to stop. Please get professional help when you are ready to stop methadone.
I was taking between 100 and 120 mgs of oxycodone a day for 4 years…my Dr. thinks switching to methadone is best way to get off them. Started me on 2- 10mg pills 3x a day… total 60 mgs. I have been taking less because they are making me feel high and do last very long. I’m thinking of stopping after only 1 week now and trying to wean off the percocets instead, as I think that will be easier than withdrawing from methadone. Anyone have experience with either withdrawals?
I was in a similar position- I fractured 10 vertebrae and OxyContin was replaced with MS Contin, and eventually I topped out in that & was switched to Methadone. After 5 or 6 years of Methadone (top dose 80 mg, dropped to 60, 40, then 30 for most of this year), I’m now at 10mg. I’ve gone down by 10 mg each of the past couple months, & this month- week 2, actually, is the most uncomfortable. So far, it is just very uncomfortable – aches, restlessness, pins and needles, chills, altering insomnia and exhaustion, varying GI difficulties-though nothing debilitating.
I’ve been sick since I was 10 yrs old, and there have been varying sorts and severity of pain. There have been episodes of difficulty when I would have been completely incapacitated and totally bedridden, not to mention the deeper level of hell I’d have experienced had I not been treated with opiates. I did have a doctor that was well meaning, though a little too generous in her prescribing. I began seeing a different doctor, and asked for help reducing my opiates. I have thanked God from the start that I never developed a true addiction.
At that, I obviously became physiologically dependent, though never really craved the drug, short of stopping the ensuing pain and minor withdrawal That eventually would remind me of a missed or very late dose. I had, many years ago during a sever flare up of my disease, been treated with darvocet, then lortab, and when narcotic headaches set in, I (unwisely and without medical supervision), decided to quit cold turkey. That was the WORST two weeks I’d ever experienced. It was wrenching and excruciating, but afterwards, I felt better-healthier – than I had in years.
So, in that respect, it was worth it. I would not advise detox without supervision- especially cold turkey, and NEVER cold turkey from anything like Methadone. My doctor warns me every time I see her about possible disasters resulting from up and down, or detoxing too quickly- cardiac and respiratory failures, never mind the “normal” withdrawal symptoms. Anyhow, I’ve rambled on a bit. I think you were asking about whether it is worth replacing oxy with Methadone. I can honestly say that in my case, it absolutely was.
Compared to the insane dose of Morphine I was requiring to manage my pain, the Methadone dose was a bit more reasonable. My side effects were markedly reduced- I became clearer, more alert, more “present”. For me, it was a vast improvement. The bottom line FOR ME was that I was not in a state of health, and my pain was such that detox was not yet possible for me. Thankfully, now it is. As unpleasant as detox is, Methadone helped me to a quality of life that would have been impossible without it.
I didn’t even realize the stupor I was in with MS Contin until I was off it and on Methadone. And I have found on a few occasions that I wanted to drop my dose, and I told my doctor and that’s what we did. Maybe 60mg is just more than you need. You may find you feel better with a lower dose, or you may feel an unwanted “high” no matter the dose – my Mom with MS just can’t stand Methadone at all- too much “high”. I hope that this helps. Good luck!
Get AWAY from the methadone. Smart to approach withdrawal at all but methadone lasts longer and are WAY worse than any other withdrawal I’ve experienced (speedballing and 30 30mg blues a day). You should definitely taper down off the percs and leave the methadone alone. This country doesn’t care for the user, some Dr’s don’t research enough and it’s only setting you up to fail!
Ask him instead for Baclofen. It’s a very mild muscle relaxer but definitely helps with withdrawal. Good luck to you and definitely stay away from the All Powerful Methadone.. It’s stronger than heroin and 1000 times worse to quit.
My names JJ as well. I’ve done both and my experience is that withdrawal from oxys is more intense but only 4-5 days with me taking them daily for 3-4 years. I really can’t say when I got addicted and needed them. I just know when heroin entered the picture I went for help. Methadone is a mixed bag. At the time it really helped and I was on it for 4 years. The clinic is a nightmare in itself but that’s a different tale. Although methadone helped me; getting off of it has been much harder. It’s been just over 6 weeks and I am still going through withdrawals.
Sleep and energy are my biggest problems. After not sleeping for 3 weeks except an hr here and there at time I went to Dr. He gave me Hydrazine which kind of works. It makes you tired but didn’t always make me sleep and not for very long. This may be a taboo topic but sexual release helps release endorphins similar to xanax that helps you sleep. Its natural and helps rebuild testosterone. Exercise to will help although you will not want to do any damn thing.
I’m currently trying to come off of methadone that I’ve taken for 4 years. I never took mor than 40mg a day and for the past several months only 20 mg. My last dose was last Friday (6 days) ago. I was put on this for Crohn’s disease. I have fought depression for years because of all the above. Right now I feel worse than I’ve ever felt. My doctor gave me Percocet to help get me off of this.
I feel like this is inviting more trouble. I know I’m rambling but this is my mindset. Lack of sleep, diarrhea, no energy and the horrible thoughts. Any advice? Can’t afford to go in a hospital gotta get it together before Monday. Can’t lose everything on top of this. Thanks, Much love, Grace
I’v been on Methadone for 4 yrs non stop for pain mgmt. I live out in the sticks of Nebraska and I have one Doctor that got in all kinds of trouble for getting normal people all addicted to this sh*t and now has put me in the position of cold turkey. My question is this: I have been on 90 mgs for the whole time, I have no way of getting to a detox, or rehab.
I have about 45 / 10 mg tablets left in a hat I have sashed over time. Does it make any sense at all for me to spread these out during the withdrawal? Like say… Take one a day just to feed the dragon (so to speak) or a half a tab? Would this be considered a form of tapering? Or will I just turn a month long ordeal into 2 or 3 months? Thanks for advice.
Taper down as far as you can. 5 or 10% every few weeks. Any opiate use between this time is not a good idea as your just feeding the habit. 90mg is a lot to come off and will hurt like hell for a few weeks. Good luck man. Suck it up and get off it in your own time.
To be honest its going to suck no matter what. I really didn’t believe withdrawal would last beyond a few days. I was totally wrong. A Dr can help with symptoms even if you have to drive to another town’s Dr. No matter how long it takes there are two things that help me. A few months for the rest of my life and how long did I use drugs vs getting sober. Getting sober is definitely shorter but like others say it is a fight! Good luck.
I was taking 100mg everyday for three years. My doctor ending up dropping me saying that I broke his pain management contract. The first two days were ok because the methadone levels in my blood were still high enough to delay withdrawal symptoms. By day four and into day eight were excruciating. The worst symptom for me was the restless legs and body. I felt I was going to lose my mind.
I was so thoroughly exhausted and every bone in my body ached but I could not sleep because it felt like electric jolts going through my legs. They were so painful I ended up in the ER for help. The gave my fluids and Ativan. The Ativan really helped with the restlessness. However, the one medication that tool away almost all withdrawal symptoms was Neurontin (Gabapentin). Don’t go cold turkey. Taper down as far as possible.
Im on day 17 of going cold turkey off of 120 mg of methadone. I’m nauseous, my body really aches, and I’m having trouble sleeping – but that’s the worst I’ve dealt with. Am I lucky or has the worst yet to come?
I’m on day 20 of methadone withdrawal and it seems to be getting worse. I didn’t miss a dose for 4 years how can this be? I’d give anything to be normal again but I am just not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! 20 days with only a couple hours of sleep sucks! So if anyone is considering methadone DO NOT DO IT!!!
Hey okie, listen man, believe it or not there is light at the end of your tunnel. I know what you are going through, I wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits too. This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am so glad I can finally say I’m off methadone. How many people do you know that can say that, not a lot, if any. Stay strong, it gets a little easier each day. Good luck buddy.
Okie, Consider checking yourself in to a detox ward if you can spare the time. They can ease the symptoms a bit (not too much, I’m afraid) and they can also check and make sure your health and nutrition is where it needs to be. Something as simple as a vitamin deficiency can make you go from feeling better every day to feeling worse.
