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Stopping methadone

A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Subscriber asked a question 💭

Estonia's, I've been taken about a 100 mg a day. I've cut that down this year to 50A day. And then I had to go back up to 70, but the last couple of weeks I've cut it down to 30-30 5A day, and I'm wondering if I can quit for a couple of days, if I could have the be a believe it's called bupĥanortfrin. I been on methadone 19 plus years I went to I to hospital . I just don't t want severe withdrawals can you help p me please I have ambetter insurance and i believe y'all take it because my friend… read more

October 1
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myOpioidRecoveryTeam

First, it's clear how hard you've been working — going from 100mg down to 30-35mg after 19+ years on methadone is a really significant achievement. That takes real strength and commitment.

To answer your question: stopping methadone suddenly, even at 30-35mg, is not recommended. Quitting "cold turkey" can cause severe and Show Full Answer

First, it's clear how hard you've been working — going from 100mg down to 30-35mg after 19+ years on methadone is a really significant achievement. That takes real strength and commitment.

To answer your question: stopping methadone suddenly, even at 30-35mg, is not recommended. Quitting "cold turkey" can cause severe and even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, especially after long-term use. Regarding buprenorphine (that's the medication you're thinking of!), it is a real option for some people transitioning off methadone. However, timing matters a lot. A person generally needs to be in a certain stage of withdrawal before starting buprenorphine, otherwise it can trigger sudden, severe withdrawal symptoms.

This is absolutely a conversation to have with a healthcare provider before making any changes. Here are some important steps to consider:

- Do not stop methadone abruptly — even at your current lower dose
- Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss switching to buprenorphine safely
- Be honest about your full history, including your 19+ years on methadone and your recent taper
- Ask specifically about the transition process from methadone to buprenorphine and what withdrawal management looks like

Regarding insurance — this service isn't a medical provider and can't confirm coverage or appointments. Calling the number on your Ambetter insurance card directly would be the fastest way to find a covered provider near you.

October 1
A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member

Ohh wow, still not feeling too good. It's been since June 19 last dose. I did get on fetynyl. Even tho I'm using , I still felt the effects of long term use of methadone. Now it's been 3 months and I can honestly say the methadone is gone. Out of my system comply. I'm facing surgery . And the Dr put me on a statin. The side effects are bad. Feels like I'm walking in cement. Great.. damn..
Still using fetynyl. Dime in the morning. A dime in the evening. I was in a gram a day recently.
Quitting smoking is what my Dr is most concerned with.
I'm quitting everything I've become comfortable with in my life span. I guess I'll try to manage my life in this new plan.

October 9
A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member

Good luck on your new plan. I wish you the very best. One question, how do you intend to get off the fetynal? I hear that it is a way worse withdrawal than heroin.
If you want to talk about it, I am here for you.
Mary

October 9
A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member

So you completely stopped at 11mg a day? How long before you felt like yourself again?
I was on 145mg a day of Methadone then tapered to 115mg a day. We did it by lowering my dose 5 mg every 2 weeks. When I got t 115 I decided to stop the taper. I have gone through withdrawal from heroin many times. Thank God that I was already in recovery before fetynal replaced heroin. That is a withdrawal that I never want to experience. So with having fetynal everywhere I turn, I decided to stay on Methadone. Like just in case, you know. I have so many problems with the constipation especially since I have gotten older. I am 58 I started Methadone like 42 or 43.
I'm just scared of what could happen if I taper all the way. So how long did it take for you to feel like yourself again?
If you ever want to talk I am here.
Thanks
Mary

October 8
A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member

I just detoxed off of 11 years of methadone at 89 mg. . It took 8 months. 2 mg weekly , then 1 mg. I walked away at 11 mg. June 19. For 2 months I felt the effects of it leaving my system. I thought I felt most of the detox withdrawals while I was detoxing the 8 months.
This is what I've been feeling. Learning to stay asleep. Sweats come all of a sudden. Sticky sweet sweat. Emotional. Muscle cramps. Stomache messed up. Feels empty but nothing really tastes good. No. I mean no energy.
It's now mostly gone. I worked thru all of this..as a janitor. Physical work. I'm 61.. I tell you this bc to show you it's possible. It's rough. It's possible.
Follow a plan, stick to it best as you can. Rely on the detox the clinic will help you find is comfortable. I would Absolutely Not recommend walking away cold turkey. Maybe your able. But you will feel it. All.
Good luck. Let me know. I'm here if you want to talk.

October 3

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