Trigger Warning Help. Your recommended substances to help taper off 100mg Methadone

[chainsawkidd]

I have worked my way up to now 100mg of methadone daily. I am on a program & getting ''Takeaway'' doses takes a very long time, so many reviews, urine tests, constant contact with key workers ect. The way I was explained the OST program did not seem this way. I am not here to blame anyone but myself for my actions, I just now see that my life while on this program is so lonely, because of needing approval just to leave town, I face discrimination from healthcare workers (Was accused of faking pain & an injury when I asked for an X-ray because they found out I was on the program) My life and my mental health has taken a far bigger hit now, than it ever did while I was ''active addiction'' I am grateful for the hard reduction aspect of course, its just that not to mention the side effects of methadone on the body. Example- Low-zero Libido, constipation, Low Testosterone.... and those are only to name a few. Anyway, I am just wondering if anyone has found themselves in my shoes before and can suggest some SYNTHETIC OR NON SYNTHETIC substances that could hypothetically help someone to rapidly taper off methadone without suffering the full pain of withdrawals. Something to take with a somewhat similar opioid feel possibly.

I am using every fibre of my soul to hold back from using, I have never known or felt the full force of addiction in terms of craving like this before, I am on 100mg which should be taking care of those cravings, but its not enough, it is so intense, using is on my mind every waking second, I am asking to help, anything at all I will take on board, thankyou BL. I will accept direct messages also.

 

[Cult315]

I have worked my way up to now 100mg of methadone daily. I am on a program & getting ''Takeaway'' doses takes a very long time, so many reviews, urine tests, constant contact with key workers ect. The way I was explained the OST program did not seem this way. I am not here to blame anyone but myself for my actions, I just now see that my life while on this program is so lonely, because of needing approval just to leave town, I face discrimination from healthcare workers (Was accused of faking pain & an injury when I asked for an X-ray because they found out I was on the program) My life and my mental health has taken a far bigger hit now, than it ever did while I was ''active addiction'' I am grateful for the hard reduction aspect of course, its just that not to mention the side effects of methadone on the body. Example- Low-zero Libido, constipation, Low Testosterone.... and those are only to name a few. Anyway, I am just wondering if anyone has found themselves in my shoes before and can suggest some SYNTHETIC OR NON SYNTHETIC substances that could hypothetically help someone to rapidly taper off methadone without suffering the full pain of withdrawals. Something to take with a somewhat similar opioid feel possibly.

I am using every fibre of my soul to hold back from using, I have never known or felt the full force of addiction in terms of craving like this before, I am on 100mg which should be taking care of those cravings, but its not enough, it is so intense, using is on my mind every waking second, I am asking to help, anything at all I will take on board, thankyou BL. I will accept direct messages also.

I’ve only experienced methadone WD for around a day before just switching to another opiate, I never was actually in a program I just found someone who traded theres for my weed lol. If I remember correctly though I’ve heard methadone WD is hell, there should be plenty of posts on the subject if you search for it. Unless you want to substitute with another addiction I probably don’t have the best advise, the only thing I could recommend that isn’t going to just be a replacement is maybe Kratom. I know a lot of people have had success coming off large dose addictions with it though I can’t say I ever really used it for that reason.

I’m sure somebody will come along and tell you exactly what you need but if you want an answer fast searching for methadone withdrawal or tapering methadone or something to that effect will likely produce exactly what you’re asking for in various threads. I’d look myself but I don’t have the time right now

 

[chainsawkidd]

I’ve only experienced methadone WD for around a day before just switching to another opiate, I never was actually in a program I just found someone who traded theres for my weed lol. If I remember correctly though I’ve heard methadone WD is hell, there should be plenty of posts on the subject if you search for it. Unless you want to substitute with another addiction I probably don’t have the best advise, the only thing I could recommend that isn’t going to just be a replacement is maybe Kratom. I know a lot of people have had success coming off large dose addictions with it though I can’t say I ever really used it for that reason.

