Opiate Withdrawal: Methadone Detox Facts

Question: How to deal with opiate withdrawals?

(Posted by: Help Please on 2009-08-21 19:02:46)

Hi, my dad is on 4 suboxone a day. He ran out of meds and I wasn't going to get him anymore and told him he needs to go through withdrawals. He started shaking real bad really really bad, took his clothes off, sweating, didn't know where he was at, what was going on or anything. I got him 2 suboxone and everything stopped. He has been taking 4 suboxone a day for 3 or 4 months. How can I get him off of these devil pills without him killing himself or dying? I will do anything in the world for him no matter the costs. Thanks

Posted by: KGSD on 2009-08-21, 19:10:23

The doctor who is prescribing these meds should follow a gradual reduction plan to get him off the meds. Why are you doing this on your own? It can be very dangerous to withdraw from opiates & can cause seizures. Please see your doctor to get a medically approved plan. If you absolutely will not go to a doctor, then you might try cutting his usual dose in half every week until he's off completely. Seeing a doctor is best, though.

Posted by: Alice on 2009-08-21, 19:10:32

I use to work in a detox... I do NOT recommend methadone, he will be on it for a while. Do exactly what you are doing. Taper him off the pills. Have him take two for right now, then in a few days down to one, then half of one. The thing about opiate withdrawals is that they are very painful, but it is very rare that people die from them. They just feel like they are dieing. Good luck.