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10mg Methadone jump off

V

Vegasspider

Bluelighter
Joined
Jul 8, 2011
Messages
30
Did not think coming off 10mg daily took 5's x2 would be a problem. Wrong, have been on that dose for pain management 7+ years worked until recent failed shoulder surgery. Have had 20+ surgeries on feet and shoulder I count myself lucky that this dose worked for as long as it did for pain.

I tell my doc if it does not work any longer lets come off of it. I always had a problem with not wanting to be on it. His response was to go to 30mg a day would help with pain. I resisted because I did not want to spiral. So all of this happened instead.

Step 1: Docs' writes the following: Meloxicam 7.5 1 at bed. Lucemyra 0.18 3 x's. Buprenorphine 15 patch 7 days, Hydrocodone 10/325 every 8. I did not want to do the patches and did not think withdraw was going to be an issue giving that the Hydro would fill the opioid gap but it did not. Has been 10 days no sleep in more pain than ever but not using patches. I have a dog that is the love of my life she sleeps with me and I am afraid if she touches it something could happen. I also visit grandkids every other weekend just really afraid of incidental contact so no go on the patch.

Step 2: Go back to doc strung out with no sleep and in constant pain in the shoulder region taking the Hydro. (I had one 6 hour stretch of sleep in the 10days found a 5mg methadone I took and last one) he writes the new cocktail of:

Belbuca 150, Clonidine 0.1/day, cyclobenzaprine 10mg 1 @ bed, Lucemyra 0.18 3/4 times a day for 14 days, tramadol HCL 50 mg 2x's a day

So all I am is sick as heck strung out and just using the Hydro 3x's a day on average. The patches are concerns as indicated, the other stuff no relief and only sick. Am I really withdrawing from the Methodone? I can't tell I only feel worse than ever. Doc will not put me back on Methodone after suggesting going up then giving me all of these other meds.

Suggestions? BTW not a weed user but legal here now I am almost tempted on the edible side not into smoking at all.
 
Yes your withdrawing from methadone. Something is getting lost in translation between you and your doctor I think. Buprenorphine patches can't be used with hydrocodone. In order to induct onto the patches you need to be in full withdrawal from opiates which is like 24 hours after last hydro dose. The patches might help but your still in for a world of shit. Switching from a full agonist to a partial agonist isn't fun.

The bupe won't sweat through your skin man. Your dog and grand kids are perfectly safe as long as they don't eat a patch. It seems to me if your having to take more doses of hydro now to control pain then your better off on methadone. Hydro has acetaminophen which is bad for your liver with frequent doses.

What's your overall goal here? No opiates?

Oh and look up precipitated withdrawal before you use any of the buprenorphine. If you take it while you have opiates on your receptors (ie your not in withdrawal) then you will have a horrific experience. Only take buprenorphine when your in full blown withdrawal
 
Thanks and yes something big time lost with the doctor. In a perfect world, I would like to be off of any opiates and this goes back years. Apparently, I don't have the problem other folks seem to have, I have had 4 different doctors in the last 7 years and they all are quick to prescribe more than I normally take. I have a bigger problem in that they want to do a complete shoulder replacement in June so I am guessing I will be in another round of chasing the dragon so to speak not to mention going to have a partial amputation of my right index finger due to arthritis. Awesome to be 57 and this jacked up just from bad genetics.

I think I am being naive thinking that methadone was the lesser of the two being low doses. Awesome feedback just what I was hoping to see here, been on the forum long time definitely relate to some of the stories on here, I have no clue how someone comes off of 100's of mg of daily use of any opiates.
 
Hey Vega-

I'm sorry you're going through all of this. It's alot to deal with.

As cj said, you are in withdrawal from methadone. 10mg is alot to jump off at. Even at 1mg, it would be difficult.

I want to reinforce what cj said about looking up precipitated withdrawal. You don't want to put that patch on too early. Precipitated withdrawal is very intense withdrawal. Like withdrawal on steroids.

I went through it 2days ago. And I waited 36 hrs.to take Subutex I don't know how the hell that happened, but trust me, you don't want to experience that. You want to kill yourself but you're physically too sick to.

Good luck with everything.
 
Thanks, I am glad I did not stick the patch on for sure. Looking for suggestions on the short term to long term, I have scripts for Belbuca 150 X2 daily and clonidine 0.1 daily. If I continue the hydro with one or both of belbuca or clonidine I know that is probably not treating the withdraw from the Methodone?

