Methadone Detox: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: Methadone detox, (withdrawal) is a very difficult and depreessing experience for even the strong. no insults?

(Posted by: Carl Ray on 2008-01-12 08:59:59)

How long would it take till I felt normal again after consistantly taking 100mgs of methadone daily, stopping cold turkey?Please dont insult or give stupid answers. I really need some meaningful help. I've had all the insults and suggestions and I'm not an idiot. If anyone knows or has experience, let me know.

Posted by: Melissa H on 2008-01-12, 12:04:54

OK. First thing I want to say is whoever told you you'll be physically sick for a week and mentally for longer. Don't listen that's wrong. I have been on methadone for 1 1/ 2 years. In the past when I was on it years ago I had to go cold turkey and a month later I was still very sick. Being on 100mg to nothing you'll probably be pretty sick for a month or two. After that you'll feel better but not 100%. You will still have anxiety, goosebumps, sneezing, sleeplessnees(for at least 6 months) and other annoying but manageable symptoms. I have seen my husband go cold turkey off a high amt ( alomst 200 mg) He was in jail for a month and a half and when he got out he was still too weak to even walk more than a couple steps, still had diarrea, vomiting, muscle aches, etc. I'd highly recommend, from experience, to SLOWLY taper off if you can. Like a couple mgs a week. If you are not already at a clinic you should get into one they will help you with a comfortable detox. Good Luck! If you have any questions or need any more specific info just let me know Melissa

Posted by: Light W on 2008-01-12, 09:03:23

"For God so loved the world that He Gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whosoever would believe on Him will not perish but have everlasting life. " (John 3:16) jesusisreal.org

Posted by: b on 2008-01-12, 09:15:39

Physically about a week,after that it's all mental,so you probably still want to do drugs. why did you stop cold? were you kicked off a program.? I'd still be on that garbage today if I wasn't bounced out. the ONLY way it worked for me was to pack up and move away from my hometown,where I didn't know anyone I'd say go to church,but that probably won't happen. you still want to use,so your looking for a substitute

Posted by: psebuyer on 2008-01-12, 09:17:02

You won't be able to stop at 100 mg of methadone...if you try you will be sicker than you have ever been in your life. Even reducing down to 10 mg and trying to stop is incredibly hard. Methadone in general is very hard to detox from, no matter what. Are you taking it for pain or drug abuse? There is a drug called suboxone which works differently than methadone and is easier to wean off of...many people reduce their meth habit down to like 30 mg a day then switch to suboxone, for an easier taper. You alos only need to see a doctor once a month to get it, instead of going to a clinic every day, like they make drug addicts do. You can write me if you want and I'd be happy to discuss this with you furthur, but please don't even consider stoping taking methadone if you're taking that much...You'll be so sorry you did, I can assure you. The person who replied above me is only partially right...the first week woudl be he**, then there will be a long period of brain adjustment where you will not feel good at all, mentally or physically. Your brains opiate receptors need time, and lots of it, before they start to normalize.

Posted by: Marcie on 2008-01-12, 09:48:29

Personally, I would NOT stop cold turkey. Chances are you will end up in the streets looking for some other narcotic. It would make you very sick - VERY severe flu like symptoms. If you insist on cold turkey, I would suggest you check into a hospital or detox. Most methadone patients go down 2-4 milligrams a week. If your serious and go to NA meetings.. That should work the best for you. Best wishes. I really like PSEBUYER's suggestion. My experince is working in methadone clinic about 12 years ago. Times have changed...

Posted by: tzoggas on 2008-01-12, 12:24:59

I've heard it explained as "miserable as the depths of hell. " Talk to your methadone clinic first. A lot of clinics offer a 21 day detox where they step you down gradually over 21 days. Also look in the phone book for detox facilities that can supervise you for 10 days while you are detoxing. They will give you medications while you are there to take some of the edge off. See what your state offers to help you out. For example, California has Prop. 36, The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act. Good Luck, God Bless, and Be Strong. You can do it.