Methadone Withdrawals: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: Does anyone know a lot about methadone withdrawal?

(Posted by: confused on 2008-05-09 10:36:21)

I need to know how long it will be before regular pain meds will work as they are supposed to, (Lortab, Percocet, Etc.). I'm having a major surgery done and have to be off the methadone to have the surgery. I stopped taking 120mg's on the 29th of april, I did not take any for five days. By sunday I felt so horrible someone brought me some 5mg methdone pills. So I took 50- 60mg a day until today (Friday), I'm not going to take anymore I just need to know the longest time someone's opiate receptors were blocked after stopping the methadone. Will my tolerance for pain meds. be very high is my first question? My second question is I read that ultram blocked methadone's affects, does that mean I can feel my pain meds? I know that it puts you into withdrawal, will that move the methadone out faster? I have to have rods and plates put into my wrist and arm, and don't want to suffer in pain. My doctor has already discrinated against me, I'm scared i will be in severe pain, he wont car

Posted by: Kim k on 2008-05-09, 11:55:58

I wish I could answer your questions but I can't. I do know someone who is an excellant source of this information and forwarded your questions. They promised to send a more detailed response that I will share later but in the mean time they asked me to pass along that you have to stay away from Ultram, it is very dangerous under these circumstances. Check back later and I'll have more info for you. EDIT:I got that response from someone who is involved in research of addiction, here ya go " The Meth is going to keep all receptors filled right down to 2mg's but the dose is going to be extremely weak to what this person is used to and the withdrawal is gonna be a mess. Supplemented this with Ultram or taking Ultram is already dangerous because this person is already physically dependant. It can be a good drug for someone that never took an opiate in their life but in this case (We believe) it can be deadly. I know it is, first hand. The issue arises out of the fact Ultram randomly hits receptors (Not really knowing where to go) and meth fills them constantly. You can see how this can create serious issues. Plus it's serotonin inhibiting properties makes Ultram really bad to withdraw from. Also being on 120mg's of Methadone, this person is going to realize really quick that one pill is not doing it anymore and the rate of increase on opiate is gonna be very high because of the dose of methadone this person was just on in such a short period of time. Why this person got off methadone for surgery is beyond me. There might be medical explanations for this that is un-clear in the question, however a person on this amount of Methadone I feel should have simply stayed on it and been given something faster acting for pain. so that's it "

Posted by: Glennroid on 2008-05-09, 10:47:26

Sounds to me that you don't have a good rapport with your doctor. It's really important that you communicate honestly with your doctor so you can do the right thing. Stopping methadone cold-turkey is not the way to do it. After taking 120 mgs. of methadone, there aren't too many traditional pain meds that are going to help. Methadone is much stronger and longer acting then them. You must be honest and communicate this with your doctor.

Posted by: blondystang on 2008-05-09, 11:21:11

Hi! I've taken methadone before. It is actually very good for pain. I was in a car wreck and broke my right femur. I've had about 12 surgery's. My Dr. had me on methadone and lorcet. But some dr.'s just don't understand methadone. You don't have to come off of it to have this surgery. As a matter of fact I don't know why your on it. But if it's to do with being hooked on pain pills it's actually better to stay on the methadone so you don't get into taking the pills again. Hope this helps

Posted by: Golden Boy on 2008-05-09, 12:52:53

Ask the surgen for the pain meds,not your family doctor.

Posted by: katrinas_x on 2008-05-09, 22:15:20

First you should (detox) or take yourself off about 10-15mg a week and even when your finished with medicine It will still take a few weeks to feel right. Your looking at 3+ months. When you get down to about 20-30mgs a day you should start feeling the effects of other opiates. Why do you have to get off of M-Done anyway? You can have surgery while on it, as long as you let them know your on it and your dose amt. Hey there doctors they know what to do and give you to keep you sleeping an out of pain while on Methadone. Good Luck