Opiate Withdrawal: Methadone Detox Facts

Question: Is burning stomach pain part of opiate withdrawal?

(Posted by: mary e on 2008-07-14 00:17:37)

Day 4 of hubby's dilaudid detox after 5 mos. of from 20 to 6mg/ day prescribed for pancreatitis. Dr. said he's improved enough to get off dilaudid. His feet burn and his stomach pain moved up into his chest and he has numbness under his arms. Dr. gave him clonidine to help, but it doesn't much. Would love to hear from anyone whose done this. How long does the detox last?

Posted by: jaime on 2008-07-14, 02:48:00

3-5 days but he wont have any motivation to do anything and he will have horrible trouble sleeping for a month or longer. the other guy is right about not wanting anything to touch u. he will puke but not from nasea but because it feels like something in your throat is scratching and gagging u. he may puke and diarreah at the same time so keep a trash by the toilet. he will not sleep, he cannot sit or lay still, his skin will be very wet, he will feel hot and cold at the same time. he will do almost anything to make it go away. he will act like a child, he may cry. it is horrible to go through and to watch. the doctor should wean him. this is torture. i have never heard or felt any burning chest pain, muscle pain, pain in general but not of burning chest pain, and ive been through this more than i can count.

Posted by: Wupadoo on 2008-07-14, 00:58:25

He is just now into the withdrawl symptoms, and they will last another 3-5 days. Sorry, I have never been addicted, but I have been involved with people who are/ were. I know that their skin feels like it's crawling, they cant sleep, sit still, their weak,moody, and DON'T want to be touched. My first instinct was to hold them, and try to help sooth them, but any body contact is uncomfortable to them. It's hell for a few days, and the Clonidine will help......A little! It just takes the edge off....a little! Make sure he drinks fluids, and he probably wont eat much. He should be through it in a few more days. Then make sure he cant get more opiates (loratabs, percocets, etc.). The urge will be strong, opiates are very addictive, and if he has access to any, a person in withdrawl will want to take them. Then, they have to go through everything, all over again. Good luck, keep reassuring him that it will be better in a few days, and that it's all worth it.