Just tell the admissions staff that even though you’re 20 days clean, you’re in hell and afraid you will relapse and take something if you don’t get help. They will find a bed for you. Good luck. Sometimes looking for outside help is the best thing you can do. It’s hard to keep track of things like vitamin intake when your thoughts are scrambled and you hurt so bad you just can’t take it.
I started taking Methadone in Late June 2010. After moving to Tampa, I continued for 4 more years at a peak of 60mg and the last year at 35mg. Each week I came down to 30mg then 20mg then 15 and finally 10mg for only a day before calling it quits. I’m 9 days into w/d and have only had a few really bad nights. My rough nights were night 5, 7, and 9. My biggest issue now is the lightheadedness and dizziness I feel from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. Sensitivity of light is also difficult. Luckily the cravings are nonexistent! Any help with the dizziness is greatly appreciated.
Man, i’m really dreading this misery starting… I pray that mine goes as well as yours.. Heck, i’ll take days 5,7,9, rather than every day in hell… Good luck brotha!!!
I was taking 10mg 2x/ day for nearky 7 years fot pain management. I stopped cold turkey 21 days ago. The first few days were easier than expected. But the 3rd day, the pain, nausea, restlessness, insomnia, chills etc became very intense. It is the battle of my life! Today I still have intense body aches, lots of sneezing, stomach cramping, diarrea, fatigue, and lack of concentration. But it’s getting better every day now. To all those trying to kick this powerful drug, my advice it to hang in there. I know I have several more weeks if not more until I feel “normal” again but all I can do it keep keeping on. It’s definitely the hardest thing I have had to endure but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Nothing really helps but time. Hang in there….
Try and get a script for gabapentin. It’s not a controlled substance and will take away the withdrawal symptoms…
The gabapentin is a lifesaver. I broke my back at 17, had a bad car wreck the following year, then shattered my left leg at 32 which required 3 surgeries. I’ve taken a lot of pain meds over the years but have had years of not being on them as well. Ive detoxed a few times. Even methadone once before I’ve been on 10mg of methadone now 4x/day for more than five years for pain management. I realized I was still in pain but missing my life.
I quit cold turkey after my Doctor bumped me for testing hot for marijuana. Ironic isn’t it? I was getting way more benefit from the pot than I was the methadone and the doctor kicks me out for taking the drug that’s better for me, non addictive, and works. He never even talked to me. Despite other medical issues he kicked me out completely with no counseling, no medical help or guidance to come off of the drug he put me on.
We have a serious problem in this country with the government interfering with what people can take and can’t take. The government shouldn’t have their noses in our medical business. But that’s another thread. It’s been over two weeks now and I’m having some issues but not nearly as bad as if I didn’t have the gabapentin and kratom. I take 10-12 mg of kratom in the morning and 800-1400 mg of gabapentin at night. I’ve slept every night so far for at least 8 hours.
This combo has been better for me than loperimide, phenibut, as well as black cumin seed oil. All of these help the symptoms though. I’m feeling like I’m waking up. I talk more, laugh harder, but can get emotional easier too. Also I’m taking 5- htp to try to stave off PAWS. Even though I’m probably not at that stage yet. I’m realistic in knowing it’s going to take sometime to be normal again but I’m optimistic about waking up.
The methadone had me in such a fog I’ve forgotten a lot of things I’ve done. Everyday gets better though. I urge anyone trying to get off this crap to take kratom and get a script for gabapentin. It works guys. Best wishes to anyone dealing with withdrawals and please don’t give up. I won’t, ok?
Mary, my situation is very similar to yours. Been taking the tablets (never liquid) once or twice a day for a few years. Started tapering down a few months ago (my idea- if it were up to the greedy doctors, they’d keep you on it for life) went from 10mg a day, to 5 mg then eventually 2.5 mg. I’m on day 4 of withdrawal and I’m ok, a bit uncomfortable but it’s tolerable during the day.
However the nights are hell. I can’t lay still. Can’t sleep more than 1-2 hours at a time, but it’s the prickly restless legs that are killing me more than anything. I guess what I want to now is – am I close to over the worst of it (day 4) or is the worse yet to come? I have never taken more than 15-20 mg a day over the years, so I’m hoping my low dose and tapering means I’m in for a tolerable withdrawal session.
Luckily I work from home. Hats off to you that work feeling like this! Thanks for any advice. (:
The VA put me on drugs when I joined the Army. The military doctors turned me into a drug addict!!! My doctor knew I had been on Methadone and Hydromorphone for several years because of my intestinal disability. Those doctors told me I would not live a very good quality of life, but, they did promise me that they would make my bad days better! Liars! As soon as Ol’ Do Nothing Obama gets in office he decides to take all the vets who are elderly, I’m 65, off opioids!
My doctor took me off at 5 mgs. Not even a 3 or a 2mg. They only gave me one year! Because Obama threatened the VA doctors with their licenses! Now I’m on my fifth day of withdrawals and they could give a s*** less! I hope I don’t die from this! I have severe PTSD! No fun! I just threatened the VA doctor with them paying for my civilian Doctor treatment for Methadone and Hydromorphone withdrawals!
I have been trying to kick the methadone for a few months, very slowly, 5 mg per every 2 to 4 weeks. I have been on this for 9 years, I have trouble sleeping and I now have discovered cannabis extract (phoenix tears) not bho, this stuff has really made it easier for me, sleep great now and no withdrawal so far… I eat it don’t smoke it.
Cannabis can help the withdrawal tremendously! I was on 120mg daily, for pain, for 5 years. This drug is nasty, I tell ya. I dropped 30 lbs in a month when I was withdrawing. Smoking cannabis and taking cannabis tinctures was what really helped with the nausea, insomnia, pain, anxiety…a lot of things. I couldn’t have got off of methadone without it.
I’ve been off of methadone now for 5 years. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but also the best thing I ever did for myself. It took me being off of it for 3 years before I found myself again. Like I said, nasty nasty drug! Cannabis is my pain medication now, (and yoga). *I wouldn’t wish methadone withdrawal on my worst enemy! Good luck in your journy. It’s so worth it!
I’m so glad you commented!! I’ve been doing a slow taper for 2 years now down from 90mg (on it for 15 years!) Managed to leave the clinic at 6 mg with my take home bottles & wean myself down to .75mg (not exact but close). Today is day 2 no methadone ?. Honestly, I feel the same amount of WD as I’ve been feeling for months while tapering… which surprisingly hasn’t been that bad!
WEED definitely got me this far! It takes the edge off so you can function. I don’t know what the future holds for me in terms of PAWS but honestly, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it… and smoke a bowl for relief! Also, my doc prescribed me low dose ambien to sleep at nite. Allows me to sleep past the usual 2-3 hours I’d normally be getting w/out it… all in all, I’m strong & ready to put this poison behind me!
Love your attitude!! How are you feeling after 10 or more days without methadone? I am tapering 1 mg a day started at 100 now I’m at 67 and still not feeling real badly… yet. All these comments are frightening but encouraging .
You haven’t been completely without yet, wait until you have been a week or so without. That’s when withdrawals become real bad. And the whole point is to come off of all drugs not switch from one to another. Good Luck.
Totally agree. Cannabis has helped reduce my withdrawal symptoms. My muscle aches, stomach cramps and insomnia are massively reduced when I smoke good indica (northern lights).
I was on Methadone for almost 3 years, and after tapering down at 1mg/week for a year I decided to quit cold turkey. It’s been 42 days since my last dose and I’m still having some symptoms. After reading this article, I believe I’m in the PAWS phase of the withdrawal. The first 20 days were very hard, I averaged about 2 hours of sleep at night and had very intense chills/sweats and restlessness, it felt like I had pins and needles all over my body. For me, that was the worst part and the insomnia has been hard to deal with as well.
