I am new and need some advice

[bethany40]

Hi .. I am new here .. and I have some questions ..

I have been on methadone for 3 weeks at a very low dose, I started off with 40mg and it made me so lethargic I couldn't function. I have gone down 5mg almost every 3-4 days. I am down to 15mg and doing well, but I want off this med as it has been causing so many issues. I am on pain managemnet for my rotator cuff. I want off the methadone and thinking of just stopping it now that I am down to 15mg and only have been on it 3 weeks and just taking my hydrocodone instead as the methadone is too strong. Will I get any withdrawels from the methadone only being on it 3 weeks at a low dose and with going back to the hydrocodone?

thanks

 

[lovegluegunnin]

Chances are, you're going to experience some withdrawals but not very severe at the end of the tapering process. The Norco (hydrocodone) should definitely help as well.

You're welcome, and welcome to the community!
Feel free to message me once you become a bluelighter. You'll be able to send PM's once you make 50 posts.

 

[oldirtybizza]

Please contact your physician regarding your methadone taper, do not suddenly stop taking your dose, unlike other opiates methadone elongates the QT interval in the hearts electrical cycle, although your dose is not especially high you should exercise caution to avoid tachycardia and related potentially fatal cardiac symptoms.

Methadone withdraw can be fatal, you shouldn't take any undue risks especially considering you are using other opiates and seem to be sensitive to methadone side effects.

 

[bethany40]

Not sure where you got your info from olddirty but I talked to the DR yesterday who also is a cardiologist and he said its only dangerous when you are on high levels of methadone and stopping cold turkey is not fatal.. it may be painful, but its not fatal he said. its better to taper down to avoid withdrawals. He said the only time that methadone really becomes a threat to the QT prolongation is when you are on high levels of methadone and 15mg is very very low he said. In fact, he said, if people do have issues with cardiac symtoms, they are told to stop it immediately.

I am tapering every 5 days till I am off and using the hydro as a breakthrough ... just thought I would let you know that I spoke to the cardiologist.

 

[Jojomonkeygirl]

Methadone withdrawal can be fatal? I went from 80 to 85 mg/day today. The dr told me that when I'm ready I will have to taper off- not because of death, but because I will feel so bad I will want to die. 15mg is very low... I would still taper off though. Methadone blocks opiates from my system because of my high dose, but I was told that is no longer true after tapering down to 30. I'm glad I got off the opiates- I abused them- but I MISS THEM!!!! Good luck.