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Real members of MyOpioidRecoveryTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

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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