I’m sure somebody will come along and tell you exactly what you need but if you want an answer fast searching for methadone withdrawal or tapering methadone or something to that effect will likely produce exactly what you’re asking for in various threads. I’d look myself but I don’t have the time right now

I appreciate your response none the less, in this case a few words of advice is better than nothing, also Kratom is exactly what I've been thinking of, unfortunately I live in a country where they banned every single Psychoactive substance LoL, anything that has an effect on the mind that isnt alcohol or Kava was banned in the early 2000's. Kratom was also banned of course, I really want to try it though, its a plant with amazing properties, of course its not perfect, or without possible down sides, but anyone whos on methadone or experienced any kind of WD, or even side effects of opiates I can guarantee would MUCH prefer Kratom, than putting their body through what this Methadone does. I honestly feel alot of shame even being on it, like I said im also marked on my medical records now cos of the program, which destroys any chance of a ''fair consultation'' with doctors ect. Would never had gone through with it if I knew this. So hypothetically if anyone maybe knows of a a way hypothetically that Kratom the plant could be discreetly shipped somewhere for research purposes and not human consumption, then please message me.

Also thankyou for the response.

 

[Cult315]

I appreciate your response none the less, in this case a few words of advice is better than nothing, also Kratom is exactly what I've been thinking of, unfortunately I live in a country where they banned every single Psychoactive substance LoL, anything that has an effect on the mind that isnt alcohol or Kava was banned in the early 2000's. Kratom was also banned of course, I really want to try it though, its a plant with amazing properties, of course its not perfect, or without possible down sides, but anyone whos on methadone or experienced any kind of WD, or even side effects of opiates I can guarantee would MUCH prefer Kratom, than putting their body through what this Methadone does. I honestly feel alot of shame even being on it, like I said im also marked on my medical records now cos of the program, which destroys any chance of a ''fair consultation'' with doctors ect. Would never had gone through with it if I knew this. So hypothetically if anyone maybe knows of a a way hypothetically that Kratom the plant could be discreetly shipped somewhere for research purposes and not human consumption, then please message me.

Also thankyou for the response.

As far as I know this site has a strict no sourcing policy(aka we can’t tell you where to buy anything) but if you mention what country you’re in there could be somebody with info on Kratom that might be able to send you details in a message. Unfortunately I know nothing about shipping anything to anywhere lol

 

[chainsawkidd]

As far as I know this site has a strict no sourcing policy(aka we can’t tell you where to buy anything) but if you mention what country you’re in there could be somebody with info on Kratom that might be able to send you details in a message. Unfortunately I know nothing about shipping anything to anywhere lol

Yeah I know, I said hypothetically to be clear, and nah thats allgood, next time ill add a few more ''hypothetically''ies in there to be safe .....I think I'll make a separate thread but incase anyone else sees this then please feel free to contact me if you happen to be from the rare small island country of (NEW ZEALAND), and have info on Kratom, I believe you can get some sort of prescription permission to be able to order it but very difficult to understand, so yeah, thanks BL

 

[xyz69]

"
"Hi, I think it's tough for you to reduce methadone with other substances. Or rather, in the beginning, depending on the substance you use, you might not encounter problems, but you'll always have ups and downs and never be consistent. You'll experience continuous highs and lows. And 100 mg isn't a small amount to replace. I've been taking methadone for 35 years, and the way to get off it is simply by gradually lowering the dose little by little.

I don't know Kratom, so I won't speak about it, but I've tried Jurnista, fentanyl patches, and OxyContin. I just replaced one dependency with another. I don't know how it works for you, but here in Italy, there's a take-home program, and depending on the dosage, you have to go to the center a certain number of days. I hope you can manage your reduction in the best way possible."

."
Excuse me for my poor English

 

[chainsawkidd]

"
"Hi, I think it's tough for you to reduce methadone with other substances. Or rather, in the beginning, depending on the substance you use, you might not encounter problems, but you'll always have ups and downs and never be consistent. You'll experience continuous highs and lows. And 100 mg isn't a small amount to replace. I've been taking methadone for 35 years, and the way to get off it is simply by gradually lowering the dose little by little.