I know I am still taking opiates just trying to get to a healthy pain management plan knowing I have two significant surgeries coming up. The plus side is I am actually starting to feel clearer and the Hydro does help with the pain, I am taking the 3x a day I break them in half taking half every 4-5 hours but still ends up being a total of 3 a day.

No sleep I drink a nice tea I have cyclobenzaprine it does not seem to have an effect on me. The restlessness is the worst part for the sleep usually just passing out for 4-5 hours every 3rd day but an hour here and there is keeping me strung out I just hope that all passes SOON.
 
It's a bitch Vegas. The restlessness. Try not to let it win. I've started punching the bed before, threw something against the wall once. All those things did, was get me more upset.

I've been through w/d more times than I could possibly count. And 2 very traumatic detoxes. I do feel your pain.

You're trying to come up with a pain management plan? I'm having trouble understanding.

Do you want a long term plan for pain? And are you just trying to get through the methadone w/d? Sorry for the questions, I'm trying to understand.
 
Just wanted to update, I think I got super lucky by coming here and getting the comments that I did and avoided the patch. The hell I avoided is a total lucky break. If I would have come home with all of that shit I would have taken the way he wanted.

I think I am mostly withdrawn from the methadone. This is my third week had two good nights which is my worst part but had a bad one last night. But the bad is a different bad I get the restlessnes really bad in shoulders and legs but again not as bad. I will say the Lucemyra helps with the withdrawal symptoms but it knocks me out and bloats me like crazy. I am not taking like they want I take 2 tabs X2/3 times a day. It's quite expensive $2,000 for months supply if you take as they recommend. I got lucky and my doc gave me 60 tabs for samples. I see the doc again in two weeks if all stays the same I will hit him up for more samples and as of now no hydro etc. My pain is crazy it will be a battle to live with but if it stays as is I think I can handle it until I get the should replacement again. Lots of exercises keep moving, water, tea no booze yet getting the nights under control will be my hardest part. The downtime takes my mind to the dope with a panic like I won't sleep for now, if don't sleep I don't sleep as long as I can get 5-6 hours in 24 hours I will reset I am sure. Thanks again for the advice it paid dividends.
 
That's a hell of a weird load of medications just to come off methadone. Surely just tapering would be better? I actually quit cold turkey at 60mg/day and although it was really unpleasant (for like 10 weeks) I got through it, so 10mg is doable.
 
My end game is to be off opiates altogether. While I am through the Methadone withdrawal I think, the hydro is a problem - it controls my pain better than any time but it only lasts 4-6 hours. Of all the meds the doctor ordered up the Hydro is all I am using which is still a problem because my use will not sustain at this level. I am going to give a taper of it a go over the weekend. I do have 7 doses of Clonidine 0.1 If I make it 24-36 hours and still having problems I am planning on using it to go all the way off. I do feel much better but still, have the pain management need will never get back on methadone. Good days and bad days.
 
ChemicallyEnhanced said:
That's a hell of a weird load of medications just to come off methadone. Surely just tapering would be better? I actually quit cold turkey at 60mg/day and although it was really unpleasant (for like 10 weeks) I got through it, so 10mg is doable.
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I sure thought so glad its done for the most part.
 
That's not enough clonidine. Also clonidine is unlikely to be sufficient to ease much of the discomfort. You need a benzo. Or at least gabapentin or Lyrica preferably a benzo and gabapentin or Lyrica. With enough of both to take 3 times a day for two weeks.

Your going to be in fucking agony if you jump with a tiny bit of clonidine. Last time I kicked I went through 20 .1 clonidine in 5 days on top of other meds
 
Update spent last 3 days in hosp with the crazy uncomfortable leg sensation. Still amazing to me when you tell medical providers your coming off they offer more. I had a very good stretch after first 3 weeks this feels like a total setback. No methodone but now they change to Norco 4-3x day. Seeing orthopedic surgeon this week for the reverse shoulder replacement as well as physic to find a way to kick this once and for all. Yes I have real pain after 20 surgery’s but not so much I should be dependent on opioids I would think. The agony from the drugs is more powerful than the physical pain.
 
VSpider -

I am so sorry to hear about your hospital stay and that you are feeling so awful. Good job staying off the methadone.

