Methadone withdrawal (low dose 3-mgs)

[Jbeaux]

Hello! i've been on methadone for 12 years .On tues.feb,17, 2003 i took my last 3mg dose(liquid).prior to that date i have been having trouble sleeping for about two weeks. i have been reducing my dose over the last 16 months from 80 mgs daily.I am not afraid of the withdrawl but do not truly know what to except.the program i was on was about keeping people addicted not helping you get mentally or physically well.i.e(money).Can
anyone give me some additional information. Thanks alot.

[sharonver]

Don't worry, unless you have underlying physical problems you will not die from withdrawal, you may feel like it, but you won't.  Especially from 30 mg. that dose is not that high.  If you were on a very high dose its possible you could go into seizures from cold turkey withdrawal. Do you take your med in pill form or liquid?  I would suggest trying to stash away a small amount of med for emergencies like that. On some days when you are not feeling too badly try taking a lesser amount and save the amount that you didn't take for those times that you run out.  Many physicians have no clue what its like to experience withdrawals, if they knew they would be much more compassionate to the patient.

Sharon

[babyboomer]

I have been on pain killers foe at least 12 years. A rollercoaeter ,for sure. Most of my pain is fibromyalgia. But some is arthritis and nerve damage. To make a long story short-I was given METHADONE for pain about two years ago.m It works very well-BUT DON'T RUN OUT!!!I did for the first time last summer,and I thought I was going to die . I made it through that one until I could get some more. It happened again a couple months later. I ended up in the emergency room.When I told my general practicioner that I thought it was methadone withdrawl-she did'nt believe me.She treated me for gallblader and sent me home.I get my methadone from my pain specialist, by the way.

[babyboomer]

I take methadone for pain. I take 30mgs a day. I F

[babyboomer]

Does anyone die from methadone withdrawl? Does anyone get a terrible taste in their mouth?(during withdrawl) My last withdrawl was hell on earth. I ended up in the hosoital. Help!!!I take methadone for pain-but sometime run out before script is due. Can you die?

[sharonver]

I am almost off and I was on for more than 15 years!!  It can be done, just has to be done slowly and you have to have the motivation, that is very crucial because if you are not ready mentally and emotionally it will be almost impossible to deal with the physical withdrawals. Which by the way from my experience isn't too bad if you detox (taper) very very slow. I did 1 mg. every other week after I got to 30 mg.  When your dose is higher than 30 mg. you can probably do 5 mg. Of course it depends on the person, every one handles it differently.

Sharon

[jimmywine420]

Look I know this sounds crazy but can it be done.....safely?  I stoped using heroin a couple years ago and since then I've been on methadone.  I don't really know the universal mg's that the clinics start everyone out at, but I started at 30.  I progressively increased my dosage untill I felt comfortable at around 100, on occasion 110 (when I was feel'n' frisky).  I have succesfully in the two years I have been on methadone maintenance decreased my dose to 45 mg's.  How hard would it be to quit cold banana?  Well with the help of some thc, tons of vitamins, Tylenol PM's, and veggie drinks.  My fear is just staying hydrated.  I'm 26 and Methadone is no longer an option. If anyone has detoxed from methadone and wouldn't mind please, please send me an e-mail with any suggestions, I don't really check the message board that often. ***@****
Thanx I need all the help and prayers I can get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!