I don't know Kratom, so I won't speak about it, but I've tried Jurnista, fentanyl patches, and OxyContin. I just replaced one dependency with another. I don't know how it works for you, but here in Italy, there's a take-home program, and depending on the dosage, you have to go to the center a certain number of days. I hope you can manage your reduction in the best way possible."

."
Excuse me for my poor English

There wasnt any major mistakes with your English, looks like normal English to me haha. Also yes we have the ''takeaway'' program here, just takes a VERY long time to be able to earn more days, I currently only have 2. And Fentanyl patches along with Oxy in my opinion are far more potent, and tolerance forming than methadone, and for me taking those other drugs wouldn't make sense, I only say Kratom because it seems far ''less'' harmful in terms of addiction & side effects, I face serious side effects from methadone, so I know Kratom isnt risk free, but is certainly the least dangerous out of all substances mentioned. I dont wish to ''Replace'' my addiction, although I would much prefer Kratom replacing it, I was to use Kratom as a tool to manage withdrawals so I am able to taper off Methadone much faster, cos without it I know it will take SO very long to come off 100MG.

 

[WelderContortionist]

I have worked my way up to now 100mg of methadone daily. I am on a program & getting ''Takeaway'' doses takes a very long time, so many reviews, urine tests, constant contact with key workers ect. The way I was explained the OST program did not seem this way. I am not here to blame anyone but myself for my actions, I just now see that my life while on this program is so lonely, because of needing approval just to leave town, I face discrimination from healthcare workers (Was accused of faking pain & an injury when I asked for an X-ray because they found out I was on the program) My life and my mental health has taken a far bigger hit now, than it ever did while I was ''active addiction'' I am grateful for the hard reduction aspect of course, its just that not to mention the side effects of methadone on the body. Example- Low-zero Libido, constipation, Low Testosterone.... and those are only to name a few. Anyway, I am just wondering if anyone has found themselves in my shoes before and can suggest some SYNTHETIC OR NON SYNTHETIC substances that could hypothetically help someone to rapidly taper off methadone without suffering the full pain of withdrawals. Something to take with a somewhat similar opioid feel possibly.

I am using every fibre of my soul to hold back from using, I have never known or felt the full force of addiction in terms of craving like this before, I am on 100mg which should be taking care of those cravings, but its not enough, it is so intense, using is on my mind every waking second, I am asking to help, anything at all I will take on board, thankyou BL. I will accept direct messages also.

Poppie seed tea worked for my best friend when he was in a similar spot an was completely out of options, DXM can help too with cravings also helped a lot getting him out of Is head space, he also was smoking some wild lettuce extract too during the beginning he now has been clean besides cannabis but you know we all need something I'm guilty of it I been smoking and growing since 11

 

[xyz69]

I understand.
Actually, that's not my English, but the AI's translation, so it's pretty good. XD
I've heard mixed reviews about Kratom.
Maybe it's a valid help, but here, no one really knows about it except from videos or online testimonials.
And even here, they only give you methadone maintenance after you've been clean for a long time.
I have it for a one month and I have a hair test every six months.
Usually, they give you a week.
Anyway, you know that quick tapers aren't a good idea...
I think in a few months you could significantly reduce your dosage. But if Kratom, or poppie sield or DXM, As I wrote to you WelderContorsionist, actually works, that's great!!
Imagine, I managed to get to 0 (taking substitutes), but on the second week, I had crazy anxiety, especially at night, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to get rid of those 10mg.
My primary issue isn't the 10mg of methadone, but the fentanyl patch I've been prescribed. I'm unable to discontinue its use and have resorted to putting it in my mouth since it's ineffective when applied to my skin.
Good luck.
Bye

 

[Addam]

SR-17018. Cole turkey jumping off 100mg. By day 5 I was fine, if only a little bored

 

[negrogesic]

SR-17018. Cole turkey jumping off 100mg. By day 5 I was fine, if only a little bored

You got off of 100mg/day off of methadone with SR-17018? Did you stop the SR-17018 too?

