Methadone: Methadone Detox Facts

Question: Will i withdrawl from methadone after taking a low dose for a few days?

(Posted by: Devon on 2009-06-09 14:54:58)

I have been taking pain pills for about 5 years now due to a back injury. I do not take many at all, either about 5 reg vics a day (no more than 2 at a time) or maybe 4 7.5 percs a day (no more than one at a time) Problem is I want to stop taking them but I go thru a mild to moderate withdrawal. I hate the fact my body is dependant on them. So I have been taking a half of a 10mg methadone twice a day to help me thru the withdrawal from the vics or percs. This seems to help, and is enough to do the trick, but my question is, after taking a half of a 10mg methadone once or twice a day for about days will this help me quit the pills without withdrawal, or once the methadone is out of my system will I start the cycle over? I have a low tolerance to pain pills still thank god, I have managed to not over due the usage, but I hate the way I feel if I do not have them and I want so bad to get this over with and never touch them again... pain or not! Can someone please give me some insight! My whole plan was to stop the pain pills and make 3 or 4 10mg methadone last me days or more, then stop taking them and bypass the crappy feeling! Will this work, or will my body become dependant on the methadone after a low dose like that for a few days? And will I then go thru methadone withdrawals? Pain pill withdrawals all over, or what??? Please help! K but taking them for a few days, will that cause me to withdrawal from them? Will this help the withdrawal from the pain pills at all? Or once they are out of my system will the withdrawal from the perc/ vics start all over?

Posted by: misunderstood1229 on 2009-06-13, 06:50:39

To answer your question yes. It don't take a much time for the body to become dependent on methadone. Opiates, methadone included replace your natural opiate receptors, which is the body's natural painkiller. Withdrawal is so excruciating because your system is trying to replenish and rebuild itself from the toxins, that are stored in your intestines, kidneys and muscle tissues. Luckily, you will not be in severe pain, as someone who been using 120mg for 5 years (like myself). As the gentlemen above me stated, you would be better off tapering the vics slowly. In conclusion, the severity of withdrawal symptoms depend on the dosage, and length of time of usage. I have faith that you will defeat this demonic demon. If you need someone to chat with on those days where your at your breaking point, feel free to reach me on yahoo msg (same name).

Posted by: David H on 2009-06-09, 15:25:46

I would suggest moving away from the methadone and sticking to your vics. Lower the dosage. Since you're not abusing and just using it for pain, slowly weening yourself off is the way to go. It will be uncomfortable and you will experience strong withdrawal symptoms but if you cold turkey you'll be in hell for days. Just contemplate what you're using and why. Chemically methadone is made to fulfill those who go through withdrawal from heroin, the MOST ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE on the planet. I'd highly suggest staying away from the stuff. Withdrawal from two drugs at once would be nearly unbearable.