The anxiety was relentless for about 30 days. I was a constant nervous wreck 24/7. After about 35 days I started to sleep through the night ( average 5-8 hours) and I started to feel somewhat better. My legs are still hurting and I still have cold/hot flashes here and there but I can definitely say I feel better. Not 100% but I’m getting there. I started counseling and antidepressants which has really helped the psychological aspect of the withdrawal.
I agree with your post. It’s been a little over 6 weeks for me and everything you’ve said is a mirror of my symptoms. I quit cold turkey from 50mgs. I think the taper may be better for some and cold turkey for others. Do you slowly pull the band aid off the skin or real fast? Depends on the person. To me the best decision is that you want to quit. RLS is a problem I forgot about or just fidgeting when trying to sleep is very annoying which causes my insomnia. My Dr prescribed me Hydrazine to help sleep. It kind of works.
Hey, just thought I would offer insight from my experience. I was on methadone for opiate addiction for almost 3 years. About 6 months ago I started tapering down, first at 1 mg a week, then to 2mg a week, then 3mg a week. That went on for about 2 months. After not having any withdrawl symptoms and being comfortable, I put in for a decrease to 5mg a week (this started at about 60mg). Never did I have any problems with withdrawl until I went from 8mg to 3mg, and even then it was not that bad.
Mild backache, some chills and moodiness but not bad at all. Then I went to 1mg the next week, stayed on it for 2 days and then jumped. I had 2 takehomes of 1 mg but I poured them out. I felt like I was just prolonging. It was comical to watch the dose come out of the machine lol. Today is day 3 of no methadone at all. I wake up early, I am somewhat moody, have slight aches in my back, and feel drained at times during the day. BUT, all in all, it has not been anywhere near the nightmare I thought it would be!
I think it’s also worth mentioning that I take a multi-vitamin and usually 2 Aleve throughout the day. I mean I still don’t feel 100% but I it has not been as bad as I imagined. Good luck, my advice to you would be that if youwant to get off of it, start now and taper down. Your body will thank you! Good luck!
Lol thanks…you have given me hope!
I did the same thing as Jessica, I have been off 1mg since Friday which is now almost 5 days. I feel achey in my arms and legs and plus where I work in on my feet from 6-2…today was a hard day for me. But at night my arms and legs get real restless. I can deal with it but I totally wish I could feel normal again. I feel I should of never did methadone and should of stuff to the suboxone.
I was on methadone for 5 years. I have hear the if you drink a cap full of Apple vinegar it help get it out of your bones and system but also take a vitamin…does anyone know how long it take to get your receptors back to normal??
I was told to do a detox bath with Epsom salt and lavendar. Also to make a drink with apple cider conegar, honey, and cayenne pepper drops. Apparently it will pull it out of your system faster. Haven’t done this yet but my counselor has highly recommended it.
There’s a lot of misconceptions here about methadone. I too am on it and almost fell for the “gets in your bone” or “rots your teeth” or “makes you gain weight”. Although these thing do happen when you trade street drugs for steady, and clean levels of a drug in your system, it is because when you become stable on whatever your dose is, you get back normal appetite, hence the weight gain myth.
Most meds including methadone cause dry mouth, which I turn allows more bacteria to grow and cause cavities, I always was down my drink with a full glass of water to prevent this. Lastly, moths done doesn’t get into your bones, they just ache when coming off opiates in general, not methadone! Hopefully this can be helpful to anyone having doubts about getting in the programme because of some of these myths. The purple CAMH methadone book is extremely helpful!
My sister done de exact same thing got herself down to 2mls had to take true syringe she was getting takeaway of 14mls a week 2mls a day and after taking 2 mls for a week she just stopped and hasnt looked bk she is now a health and fitness trainer so u can do it mate just do it at ur pace but at a steady one best of look mate hope u get clean
I completely agree with Jessica I was on Methadone for 6 years. When I came down to 80mg in July I started a taper of 1mg every other day. When I hit 40 I started the taper at 1 mg a day.. I felt totally fine.. I have been officially off methadone since Dec 16.. I do have some fatigue, but I sleep. I have no RLS. Its only been 9 days but I’m good!
7 years ago I tried many different non-narcotic pain killers… Nothing worked. I was sober from heroin addiction 9 months and refused narcotics. I was a 12 year addict. My pain level increased 10 fold in my lower back and I sought out a pain specialist. He prescribed me methadone. 6 years later I’m up to 180 mg a day and very uncomfortable. I’ve become dependent physically and emotionally.
With the help of my new physician I weaned down, at my pace, 10 mg every month. Until I reached 10 mg a day… From 180, cool huh! Well I was able too cut into half then half again till I was at 2.5 mg a day. Remember this was a long tapering process. It was mentally beneficial for me. I had too do it. I was tired of taking a ‘healthy pill’ and and feeling like sh*t… Well after my last dose I refocused on work and tried to keep my cool. I started too lose my concentration and repeatedly wanted to leave… Just too sleep.
Finding I was restless I would toss and turn all night. Unable to sleep for 13 days… I ate a lot of comfort foods and gained 20 plus pounds… It was the only thing I wanted in my my body. Today 5 months later I no longer need a dose too carry me through the day. I live with constant back pain and would rather…than be on methadone. Peace does come when you anticipate it. See what today will bring… Eventually you will sleep, in peace.
I hope u see this but I just wanted to thank you for your positive feedback and experience. Your attitude is great and by the end of the article it gave me a bit more hope. I have been on methadone for 5 years and got down to 4mg on my own and then had to just cut off 4 days ago and I haven’t slept at all since. Ok well, I’ve slept a total of 8 hours, maybe. In fact it’s 2:45am amd I’m on here reading/writing this. Anyways, just saying thanks for your comment.
I’m trying to taper off of Methadone. I’ve been on it for about five years to treat a chronic pain condition. My question is…how do you decrease one milligram every other day? I’m having such a hard time cutting it, it just seems to crumble. I asked my doctor if he could prescribe it to me in a liquid form and he didn’t feel it was necessary, he told me to just taper off a half a pill at a time and when I felt OK decrease another half a pill, however I’m having a lot of withdrawal symptoms tapering at this rate.
I would appreciate any advice you could give me! I need surgery on my shoulder and was told I can’t get the surgery until I’m off the methadone because the doctor is concerned that he won’t be able to relieve my post-op pain if I’m on methadone. This is something I’m confused about as well since I know of people that have had surgery while on methadone and the doctor was able to treat their post-op pain with another medication? Thanks so much for any advice you can offer!!!
Kelly, If the MG amount of your pills is large, then half a pill may be too much to decrease all at once. Your doctor probably doesn’t have much training in dealing with addiction. Very few doctors do. The best approach would be to get some literature to show him. Make sure it is from reliable sources… he or she will not be impressed with comments or forum posts. The Mayo Clinic’s website might be a good place to start.
I haven’t looked up this issue there, but they usually have very up to date information, and it is a very highly regarded institution. Also, you could seek out help finding such liturature at a methadone clinic if you have one nearby. Contact them and explain your need for literature. Clinic workers, like everyone else, vary in helpfulness. But it might be worth trying if your doctor is resistant to information you find online. As for the surgery, many people have surgery while on methadone.
Again, the problem here is the doctor’s lack of training/experience in this area. Oftentimes the hospital (if it is an inpatient procedure) will take you off of your methadone and give you larger-than-usual doses of post surgical pain medication. The dosage must be increased to first be sufficient to replace the methadone, then on top of whatever amount is required for that, more is needed to treat the pain. With so much pain medication involved, you can see why it makes doctors who aren’t familiar with the process nervous or uncomfortable.
If it is outpatient, I’m not sure how it is handled, but it probably also required higher-than-usual doses of opioid painkillers, which doctor’s are leery of. You can try to find a different surgeon (if you have that kind of flexibility with insurance and live in an area with many doctors (not rural, basically)), or wait it out. Good luck with everything! Sometimes you have to work hard as your own advocate. It’s a crime that the majority of doctors don’t know much about addiction, but it’s a fault of the way they are taught, not of the individual doctors. Hang in there. It’s hard going. I know.