How do you feel on the Norcos 3 times a day? What dosage are they? I would recommend stabilizing on those and trying to get past your shoulder surgery before quitting entirely. It sounds like you are very motivated to be done, but this does get worse the more times we do it. If the surgery is imminent, maybe this isn’t the best time for you to be completely opiate free?

No pressure, just throwing that out there. Best of luck!

- VE
 
I agree with empty. Stabilize your dose then reevaluate. Or stick up on comfort meds and jump. With enough benzos and some lyrica it could be doable.
 
I am sorry to hear about your situation. 10mg to 0mg is a big jump when it comes to methadone. I jumped off at that dosage and suffered through a good 2 week acute withdrawal followed by months and months of PAWS. I am much younger and in better health than you and can only imagine how awful it'd be while suffering through what you're going through. Even with mild pain compared to you I went through 2 weeks where everything hurt. I understand why people that spend a long time on the stuff say it gets into your bones.

I just wanted to offer encouragement that in time it will get better. Even if you find yourself unable to quit opioids all together a few doses of hydro a day is a much better place than methadone and easier to discontinue should you want to in the future. Opioids have a big stigma attached to them due to the problems with addiction but for some people they are necessary to provide better quality of life. Do not get discouraged if you can't quit them right now. It seems like you're proactive about not over using them and want to keep your use of them in check. I know plenty of folks that have led long and happy lives on hydro/oxy/morphine as prescribed/needed without becoming junkies or addicts. There is a difference between dependence and addiction.

I hope you feel better soon.
 
BLUELIGHT is awesome thanks to everyone for the comments and stories in common.

Been home from hosp since Friday. Last week was the hardest week of coming off the methadone. What was disappointing was it was my 4th full week going on 5 weeks since jumping off. I finally had 3-4 great nights of sleep and my energy level was getting better by the day & my legs/shoulder starting to subside. Because of my ongoing pain needs which I can get through and coexist with I thought perhaps I now tolerated the hydro which was my fear in the first place. I was given 4 a day but took myself to 2 a day no problems at all comparatively speaking. Today is my 3rd day of none – not so bad actually. For now the Norco/Hydro can be plan B if needed. I know that's different than what I said last week but this is a bit of a roller coaster.

Back to last week, after being awake 3 nights my wife decided I needed to go to the ER which I agreed to and man am I glad I did. Of course, the first part of answering all of the questions why are you here and the word “methadone” gets thrown around but I am past the stigma, I can’t be shamed like I used to be.

I got lucky and the staff neurologist got very involved. The neuro because of the leg complaint they look for stroke etc which I was giving a 100% clean bill of health. He went through every one of my 20+ surgeries and 2013 head injury. First, we determined I am not a lucky guy when it comes to genetics, but we quickly determined other than arthritis I am very healthy emotionally and physically. Always good news when a neuro tells you your head is not the problem…

The very first thing was I have an overactive thyroid and like a dummy when I came off the methadone I tossed my thyroid meds and never thought another thing about it. DUMB mistake on my part such an easy fix.

Because I feel good today after feeling my lowest last week of the journey, my biggest mistake so far in coming off was the wholesale change of everything at one time. But the thing I did that was the smartest was to come here, list the meds the doc that was supposed to be helping & the follow-up comments. Had I did what that doc wanted me to do I can honestly say I would probably be back on the methadone or worse.

So, for now, I am hoping the thyroid issue is what was causing the extreme discomfort last week. I gotta say it was awesome seeing the toxicology report reading “0” for methadone!
 
HeadphonesandLSD said:
I am sorry to hear about your situation. 10mg to 0mg is a big jump when it comes to methadone. I jumped off at that dosage and suffered through a good 2 week acute withdrawal followed by months and months of PAWS. I am much younger and in better health than you and can only imagine how awful it'd be while suffering through what you're going through. Even with mild pain compared to you I went through 2 weeks where everything hurt. I understand why people that spend a long time on the stuff say it gets into your bones.

I just wanted to offer encouragement that in time it will get better. Even if you find yourself unable to quit opioids all together a few doses of hydro a day is a much better place than methadone and easier to discontinue should you want to in the future. Opioids have a big stigma attached to them due to the problems with addiction but for some people they are necessary to provide better quality of life. Do not get discouraged if you can't quit them right now. It seems like you're proactive about not over using them and want to keep your use of them in check. I know plenty of folks that have led long and happy lives on hydro/oxy/morphine as prescribed/needed without becoming junkies or addicts. There is a difference between dependence and addiction.

