Methadone taper

[dez7982]

I'm new to this community, so a little about me, I've been in recovery from addiction for about 4yrs with the help of methadone maintenance. I started slowly tapering off of the methadone about 6mos ago and I'm really struggling with alot of depression, anger, anxiety. I'm doing everything right and I know that these side effects can't be avoided completely, but I'm getting to a point where the depression is becoming severe. My mood swings are crazy and I'm isolating like crazy and every day tasks seem impossible. I haven't felt like this since I was getting off the heroin 4yrs ago and i just don't know how to cope with this.
I'm just looking for some suggestions, tips, or just some people who have been through the same thing, to help me get through this. anything would be greatly appreciated!!!

[weaver71]

I like that "blind dose," I'm sure that helps. I agree about the amino acid protocol. It helped me, emergen-c packets have b vitamins and electrolytes, it helps the water go down easier. Force yourself to keep moving. Walking, swimming, anything. I bet I walked 200 miles in a 15 ft circle in my yard. The Grass finally grew back. Talk to the clinic about slowing down a little and keep marching. You won't regret a thing. Believe it, your life depends on it. Glad you found us, keep up the good work.

[eagle101]

Many researchers say they cannot distinguish between WD from 30mg or from 3mg of methadone. It all just s@Qks.  if your Clinic will "blind dose" then let them. In this manner they adjust the dose and you dont even know the dose yourself......This approach has been shown to greatly decrease the anxiety that occurs with tapering.

[atthebeach]

Sounds like you have everything in place And are doing things the right way. Slow and steady wins the race. Yes let yourself adjust, try to build yourself up a bit mentally and physically before you drop again the protocol is just a list of suggestions, people usually pick and choice or try just a couple things and see what works for them. Many times a healthy diet, multi vitamin, protein shakes and exercise are enough to make a world of difference.
Also be patient with yourself. Time will also be your healer.
Stick around this forum has a lot of good people , info, encouragement and support,
Debbie

[dez7982]

Thanks so much! and yes I'll DEF be slowing it down now. I feel like I made good progress in a short amount of time and now it's time to let my body adjust and relax a bit. After being on methadone for almost 5yrs it must be a big shock to the brain to stop taking it. I go to 12 step meetings as well as seeing a counselor so I definitely have a good support system in place, but It's difficult reaching out when I'm feeling like this. I just read the amino acid protocol and I think i'll give that a try. I'm really trying to avoid getting on an antidepressant because I've been down that road and the side effects can be harsh. I'll do it if I have to but I'd like to give the amino acid regimen a try first.

[atthebeach]

good for you on your taper. you are doing awesome. when you get down into the lower number 30mgs or so  is when it gets much tougher.
do you plan on tapering slower now?
do you attend any counseling and/or support groups through the clinic you are going to?
i hope you will have a good aftercare program in place to help you continue on the recovery road once you stop the methadone.
this is very important to help prevent relapse.
debbie

[dez7982]

I was originally on 100mgs and I'm down to 34mgs now and yes I plan on completely being done with it within the next few months hopefully. I felt fine up until about a month ago when I noticed I was really feeling depressed even when I felt fine physically. And thank you for the advice I will definetely check it out

[atthebeach]

how many mgs did you taper from and where are you now?
exercise is very important to help your dopamines, endrophins and serotonins repopulate. fruits, veggies and protein. drinking protein shakes is also good.
look at the bottom right of this page under the health pages for the amino acid protocol.
are you planning on getting totally off of the methadone?