Read and have your doc do the same. Best to you. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1892816/
I was taking methadone for neuropathy and fibromyalgia. I had to switch pain doctors. My new one does not like methadone so he said I had to taper off. I was taking 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg at night. I also take percocet, 10/325 twice a day. The first week I went down from 10mg x 2 a day to 5 mg x 3 a day. Then the following week 5 mg twice a day. Then 5 mg once a day. Now I’m off completely from methadone for 4 days.
I still take the percocet. I’ve been having restless leg syndrome horribly at night. My neuropathy is horrible. (Methadone is really good for nerve pain). I cry at the drop of a hat, brain fog is horrible, and I just feel crappy. I’m hoping it gets better. But I had two surgery while on methadone. Your doctor is right. My pain was unmanageable after surgery. The nurse got mad at me saying, “You’re not in pain, I’ve given you everything.” I suffered.
The doctor didn’t know anything about methadone. I’ve never had an actual addiction problem. I’ve never taken more than what was prescribed, but this methadone is bad. It did help me with my neuropathic pain, but it takes your soul. I have not felt like myself since I started it. I feel like I lost myself. Now that I’ve stopped taking it the withdrawal symptoms are horrible. But I just keep trying to take one day at a time. Reading everyone’s posts have helped.
I will share my experience with you as any good it does is needed. I detoxed in a rehab from 30mg, I was on 45mg but self detoxed to 30mg in the community. The rehab dose was a 5mg a day reduction to 15mg and then a 3mg reduction a day to 6mg and then 4mg and 2mg to finish. I refused the 2mg dose as I was feeling fine with minor symptoms and left the next day traveling 100 miles on bus and train to my home.
The journey was a nightmare and the next 5 days have been hell, real hell. I used alcohol on one night it was so bad and I am an alcoholic so risked things by doing this. I would have used heroin if I could have got it, in fact I would have done anything to relieve the pain and anxiety, it was hell, still off it now after 6 days and feeling rough but better than yesterday, And not drinking.
I won’t drink if you don’t!!! I did the same nearly, Day 6 for me also.
Thanks for mentioning the alcohol. It only provides a very short term relief. Then your left with a hang over on top of your withdrawal symptoms. Hang in there it has been 2 weeks for me stopped after tapering from 90ml to 20ml to 0. I feel a lot better than I did a week ago just have to keep going and don’t look back. Best wishes, hang in there.
After reading all the scary comments, I finally find a ray of hope! I’ve been on for 6years, @40mgs, now I’m on 15mgs for the last year and I hope and pray when I taper down I feel like you. Honestly I’m so scared of the withdrawal, I’ve broken off methadone twice and omg it was hell!
I know why get on it again…well it was that or break and my body was in no condition to break. This third time around I’ve been really happy in my life and its been working out, me being clean, but I know I have to come off and I’m just really scared. Good luck to us all!!!
You haven’t been off it long enough yet, wait until your on day 7 and it’s really out our system. That’s when it really starts happening hard. It’s not going to be easy so go ahead and give up on that idea. Good luck.
Thanks for the thorough layout of withdraw from methadone. My question is if you taper from 80mgs at 10mgs every two weeks and less at 20 mg such as 1 or 2 mgs to finish the process. How intense will or what can I expect as far as withdraw. Will it be as bad as cold turkey? Am I delaying the inevitable? I’ve been on it two and a half years. I keep reading that it’s way less intense but is that just physical or mental or both? Your insight is welcome.
I tapered off 100 at 10 mg per 2 weeks until I was at 20. Then 2 mg every 2 weeks until 0. My roughest part was when I was at like 50 to 40 to 30. And then I felt crappy at work when I was at 0 for about 3 weeks. But I’m glad I’m done now.
I tapered down to 10mg and then dropped off. I am on my 14th day clean. I don’t have any cravings, but my skin is crawling and I feel like I’m losing my mind. How much longer does this last? I was on 50 mg for 3 years. Thanks.
You shouldn’t stop altogether at 10mg. That’s way too sharp of a drop. If you go down 1mg a week from 10mg to 0, you will feel almost no withdrawal just a few weeks of fatigue. Even 10mg is a lot of methadone and you can feel like crap for months after without properly tapering off. I tried to get off methadone several times and was finally successful when I dropped from 30mg all the way to 0mg only 1mg a week. Your cannot rush getting to the finish line you will get very sick and probably end up back on opiates.
I got to 2.5 a day down from 90 mg a day. I am 5 weeks clean still having minor withdrawals, hot cold flashes, sleeplessness, and minor mood swings.
Here’s my experience. I was on 95mgs for 2 years. Went from 95 to 0 at 9 mgs a day in 10 days due to non payment. Took about 18 days to feel somewhat OK. Now am 40 days off and feel almost 100%. Just waiting to be able to sleep without seroquel and get my appetite back along with solid bowel movements which happens sporadically but it is improving. The fear of the withdrawal was worse than the withdrawal itself. Glad it happened. I am finally free.
I made the mistake of dropping off at 15 when I thought I had things under control. The sickness became too much for me, I never told anyone and after 2 years clean I relapsed and hit rock bottom so much faster the second time around. I went back to methadone for 3.5 years and tapered VERY slowly, all the way down to 1 mg. My last dose was 2 weeks ago and I’m still feeling very lethargic, not sleeping at all (because methadone makes you sleep like a baby) and I feel like I want to jump out of my skin.
Stomach aches and diarrhea aren’t helping either. BUT, if you can make it through a couple weeks of that shit, you will finally feel like a normal human again. Try going to the gym, yoga and meditation is very helpful. Try not to lay around because that’s the worst thing to do- even though it’s all you want to do. Biggest piece of advice, it does get better but we have to be tough enough to get through this part and come out on the other side.
Using once to fix the pain is NOT an option because you won’t do it once, I speak from experience. Tall about how you feel, take Imodium for your stomach, ibuprofen for body aches, take baths to relax and I even take ZZZQuil at night to help me sleep now. You have got this, you already made it through the worse by getting off what you were doing, just gotta grin and bare it until it’s over. You will one day notice, hey, all these things I am feeling I what being normal feels like.
I think this has been the most insightful, and helpful advice that I’ve seen!! I’m having an extremely hard time with it, and the things that you have recommend will do me a lot of good!
Seriously? I think getting off Methadone is far worse then getting off anything. I wish I was still using. At least then I looked like a human being. I tried going off slowly, but it wasn’t working at all. I was sweating constantly, and couldn’t even go to work. What do you do different that you can do yoga?
I almost fainted trying to make the bed, and had to sit still and just breathe for twenty minutes, I am that weak. I should never have touched this poop. Vitamins do not help. Exercise makes it worse, and socializing…how? I am sweating buckets. How will I explain being wet when it isn’t raining?
Being on Methadone is not really being clean is it? In what way are you clean? If only laws on drug use were reasonable. Why should a medication as dangerous as Methadone be legal? It would be healthier to prescribe Heroin, or Opium, or really anything that doesn’t screw with your body like this.
I just had my 6th full day off 10 from 90, tapering 80, 60, 50, 40, 35, 25, 15, 10, done – that took about a year. I was on it for 4, including the year I was tapering… I’m wigging out, my legs are messed and I hate these chest pains. I had my aortic valve changed and pacemaker put in October 2014, that’s what killed my desire to only be a 2 year patient and turned me into a 4 year.
@Dude76, I was on methadone for only 15 months. My situation may be a little different but maybe it will give hope and inspire. I started treatment with a methadone clinic in September of 2014 for help with my addiction to opiates. I ended up leveling off at only 60mg. Thats low for some, but everyone os different. Once I was mentally, and physically ready, I started a taper.
I thought I could do it quick. So at first I did 1mg every 3 days. I was okay until I got to 30mg. It was like night and day. I was okay with 33mg but 30mg was a nightmare. I stabilized and then changed my taper from 1 every 3 days to 1 every 2 weeks, and finally 1mg a month. Take it slow. Don’t rush your body. Then less aggressive the taper the less aggressive the withdraws.