I hope you feel better soon.
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If you don't mind how long were you on the 10mg? I am curious I went yesterday for a follow up my doc still wants to give me jump off meds but even though its a rollercoaster I am good. I have my good days and bad days, this week mostly good today foggy for some reason but I will take that over everything else. Looks like I am leveled out with the NORCO 10/325 x2 for the hand and shoulder pain. I start a new gym next week I am looking forward to, won't be long it will be too hot for the long daily walks I am getting in now. My sleep and appetite are pretty good still could be better but it's a slow curve.
 
Vegasspider said:
If you don't mind how long were you on the 10mg? I am curious I went yesterday for a follow up my doc still wants to give me jump off meds but even though its a rollercoaster I am good. I have my good days and bad days, this week mostly good today foggy for some reason but I will take that over everything else.
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I was on 10-15mg of methadone for about 6 or 7 months. I was buying a take home dose from a friend every two weeks which came to somewhere between 100mg-150mg of methadone. I had been self medicating for pain with opioids I bought off the street for 10+ years and this was my attempt to stabilize on something while I got back to working a regular job. Having withdrawn from almost every opioid I found going from 10mg of methadone to nothing to be the hardest opioid I'd ever withdrawn from. It felt like a never ending acute withdrawal that went on for weeks. The foggy feeling and being unable to sleep are very normal as is the spike in pain levels. I was pretty much useless for the first week and still bad off on the second week. I locked myself in a room with pizza, water, and 100+mg of methadone for a week. Somehow I managed not to take any from the bottle. On day 8 I had my first experience with DMT and committed to staying off opioids for good. When I returned to my home that morning I poured out the rest of the methadone and swore I'd never buy more of it.

You're doing really good for someone in your condition. I sympathize a lot with what you're going through. Don't feel defeated if you need a little hydrocodone here and there for acute pain. Hydro is much easier to stop in the future should you want to cold turkey it as the withdrawal is not nearly as bad as methadone. I still keep hydrocodone around for when/if I injure myself and I'm able to resist the temptation of over using it. I do keep them hidden from myself just in case though as I still get urges to use even two years later. Thankfully, I have a family member willing to hold on to them for me that I trust with them.

Out of all the opioids I've done Methadone seemed to have the most "brain fog" out of all of them. After awhile on methadone you just feel normal on it and assume you aren't intoxicated. Upon stopping it you realize you've been walking around with massive brain fog everyday for however long you've been using it. It's hard to describe to someone that hasn't gone through it but basically all the colors you see are dull, you emotions are blunted, and your mind is in "don't give a fuck" mode 24/7. One of the hardest things about quitting for me was the fact that I was having to manage my own emotions again for the first time in many months.

For me it was probably 3 months off methadone before I felt I was back to my normal sober self. The cravings for it and opioids in general have never really gone away. Once you've had a taste of daily opioids I don't think you can ever go back to how things were before. Things do get better though and after some months off the stuff you should be able to feel joy from things you enjoy again. Don't get discouraged if you find yourself emotionally blunt/unable to feel happiness for the next few months. It takes the brain awhile to re-learn how to release endorphins after the opioids are taken away from it. It hasn't had to produce many on its own because it was getting them elsewhere and down regulated.

You'll feel a lot better over the course of the next few months even if you're taking some hyrdo here and there.
 
Fighting the good fight been a rough couple of days with craving but not giving in. "Don't get discouraged if you find yourself emotionally blunt/unable to feel happiness for the next few months. " This is exactly what I am feeling hoping it moves on soon my creative work is a total road block.
 
I would say the last five days have been hard and confusing. I am guessing its the rollercoaster ride since I was feeling pretty good them wham. I keep very physically active walking 3-6 miles daily and stretching with bands etc. We in the process of moving, I tackled starting to pack and purge junk accumulated after 15 years of the same house and 37 years of marriage. The packing and moving kicked by butt more than I ever thought possible. Where the last five days have been rough is gout like pain head to toe and totally removed moods, I have been sleeping but last night was rough ended up giving up around 3:30 and staying up. I have a doc appt Friday to see if I do have gout & I see my pain doc next week for a follow up. That will put me going on two months was really hopping based on feeling better until last few days I was over the hump. I really don't want to start any withdrawal meds since I made it this far without them so far. Maybe after today I feel better.
 
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