Posted by Lindsay Rae on March 18, 2004, at 22:38:13
In reply to Anyone have experience tapering off Methadone?, posted by Festus on March 12, 2004, at 0:19:56
Hi Festus,
I've researched Methadone for years, collecting data from various sources from chronic pain patients to clinic-goers, and I myself have almost three years under my belt. While Methadone can be the most difficult drug to withdraw from, it doesn't have to be. And you are pretty lucky to be maintained by a private doctor rather than in a clinic setting, where they don't treat pain anyway. I was taking two Darvocet a day from 1998 until 2000, at which point I realized that I was taking it to alleviate an ongoing depression that began at age 13. Without getting into the whole addiction vs. dependance, or drug abuse vs. self medication, or both (dual-diagnosis), I'll just say that discovering opioid supplementation gave me that "normal" feeling, as if my whole life had been wasted on being negative and uncomfortable in my own skin. I would pop one Darvocet before class, and I started enjoying my courses, my grades and social life improving immensly. I never thought to take more; I just don't have that kind of personality, but unfortunately there is an always will be a stigma attached to taking these kinds of meds. I think it's unfair to cast
judgement on those who are on Methadone, considering its potential for abuse is nowhere near that of Oxycontin or Morphine, or some other natural or synthetic opiate. It's long acting and slow to get ito your system, so there's not "high" when you take it, and no need to take more four hours later.If I were you, I would taper one mg every four days, then stop when you start to get uncomfortable. Once you get down to about 30 mg, slow it way down, to about one mg every three weeks or more. I know it will take a long time, but once you reach 30-40 mg, you can switch to Buprenorphine, or Suboxone (generic). The withdrawal is "a joke" compared to Methadone, and it's much more easily accessable. I have to hit the hay, but I'll post again when I get a chance.
Lindsay
"I do not like taking it,but if I don,t,the pain is too great for me to function well enough to run my business,as well as have any type of family life.I,ve tried everything you can name(most likely)and NO LUCK,except with strong Opiate-based meds.I,d sure like to get down to a near-nothing dose,hoping to get off of it for good.I,m hopin to qualify for some kind of long-term Botox Injection study or one of these nerve-radio frequency studies,there are a few things I,ve looked at,but I just ain,t sure,yet,my Dr. is one of the top Pain Specialists in the Southeast,so I got a good ally.The only thing about this is the few folks that I,ve heard from all tell me the same thing:Methadone is the HARDEST drug of ALL to get off of.That,s kinda spooky,I don,t want to put my family through an ordeal or put my business in jeopardy,going through withdrawals and stuff.I don,t want to have to go in a rehab place,I can,t afford it,money or time-wise.Maybe it,s just wishful thinking.I sure will welcome any feedback from you guys,I know there,s some mighty good folks on this Forum.Thanks,Festus"
poster:Lindsay Rae
thread:323443
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20040130/msgs/325884.html