Surround yourself with good people too. It really is mental games. Stronger minds succeed quicker. Take inventory of your surroundings and remove yourself from stressers. Feel free to ask any questions. Good luck.
I failed to mention that I got down to 7mg and walked away cold turkey. It was a little rough, but it was easier to control because of the non-aggressive taper.
Just figured that I would share my experiences. I started on oxy & eventually maxed at 30’s 2-3x per day. While I was on it I felt amazing.I thought it was the best thing to ever happen to me. Now that I am off of it (the oxy) I noticed a change back to my normal self. No longer high, I was able to think rationally for the first time in what I felt was forever.
In converting over from Oxy I was placed on 10mg methadone 2-4x per day. When I first got on methadone I was taking the max allowable per day. It got to a point that I could not stand stand being at the mercy of a small pill. I could not accept that those little inanimate objects held such sway over my happiness & progress towards a better future.
It was only after switching to methadone that this transformation in thinking began. I quit cold turkey from 2-4x (10mg) per day. It resulted in a large amount of pain associated with my back (the original reason I got on the meds in the first place). I began to associate the pain I was feeling with the meds, which furthered my resolve to be rid of them.
Trouble sleeping, etc. made it more difficult & equally frustrating for me. Thankfully I live in an area where marijuana is legal, so utilized that immediately before bed so I could get a restful night sleep. Took about 60 days or so for the pain to do away to the point that it can be managed with OTC pain meds that don’t have dependency issues.
Once the withdrawals were gone & I was able to sleep at night, I stopped the MJ without any issue at all. As lame as it sounds, mentally associating the pills with the pain that I was experiencing really did help. Every pang & shooting pain that I experienced caused me the hate the meds more.
In doing so it also allowed me to focus my anger & frustration to the pills, which thankfully helped me maintain focus to not take it out on those around me. Everyone is different, and will conquer this mountain in their own way.
Try to taper off the methadone with a low dose of suboxone for a few months. Also learn all the information and attend classes on relapse prevention. Try getting closer in your relationship to God. He is the only thing that has the power to give you the strength to go through this. Combine all these and you should come out fine but it’s going to be an everyday struggle.
I’ve been clean from all opiates for 2 years now after a 6 year heroin addiction and 4 years at methadone clinic. This worked for me, so good luck and remember it’s not going to be easy but ask God for strength.
Methadone PAWS, do they sometimes never go away? Can you have long term effects? I have been off for 4 years and still have many psychological disorders that are worsening. It changed me forever.
Most literature suggests that PAWS should eventually subside. However I don’t want to discount nor undermine your experience, so I will say that the PAWS MAY have caused changes that have lead to long term effects – thus preventing your mind/body from achieving homeostasis and fully healing/recovering. However, just because you are experiencing long term problems does not mean that you will never fully heal. You may also still feel stuck in a state of “depersonalization” or feeling unlike your true self. This can be very frustrating to cope with and can trigger an array of other problems like anxiety and depression… Keep trying, doing your best, and trust that you will eventually heal. If necessary, seek out the help of a licensed professional. Best wishes Hunter.
how much were you taking?
I was on methadone for over 8 years, 150 mg. I got off of it in 18 days, I went nuts and was hospitalized for 2 weeks. I was put on suboxone (short term) that saved my life, but months after I still am having trouble, depression, no energy, anger, confusion. This drug is the worst thing to stay on for a long time. It will change you forever, stay away from it. Please.
Yes it’s terrible. It really serves no purpose. It’s all about the money. Some states such as Ohio don’t have methadone clinics. Medical doctors now are also your drug dealer. So what we have to do with this disease is stay proactive & vigilant.
I’m sorry but that information is incorrect, the state of Ohio has at least 3 methadone clinics that I know of.
No purpose? You mean other than helping to restore severe addicts to a functional life at worst? Helping them get clean at best? 10 years of my life gone between lortab –> oxy –> opana –> insufflated heroin –> IV heroin –> methadone. The last 4 years have been on 155mg of methadone. The last year I’ve tapered down to an as of today 3mg.
Saved me and my relationships and my family. Just because your bitter for whatever reason doesn’t validate making fictitious statements like “it has no point” or similar. I go to the clinic one more time to pick up 13 bottles filled with 2mg and 1mg. This month I’ll be free and struggling with having hit pause on the best 10 years of my life (23-33).
Hopefully in time I’ll lose the weight I put on, restore my libido to pre-use standards, and regain the self esteem I had prior. Either way I’m 100x better off than those still hustling for drugs or drug money, risking health and safety, in jail or prison, or like a half a dozen of my closest friends – dead. No reason for it? I beg to differ…
Was browsing on info to get insight on these problems that SO many of my friends and loved ones are struggling with when I came across this page/comments. I just want to say to you, klepp0906, God bless you through all your struggles and praise for all your accomplishments in recovery. No one truly knows what one is going through except the person themselves.
I appreciate all these comments and “war” stories because I think it will help those close to me with their struggles. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes and I’m glad to hear you are and learning from yours. Again, God bless and be proud.
My story is very similar. Idk when this was posted, but I hope all is well and you are finally free…
I’m with you on that! I wasted a lot of my life using drugs! I used since I was 23 and on and off since then. This last run started because of Brown Recluse bites so my Dr started giving me 240 10mg vicodin a month then cut me off so I used Heroin for a few years had a shoulder surgery and a spinal fusion the whole time using pain killers and heroin.
Then I got on Methadone and for awhile it worked. My highest dose was 130mg for about 3 years AND then it made me kind of not care about anything anymore. Not sex, I got fat and looked bloated. My teeth started breaking. So it got to be to much . So I took about 8 or 9 months to detox to 7 mg and I got tired of being sick so I have been totally clean for 5 weeks tomorrow!
I still don’t feel a hundred percent but, it’s getting better! I still deal with anxiety and sometimes I don’t sleep well. I’m a pain patient so sometimes it’s hard because I’m always hurting but, I’d rather be the way I am now on my worst day than my best day not feeling anything at all like I was on drugs!!
Good for you. That’s incredible. I have been at the methadone clinic for 4 months, myself. I used heroin for a year after years of pain pill addiction, and now here I am. 4 months clean. I’m on 60mgs, and I am feeling better than I have in a long long time.
Nice that it worked for you. I gained almost thirty pounds on Methadone, which caused more problems in my relationship, and feelings of self worth then any drug ever could. I looked like a pig. I was on Methadone for three years, and it was more difficult to get off of then Heroin. They should at the very least warn you that Methadone causes weight gain (and NO I was not eating more, and I did not have any cravings).
My metabolism just completely halted. Also, it causes hair loss, constipation, edema, and problems with circulation. By the time I noticed that everyone in the clinic was unhealthy, and decided to read up on it, I was on 75 mg of the poison. It took me over a year to get down to 30 mg, and after that I simply was too afraid to keep taking it. I went off it fast. Best thing I ever did even if it did ruin two years of my life.
I take it now and hate it. I have only ever been on as high as 38 mgs. But that is high enough. I could have done all of that, you mentioned… restoring family, etc. by just taking two weeks to withdraw off painkillers. Methadone is liquid handcuffs. And it is not “clean living.”
It is just another drug taking the place of painkillers. Having a strong N.A. program is “clean living”. I am tapered down to 25 mgs. now and will continue to do that until I am free, clear, and clean.
Lets see your stance on this after you go through 6 weeks of the most intense withdrawal you ever dreamed. Think you know WD? There is nothing like it. At least with oxy / heroin / fentanyl the pain is mostly physical. Imagine the WORST physical pain you have ever had, multiply that by 50 and live with it for SIX to EIGHT weeks.
Oh did I mention the cognitive failure? Like having NO IDEA who you are, where you are, or even being able to make sense of reality? Yes please, report back AFTER you try to purge this demon from your system. There ARE other ways. Methadone is a TRAP.
Klepp, both you and Sharon have a right to share your experiences as they relate and help others who are dealing with this situation. I was given Methadone for pain management and have titrated down to 3mg too from 60 to 40 to 20 to 10 to 5, then had trouble halving 5 mg tabs so I’ve not done 10% decrease per 2 weeks, I’ve just cut by 50% then noticed going to 5 to 3/2.5 mg’s my feet have a tingling burning sensation that I feel at night.