 

[negrogesic]

I have worked my way up to now 100mg of methadone daily. I am on a program & getting ''Takeaway'' doses takes a very long time, so many reviews, urine tests, constant contact with key workers ect. The way I was explained the OST program did not seem this way. I am not here to blame anyone but myself for my actions, I just now see that my life while on this program is so lonely, because of needing approval just to leave town, I face discrimination from healthcare workers (Was accused of faking pain & an injury when I asked for an X-ray because they found out I was on the program) My life and my mental health has taken a far bigger hit now, than it ever did while I was ''active addiction'' I am grateful for the hard reduction aspect of course, its just that not to mention the side effects of methadone on the body. Example- Low-zero Libido, constipation, Low Testosterone.... and those are only to name a few. Anyway, I am just wondering if anyone has found themselves in my shoes before and can suggest some SYNTHETIC OR NON SYNTHETIC substances that could hypothetically help someone to rapidly taper off methadone without suffering the full pain of withdrawals. Something to take with a somewhat similar opioid feel possibly.

I am using every fibre of my soul to hold back from using, I have never known or felt the full force of addiction in terms of craving like this before, I am on 100mg which should be taking care of those cravings, but its not enough, it is so intense, using is on my mind every waking second, I am asking to help, anything at all I will take on board, thankyou BL. I will accept direct messages also.

You are likely going to need to taper down from the 100mg/day dose before you even think of switching to something else.

Even if kratom was legal where you are, it is not powerful enough to substitute for 100mg/day of methadone. You'd need to get down to around 10mg/day before considering kratom.

Poppy seed tea also won't do much given much in comparison to 100mg/day of methadone. You would need a massive amount of high quality poppy seeds. And poppy seed tea is arguably more complicated to get off of.

My advice is to taper off the methadone. Methadone is actually very good in that respect; methadone treatment is designed for that purpose -- you can taper off just a few milligrams a week. You will find no easier solution than just tapering off of the methadone.

 

[lolis my thesis]

Any advice for the last 15mgs? Went from 60 mgs to 15 with no issues. I have been told I Have to switch to bupe; but regular withdrawals suck and precipitated WDs I can only imagine to be worse.

and my GP says wait 36 hours and take the bupe and I wont get it. HA! I don't think a day and a half will be nearly enough. But I have never tried any bupe.
Right now trying to hold out dosing till noon; as I am attempting to do 5mgs every 12 hours instead of every 8. I have a few 2.5mgs to help the inbetween times if I get uncomfortable.

 

[xyz69]

Any advice for the last 15mgs? Went from 60 mgs to 15 with no issues. I have been told I Have to switch to bupe; but regular withdrawals suck and precipitated WDs I can only imagine to be worse.

and my GP says wait 36 hours and take the bupe and I wont get it. HA! I don't think a day and a half will be nearly enough. But I have never tried any bupe.
Right now trying to hold out dosing till noon; as I am attempting to do 5mgs every 12 hours instead of every 8. I have a few 2.5mgs to help the inbetween times if I get uncomfortable.

Hi,
Around here, we all used clonidine or viminolo for withdrawal symptoms. Plus, some benzos, of course. They can really help, especially with sweating, yawning, and all the problems related to excessive adrenaline release. But out of curiosity, how long did it take you to taper down from 60 to 15 mg and start feeling bad? But most importantly, for how long were you taking methadone?
Bye

 

[lolis my thesis]

Ive been on methadone 20 years; I went down from 60 to 40 over 2008-2012; due to potential lengthening of (long qt) heart rate.
Then slowly added hydrocodone and oxycodone to the mix. Quit the extra meds, then tapered to 15mgs over the last year.
Have clonodine and benzos so gonna try and go to 10mgs now.

