Methadone Questions

[marcoman]

I'm 68 yrs old and been taking oxycodone and clonazapam for chronic pain for many years. Oxy 10mg 3x a day and K pins .5 3x a day. I don't abuse it. It helps me with my pain issues and I do admit I enjoy the euphoric feeling it brings. Without it I'm pretty much a cripple and it def' increases my quality of life where I can do stuff and stay active.

I was cut off on both of them about a year ago - and took about 6 months to find another doc who was OK scripting them. I worry it's just a matter of time before my new doc gets pressured by the FDA abd cuts me off again though.

I am on a few pain forums and have been reading about how many people are being cut off from all opioids (here in the USA) and the only push/narrative offers are Suboxone and Journvax. I don't want either of those.

I know nothing about methadone but some posters are suggesting to go that route. I may be open to that but I know nothing about it, the procedures to get it and to stay on it - and all the info surrounding it. I definitely need to research it out myself and do some reading )here and other places) But I like this forum as I can get advice straight from the horses mouth - so to speak.

What's the pros and cons of methadone? I really like oxycodone as it releives my pain, I don't feel all drugged up and get no side effects from it. What do y'all thingk about it? Is it worth looking into?

 

[Keif' Richards]

Wow, youre in luck because I just happen to be an authority on the subject.

Yes, the situation with Opioids in this country is the epitome of dark humor. Anyone who wasnt aware of the extreme misery would find it comical how poorly this has been managed over the past century.

Methadone is, unfortunately or fortunately, an easily accessible means of acquiring Opioids, whatever your intent is in using them.

Methadone is a loophole. You would have to fight tooth and nail to get 30mg Oxycodone per day, whereas you can start with a more potent equivalent dose of Methadone on day 1.

Ive heard all of the urban legends about Methadone. Ive taken the drug myself and I dont believe it has had any negative impact on my health aside from the obvious of making me dependent on Methadone.

Drugs with longer durations and slower onset of effect are typically perceived as less "enjoyable". Methadone is not as pleasurable as Oxycodone or Heroin, if you ask me. For someone with a lower tolerance to Opioids in general are more likely to be satisfied by it.

This is all unscientific and based mostly on subjective experience. I feel pretty confident in how ive portrayed the drug.

It is used in pain management every day.

At the clinic, you will have to tell them you're an addict. Im pretty sure that is still the way that goes.

They will start you on 20mg-30mg. You probably won't need more than that given your Oxycodone dose.

The big problem is that you will likely run into a wall regarding the Benzodiazepines. They are pretty much the one thing, even in an age of liberalization, that the clinics will not tolerate.

It is not a given that you will have to stop them. It will likely influence the speed at which you are granted take home medication at the very least.

On the coasts and in the cities at least, it is now much easier to get scripts than it has ever been.

It is typical, given clean UAs to start on a gradual introduction of take homes, probably within a month.

This goes typically, every other day, then twice a week, once a week, twice a month and as far as I know, once a month is the maximum.

You would likely spend 6 months or so getting to once a month status.

 

[Zopiclone bandit]

Drugs with longer durations and slower onset of effect are typically perceived as less "enjoyable". Methadone is not as pleasurable as Oxycodone or Heroin, if you ask me.

What kind of "high" do you get off it?
All it does for me is to stop me being sick.

 

[Keif' Richards]

Hey @Zopiclone bandit so it doesnt get me high, as I was once a heavy IV Heroin user. When the dose is right it just makes me feel normal.

If the dose is too high, I know because Im drowsy, want to nap, feel numb, sexual dysfunction etc.

If the dose is too low, restless legs at 3am-4am with some restless sleep. This will lead to more of a kick from the smaller dose, as it is pushing back against withdrawal, the relief is more noticeable if you follow me. However, the dose will not hold me properly.

Definitely no "high". You can get perhaps some extra anxiolysis from a higher dose. Essentially, a dose that is too high interferes with a person's ability to be fully functional and present. I have personal experience with this, trust me.

Ive had relationships fall apart due to the effects of Methadone mismanagement. You have to find the right dose and commit to it. Tapers need to be done at the right pace and you always need tp be mindful of how the drug is affecting your life.

 

[Dextro .45]

You SHOULD have detailed records of all your ailments and prescribed medications in the event you should see and new doctor. You’re an opioid tolerant patient and you desire to be on the LOWEST possible effective dose to minimize adverse effects, tolerance, etc, while relieving the strong pain you experienced

Oxycodone is an excellent opioid as it in a non-sedating analgesic as compared to morphine sulphate which causes mental fog, nausea, itching etc

I’ve been on Methadone 30mg …..when stopping Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) & Hydromorph-Contin and Oxy-IR 5mg & OxyContin 10mg ……for a more looooong acting potent opioid analgesic.

Methadone HCL (Metadol 25mg scored tablets) sealed 100 tablet factory bottle + more (120 tablets every 30 days plus Ritalin (Methylphenidate) 50-70mg IR daily …..plus Avizafone (Pro-Diazepam) “Valium” and Pregabalin (Lyrica)

This is 20+ years of tolerance and daily usage due to chronic pain