I decided to do this on my own without prodding from physicians though the new CDC laws on 90% Morphine Equivalent Dose would have forced me to cut had I not already decided to over past four years. Have been on 20mg for five years then from 10 mg a year ago to 2.5 mgs over past two weeks. What I am looking for is to hear from other people who have titrated from this point: 2 mg using a slower taper like: 0.5 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, halving doses and then at 0.1 increasing the dosing intervals by 2 hours to comfort, but maintaining it as they go toward complete flush from system.
Additionally has anyone used homemade bone stock as a treatment for healing? The nutrition in a correctly made bone broth (roasted bones from beef/chickens are added to a stock pot or slow cooker using sea salt and splash of apple cider vinegar and left on a very slow bubble for 36-40 hours, strained and cooled quickly in sink or basin of cold water before refrigerating).
Totally agree..saved my life!! I know I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t gone on a methadone recovery program. I started on 120ml and am now down to 20ml. I don’t think I’m going to collect after 10ml as, personally, I don’t see the point. But that’s just me. I am worried after reading that if you’ve been on methadone for years it can take years to recover. I’m just so done with it all. Came down 5ml 5 days ago and boy can I feel it today. Legs, irritable, depressed a lot. Alive though. ??
I absolutely AGREE, while methadone may be extremely hard to quit, and it sucks, NO ONE can discredit how it changes people lives from being at their absolute worst – having lost everything, especially self respect and dignity. It’s a once a day dose that literally saves people’s lives!!!! Yes methadone is addictive, but the same can be said for anything.
And yes it’s a b*tch to get off of eventually, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I know so many people whose lives have been completely restored to previous, before addiction states – who can function, and be good, respectable members of society again, parents again, part of a family and trusted again. How dare someone say it has no value or no point?!
I’m struggling to get off of methadone too, but not ONE DAY do I regret how it saved me from myself and the disease called addiction!!! I feel the withdrawals and am feeling like death, but is the price we all pay to have finally kicked our habits and gotten our lives back. All thanks to methadone and some serious willpower!!! Good luck to everyone who may be going through this, or thinking of going through this. You will make it, you have to believe that, don’t EVER GIVE UP!!!
Ohio has numerous methadone clinics and doctors that will prescribe methadone and suboxone.
Eric, I see its been a year now since you posted. My husband is in the same scenario, 8 years on methadone at the highest dosage. He began to taper over two years, and has now gotten off and is 9 months clean but the depression and PAWS related symptoms are taking a major toll on our life and his relationship with me and our 3 year old daughter. He feels helpless. Can you please email me, monique.trudeau[@]gmail.com. I would love to hear that after another year there is some light at the end of this tunnel. Thank you.
Kudos to him for realizing he needed to save his own life! I am 5 months sober from methadone, I did it for the 2nd time…cold-turkey!!! I have been using/relying on something since I was so young that it’s scary:-/ I have had several close calls with my life due to overdose, and became sick & tired of the demon CONSTANTLY on my back. I couldn’t take another night of sleep, with my demon after me there too!!!
I am so very intelligent, I couldn’t stand the thought of letting myself die! If you really want to rid yourself of this… then do it! I’m not going to say it’s a cake walk because it’s completely NOT!! I went through the shakes, vomiting, sweats, goosebumps, seizures, along with sooooo many other unpleasant issues. I kept telling myself this time…and be patient with myself! Give myself time, and go moment by moment with what you need.
Withdrawal is fickle, at best! The way you feel/think is going to change so fast…BE PATIENT with yourself & symptoms. Just don’t back down from this disease, PLEASE!!! Like I said, I have 5 months under my belt…I still have a ton of issues;-/ However, I am sooooo much better NOW than when I was using! With all of the drug use I have wrecked myself.
I have to take daily medicine just to live… without it my heart wouldn’t allow me to live! All the pills have caused me to have such bad stomach issues that it saddens me to think I allowed this to happen to me, but live & learn;) I will tell you also that it can take about 2 years to get back to what a person once was. If the person is having major trouble at that point…it’s time to head to the doctor for a few tests to check for permanent damage caused by the drug(s).
I AM NOT MEDICALLY TRAINED, I just have a lifelong, personal knowledge with a ton of drugs. With that being said, If anyone needs someone to chat with, for any reason… or questions…I will happily help with what I can;-) I want to say one more thing here….NEVER, EVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL LIKE JUST AN ADDICT OR A WASTE OF LIFE DUE TO AN ADDICTION!!!! WE ARE ALL HUMAN, AND TO ERROR IS HUMAN! I TRULY LOVE AND PRAY THE BEST FOR ALL ;-)
Thank you for this positive comment. I so needed it. I’m almost 9 days off methadone. It was horrible, but better now. I’m just lethargic all the time and it saddens me so to watch my boys and my baby want me but I have no strength like I did.
I’m taking clonidine and klonopin for the symptoms – they help tremendously, but this gave me hope. I was only on 10 mg so DON’T GET HIGH ON DOSAGE! The highest I ever was was 100 mg. that was 7 years ago. I’ve tapered down for years and the first week was hell, and I’m still having mild symptoms.
You have TO WANT to get off methadone. You have to be stable where you don’t crave heroin or oxy. And you have to pray – a lot in my case. But I’m doing it. I have to give myself some credit.
I was on methadone for 8 years. Today is my 9th day off cold turkey. I’m starting suboxone next week, did it work for you?
How many days did it take for your physical symptoms to subside? Today is day 3 cold-turkey off methadone after one year’s use/80mgs. Pretty rough, but dealing with it. Any advice? Thanks so much.
Have been cold turkey a couple of time but my pain takes me back after a few years. I have come to the conclusion that Drs love to get me addicted and then bail on me and this has happened for the last time. The pain is bad but the humiliation that you go through and the non-trust isn’t worth it for me, this time I will just deal with my pain and leave the opiates and methadone alone.
I will say that weight gain, loss of interest in passion… not sex, passion not to mention that the pains are still there so last time!!! I will say this hot bathes do help, long walks help and for the RLS now this will blow your mind but it will work…pickle juice…yes I said pickle juice not the sweet kind but regular pickle juice worked for me. I don’t know why for sure, the mother or what exactly but try it.
Good luck to all of you and pray for the end of dependency/addiction, it is the same thing I don’t care what they say. It must be dependency because they make a lot of money from it. I am going to get even if only a little, by cutting them off of my money.
Why on earth would you quit methadone to only go on suboxone? That’s counterproductive at best. They both are hell to come of of. Don’t be a slave forevor, quit while you can.
Wes, I agree with you…somewhat. I recently, and currently have the option to start Suboxone to help stay off methadone. I have never touched Suboxone, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have it’s place, for some, in medicine. My niece, who was 24, died April 1st due to heroin addiction. She left behind 3 babes…not to mention all the others that love her!!
I am NOT God, but I often wonder if she might be alive, able to fight for her sobriety & life today if she had the ability to receive Suboxone. With the help of the Suboxone…maybe she could’ve had the strength to start heading her life in a sober/healthy area.
Oh yeah!!! I wanted to give my email…if anyone needs someone to be there, that’s been there & done that… dawnbates23[@]gmail.com. You can also get in contact with me through my Facebook… Dawn Bates. Happy Halloween all:-)
I’m posting to help all I can. I went into MMT 15 months ago and went from 20 mg up to 120. I stabilized there and after about 4 weeks started to taper. I had such a hard time with the staff as they want you to continue coming and paying and counseling and setting goals so that they can continue to charge you and take your money all the while keeping you almost like a zombie coming in daily…
Anyways, I tapered down at 5 mg every 5-6 days until 35 mg; I hit the RLS between 35-30 mg. My primary care doc started me on Gabapentin at night and I was able to sleep; I slowed my taper to 3 mg until 10 mg and then went to 2 mg at a time. I heard horror storied from everyone, my counselor, the doc at the clinic, read the forums – I was scared to death… but it seemed like the clinic always had an excuse to miss my taper day as I had it mapped out for them from 10 mg down.