Funny my nurse practictioner says my overdose risk will go down because I am going to a half agonist.
Didn't tell him I wished to stay on methadone for pain as he thinks its in my head.
And kind of a junkie; so I am on the fence on what to do...
That doesn't involve suffering lol

 

[xyz69]

Ive been on methadone 20 years; I went down from 60 to 40 over 2008-2012; due to potential lengthening of (long qt) heart rate.
Then slowly added hydrocodone and oxycodone to the mix. Quit the extra meds, then tapered to 15mgs over the last year.
Have clonodine and benzos so gonna try and go to 10mgs now.

Funny my nurse practictioner says my overdose risk will go down because I am going to a half agonist.
Didn't tell him I wished to stay on methadone for pain as he thinks its in my head.
And kind of a junkie; so I am on the fence on what to do...
That doesn't involve suffering lol

Hi,
Ok. I completely understand your concern. Since I don't know you personally, it's natural to wonder if you might be tapering too quickly. But that doesn't seem to be the case.
What you're experiencing is quite unusual based on what I know. You might want to consider getting some blood tests done, like protein electrophoresis, albumin, and total protein, to check for any protein deficiencies.
Before my lung surgical intervention on the pleura for pleurisymany years ago, I was taking 100 mg of methadone but was still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They tried increasing the dose, but nothing seemed to work. The reason was that I had very low albumin levels. After receiving albumin infusions, the problem was resolved.
It's really strange that you're still in withdrawal despite a gradual taper. Perhaps a doctor or pharmacologist on this forum could provide more specific advice.
P.S. I've been offered buprenorphine many times but have always declined.
Best of luck

 

[lolis my thesis]

Thank you for your reply
will consider
Ive got some funky blood work in the past but have an appointment next week with a naturopath to ask more.
Who has had me on hydrocortisone from results of an original blood test and my adrenal dump/respon se to trauma which has plagued my since 30 yrs old. Now Im 56 and they haven't figured me out; ive failed in tapering pregabalin, clonazepam, and methadone.
All at once or separately. I would like to taper down from the 15, but also getting some blood work too.
Also having a surgery real soon so can get lots of blood work type info there too

 

[Keif' Richards]

I've gotten off Heroin innumerable times and I've withdrawn from Methadone Maintenance fully twice. My highest dose was 155mg at one point.

First off, if you intend to jump off at 100mg Methadone per day, get that thought out of your head. This will lead to nothing but bullshit for you. This is one of those things in life man. You ideally want to do it right the first time, as each successive time you go back to the starting line, you will have successively more bullshit hanging over your head from relapsing.

People (I'm not referring to you OP) can spend years on Methadone before abruptly deciding they need to quit. They think they're doing something noble when it's just that impulsive/addictive part of their brain telling them that something they want needs to be had that instant, not three months later. A rational person who did the research and knew what they were up against wouldn't decide to quit abruptly.

You need to taper. You should at least get down to 30mg for 5 consecutive days before trying any kind of withdrawal. Ideally, you taper all the way off. Even jumping off at 30mg is incredibly difficult for most people. The only people I've ever known to successfully withdraw abruptly from maintenance doses were within the walls of a prison or jail.

Start the taper. Test the waters. If it were me, I would do a taper over the course of 6 months. I know so many people are going to think that's overkill. I've done this myself and I've known many, many people who have tried and/or succeeded with this. I do not know everything, but I'm telling you now that this is something I know very well and you should take my advice if you want to succeed.

Even with a taper all the way to zero, you're likely going to need comfort medications to get you through the end. The drop from "something" to "nothing" is often incredibly jarring even if it's just 5mg Methadone or less. When there is actually nothing left on those receptors, you feel it.

You will have cravings. You will experience some Post-Acute Withdrawal, probably for 2-3 months. This time is critical, as a relapse can take all of that hard work and make it go poof.

I really recommend tapering. Once you're in a better place on your dosage, you can start figuring out your comfort medications.