I jumped off at 4 mg over 72 hours ago and except for a little shotgun sneezing I am symptom free. Let me add that my primary care also has me on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg x 2 daily – although I can only take it once it has also allowed me to stop smoking during this jump off. Between the Wellbutrin, Gabapentin, tons of vitamins and water and exercise I promise I have NO SYMPTOMS.
Let me also add that I am a 50 year old female – So please don’t be afraid, listen to your body… I did and it feels so go to be free of that monster.
I am scared to death to come off below 40mg a day. been on 120mg for 20 years, now down to 40mg for last 6 yrs. I’m a 63 year old man with pain & extreme panic attack & depression syndrome. No money to get pro help, so I guess I’ll die from this addiction, eventually. I hope people will see how they will f-up the rest of their life by staying on methadone.
Hello Chris, I felt your pain so deeply when I read your comment. There’s no way, it appears, to tell when a comment was left, but I think yours is at least in 2016. So I hope I’m able to give you some hope. I’m a 65 year old female.
Like you, I am a chronic pain sufferer (arthritis in all joints and fibromyalgia) so, when non narcotic painkillers didn’t work for me, I was put on OxyContin and Methadone. I take the OxyContin every day, but only take the Methadone for the fibromyalgia. I’ve never really experienced the withdrawal symptoms from the Methadone, but certainly have from the OxyContin.
So I used the Methadone to greatly reduce those withdrawals should I have an especially rough pain month. My reason for giving you so much information is I felt you needed my background for my words to have any validity. I don’t know what state you live in, but every state offers some type of free mental health counseling.
I found out about mine through Medicare. I’ll assume you’re probably on SS Disability, so you should certainly qualify. I really encourage you to follow up and try to get this help. I don’t know what you’re being treated with for your anxiety and depression, but I also suffer from these and have found Prozac is pretty good for the chronic low grade anxiety, and Ativan for the anxiety attacks.
You talked about being too fearful of the withdrawals to lower your dosage, but here again, the Ativan can really help with that. I also take a muscle relaxant called Cyclobenzaprine, as I get terrible muscle spasms in my neck and trapezoid (probably from the chronic anxiety), and those two really help with the withdrawals. You should be very proud of yourself for going from 120mg, down to 40mg!
Perhaps you could reduce your dosage 5mg at a time. My old pain Dr. retired, and my new ones want everyone of us completely off the narcotics. When I started with them, I was taking 3-80mg of OxyContin and 6-30mg of Oxycodone a day. In 6 months they’ve reduced me to 2-20mg of OxyContin and 4-10mg of Oxycodone. I was also taking 20 to 40mg of Methadone as needed.
They really HATE Methadone so I’m not allowed to take it anymore. That’s a real struggle as I used it to relieve my withdrawal symptoms. Chris, I’m probably giving you way more details than you want or need, but I’m hoping some of my suggestions may help. Now here are a few things that have really helped me:
1) Exercise is probably the BEST endorphin releasing activity you can do. I was a bodybuilder for a number of years, but chronic pain can really end healthy habits you know? So I’ve started doing stretches in the am and trying to walk or ride my stationary bike every day. We have to retrain our brains to reproduce those endorphins again, and mild exercise is one of the best ways of doing that.
2) I started volunteering at a cat shelter. Getting outside of my own head really helps the naturally narcissistic tendencies all pain addicts suffer from.
3) I reconnected with my belief system (how I perceive God) and began to pray again. This gave me a pleasantly unexpected boost in my morale and lightened my depression.
Finally, 4) I took a hard look at my diet and drastically improved it! I’m also diabetic, so improving my eating habits really helped. Any narcotic is bad when used for a length of time, but Methadone is about the worst of them. Please don’t give up.
Know there are people like me who really want to help you in whatever capacity you can accept. I am praying that your burdens and depression and anxiety are lifted from you. I am hoping your days will become easier and your heart lighter. With Affection, Kate
After 72 hrs it is still in your system. Depending on the person it will really hit you at about a week. The withdraw symptoms can last anywhere from a month to 3 so just be prepared. Eat right, no junk!! You will have enough problems with out it. Stay hydrated & stock up on headache medicine.
Hello, I read down through the comments and wanted to share a little advice as I continue to dose down. I was surprised to see that many people come down so quickly. I understand some want to get off of it as quickly as possible and that’s fine, but for those reading that aren’t worried so much about that, I suggest coming down much much slower for a smoother experience. I started coming down from 85mg probably a year and a half to two years ago.
I meant to mention I was on 85 for about a year and a half or two years before I started tapering. I only go down 1mg a week. I didn’t feel any side effects whatsoever. When I hit about 48-50, it was mid July — and summer is always just a little worse so don’t panic if you notice it more then — so in July I stopped coming down for about two months, but this was really unnecessarily long.
Then I went back to coming down 1mg a week until about 34 (everyone adjusts differently), stopped for two weeks, now I’m down to 21 mg and have been here for a month. I’ll start going back down next week when I have to pick up my bottles. I get two weeks of “take homes” so every time I stop it is for at least two weeks. When I decided to stop at these 3 times, my symptoms were not bad at all.
Really only my legs, like I wanted to stretch them every ten minutes or so. I take dose about 7:30 in morning and wouldn’t feel it in my legs until about 11pm, the most important part being there was no pain nausea, and I SLEPT FINE. But being a pain pill then heroin addict sort of turns you into a wimp when it comes to pain and being uncomfortable, and I want the best most withdrawal-free experience as possible.
I admit, I’m scared to go from 1 to 0, very scared. Not because I think I’ll use. I have no desire to ever go down that road (and you should not dose down to 0 until you truly know and believe that about yourself), but I’m afraid of the withdrawals like everyone else. Drugs have made me such a baby.
My point of this though is if you are willing to stick it out for a longer tapering process, 1mg/week is the way to go, and you won’t really notice it. My advice: Do not be afraid to stop for week or so if you start feeling uncomfortable (you don’t want cravings! It negates the entire reason for being on methadone!). Stop for a week or two rather than going back up.
If you are contemplating beginning the dosing down process, don’t be afraid! I suggest doing it now if you are contemplating because if you decide to take the slower 1-2 mg a week route, it does take a long time. If you wait another year or so to start coming down, by the time you start, you are probably going to be ready and anxious to get the F out of there and will probably end up going down too quickly.
I see it all of the time. I’m not judging or saying there is anything wrong with those of you who successfully dosed down fast, but it is not for everybody, and mine is not for everybody, but I can pretty much guarantee you won’t regret it! 21 more mg for me and I’m done! Wish me luck!
I’ve been on methadone 10 years. Highest was 120 mg then 85 mg then 51 mg for a year. I’ve been going down 1mg every other week and I’m now down to 8mg this week. I plan on going down 1mg a week to finish off. I’ve had some restless legs and anxiety and major insomnia. I really planned on just staying on around 25mg for the rest of my life but I’m 45 and two years ago I got my brother’s kids so I had to move states and figured I should get all the way off.
If anyone has been down to 8mg then 7mg and so forth and went from 2 to 1 to zero please let me know your experience. It’s nowhere near as bad as coming down from heroin (IMO) but insomnia is hard. I’m on Wellbutrin SR 300 mg a day and my depression is basically gone. Thanks in advance.
You have been off 72 hours. I know this post is far back, but I’m sure you’ve realized that the real withdrawal symptoms kick in well after 72 hours.
Hi there. I am at my lowest at the moment. And I’ve lost my self like you. How old are these comments?
I’ve been on methadone for 5 years and going down currently on 3 mg. I have my bad days and my good days but it’s important to stay busy talk to people who will be supportive and eat healthy exercise. I’ve been dealing with depression anxiety lost of focus and feeling like a zombie. It’s hard but I try to think positive when these feelings occur. Don’t try to deal with this all on your own…bad idea. Talk to someone and good luck to all of you!
Hi Laura, I am exactly where you are right now. I have been on done 4 years. Started at 40 mg’s now on 3 mg’s the past 3 months. Good & bad days. I am wanting to stop so bad. What a waste of these years. I am in continual withdrawal. Good Luck to everyone out there that is on this awful stuff.
Felicity, are you okay? I have succesfully removed myself from this demon. If you would like some support or someone to talk to please feel free to do so.
Jake, I saw your post about being free from this and I would appreciate you telling me how you did this and what you experienced. I’ve been going to a methadone clinic for the last 3 months and am up to 90 mls but quit cold turkey 5 days ago. They will only taper you 5 mls a week and recently I have discovered an awful medical condition that will not give me a year to be free for this. I will not spend time tapering that I don’t have. Did you quit at once or taper? Please feel free to email me, as it would be helpful. Thank you… jamie7springs[@]gmail.com
Hey Leslie, I’ve recently completed the methadone program and trust me tapering is the best way. Your withdrawal will be hell unless you take it slow. I suggest getting down to 20mg, then drop 1 mg per 2 weeks. It’s slow, but you don’t want to use again.
Leslie Anne, I wish I had some info for you on how to make detoxing easier to hear. I am currently on 70 mg after slowly tapering from 85 mg. I know it’s just a tiny bit and I’m nowhere near the end,but we all have to start somewhere I suppose. Anyway, I just wanted to wish you the best and lots of luck on getting off. It is good that you have only been taking it for 3 months, I have been on the past 5 yrs. You will get through!! Much love, Drea
I’d love to get some feedback from someone that’s gone through it. I’m coming off between 120mg-180mg (self medicated myself) and I’m on day 16 without it cold turkey. The first 14 days actually weren’t horrible, but I’m starting to feel really nauseous and weak… but I’m trying to stay as positive as possible. Please tell me about your experience. Thanks.
I was on Methadone for over 12 years. I was on 90mgs. I never abused it. I used it just as the doctor recommended. I had major back surgery in 2001 and was put on the methadone to manage the chronic pain (which I still have). I weaned myself off the methadone in about 4 months. I stopped my last dose in September. At the end of September I had to check my self into a 5150 clinic.
I was having suicidal thoughts, bad anxiety, and depression. Five months later (we are in February now) I’m still battling severe anxiety and depression. I’m even on Klonopin and Wellbutrin XL. Doesn’t seem to help much. The mood swings are horrible. My poor wife has been through so much because of me. Today I emailed my doctor asking for more help. We will see what happens. I’m almost certain I have PAWS.
Hey there. I know what your going thru! Just hang on. I was at the clinic for fourteen years. For ten of those I was at a dose of 130 milligrams. I was able to get myself down to 46 milligrams before entering a detox. Because of my insurance I was only able to get into a non medical detox where the only thing I could take was ibuprofen.
It was hell!!! Had every symptom imaginable. Best way I could describe my bones was that I injected them with Icy hot. You have to have an iron will to get off this cold turkey. At the same time I came off methadone I was coming off a 14 year benzo habit too. Shook violently for about 7 days. I finally slept about three hours on the sixteenth day.
I am on my ninety first day clean and completely sober. It was well worth the fight! I still suffer from PAWS a few hours every day. Restless legs. Some days extreme fatigue. And most night only sleep 3 hours. But I know it will get better. Never give up.
I was taking methadone tabs for pain for 12 1/2 years. My doctor’s license was suspended and I was taking 120 mg to be cut off cold turkey because Illinois has nothing in place to help patients like myself get my meds and a new doctor. The DEA has a war on opiate pain meds and when I went to the ER by ambulance for severe withdrawal, I was refused care for withdrawal.
My life has now become a living hell and I’m unable to function. No pain doctors will prescribe any opiate pain meds and approximately 22 veterans kill themselves daily due to intolerable, excruciating pain they cannot get any relief for. Seems the government wants to keep us down, poor and in pain! They should be focusing on the war on terror not the war on opiate pain meds.
My last dose was May 20th 2016 and I still feeling the milder affects of withdrawal. After the first few days I began to hallucinate and called 911 for an illusion in my mind. They were going to take me to a psych ward until I informed them of going trough withdrawal. They sure don’t want to deal with that at a psych ward. No one cares either.
They just look down on you and treat you like you don’t matter. Very hard on me. Still sneezing, the pain is daily and my muscles started to atrophy. I injured myself quite bad through the withdrawal process. I will never be the same I don’t believe.
Hi, I’ve been using liquid methadone for 20 years, I’ve weaned myself down gradually. I am currently taking less than 1 ml. Such a small dose, today I didn’t take any. There was a time I would never consider skipping a dose. My fear right now is what happens when I make the “jump off”. I’ve been down to 1ml for over a month. How severe will my withdrawals be?
Also, I’ve been feeling the slow detox all along, (panicky, achy, trouble falling asleep). It’s all been manageable except the trying to fall asleep. so again, my question is once I jump off and it completely leaves my body, will the withdrawal be intense or not so bad because of the low dose? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I’ve done this all myself, nobody to talk to or WANT to talk to at this time.
Ok, so today makes 2 days in a row that I did NOT take any methadone. Like I said, I was below 1ml. I may have felt a bit anxious but I don’t know if it was in my head or not. Whenever any discomfort, I just said to myself “embrace it, it’s leaving your body, good days are coming.” I have to say that to myself every day until I know I’m in the clear. I’m not sure but I think I’ll do good. I was under 1ml for 3 weeks then jumped off 2 days ago. Thoughts or feedback would be greatly welcomed!!
I really need some support. I was on 34 mils & now on 8. Really struggling. I have a 3 year old daughter & a fiancé I’m wedding in 3 months. I’m absolutely terrified. I already have severe stomach cramps, leg cramps & these spasms where my whole body goes rigid & then I shake. If it’s this bad at 8mils how the hell am I going to cope on smaller amounts? I’m so so scared of hurting or losing my family. Any kind words or helpful suggestions would be so valued right now. Thank you.
I would not recommend going off entirely if you’re wedding is in 3 months. That last 8 milligrams needs a very slow taper, maybe 1 mg every two weeks at most until you get down to a few mg’s then .5 mg taper every two weeks after that. I was on 70 mg per week for 5 years for pain. Was doing a slow taper with my doctor then had to change doctors.
The new one put me on an accelerated 50% taper at 40 mg and it threw me into full withdrawal at 10 mg. She abandoned me at 2.5 mg. I’m now four weeks free of it but the symptoms are still quite difficult. Insomnia, fatigue, headache, stomach problems are all still there. I know only time will help. There is no shame in a slow taper. I wish you the best…
I was on 110mg a day and now I’m currently at 14mg. I’m not feeling the best but I’m taking drugs for anxiety and depression and I also take a lot of vitamins, and drink a lot of water. Is there anything you would recommend to be as successful as possible? I have a very strong drive to detox from this.
Seriously…kratom is a fantastic remedy for opiate withdrawal. You definitely have to treat it with respect, but it is a plant from southeast Asia. Do some research on it and see if it piques your interest.
I am going through my 2nd cold turkey withdrawal from methadone. The first time took 45-55 days. This time it is taking longer. I am not as young as I was the first time. I think it will be more like 60-70 days before I really feel like myself again.
Hunter, Hi how are you doing? I have been off Methadone for 5 months and still have withdrawal symptoms, extreme restlessness, runny nose, diarrhea, mental and emotional problems. All my Doctors say it’s not the methadone, but it all started when I quit.
I have read where some people never get over the withdrawals, like me. Going to see a neurologist tomorrow. How are you doing now, Hunter? Later… Chad.
My family physician was saying that if you were on opioids/methadone for a long time you can get some kind of opioid induced chronic pain… because the receptors were blocked for so long when you stop using then they go all wonky. And it’s hard to say how long it could last it may potentially never go away. Of course I was an opioid user for 8 years and then was on methadone for another 3 years. And I’m essentially trying to live without pain meds.