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Posted 3/1/2009 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Just my 2 cents. Methadone somehow takes all your calcium and this is why you see methodone addicts with many teeth missing and looking half dead. I worked with a drug program years ago and am very biased against it, yet I understand we'll take anything not to have pain. These doctors that say you'll always have pain I don't understand, I may not know the whole story but I would bet some doctors won't bother to look further b/c it's easier to hand out drugs. Google meth detox, not a pretty site. I don't understand why only this is being offered. The sub is generally used to detox. I wish you the best and hope you find something and I wish the scientists would find something better than what they offer us. Blessings to you.
Posted 3/3/2009 8:58 AM (GMT 0)
Ahh Denim, Kinda scaring me there! I have been through and am still going through a lot. I have come to the point where I have been on and off, on and off all these meds for different things - my docs try so hard to always find the best things for me. I go to UCLA and all my docs are there (GI, Pain clinic, General, and Rhuem.) and any little decision they make, they ALL consult with each other to decide whats the BEST for me from ALL perspectives. So i guess i'm pretty lucky when it comes to that. I mean, I was literally bed-ridden from the arthritis which randomly hit me out of no where on top of everything else! I wondered and asked, why arthritis? Im so young and its so different from everything else I experience. And not only the docs, but other people I talked to on this forum as well assured me that from the way it came at me, and the way I was experiencing it, it definitely seemed crohns-related. I guess a lot of people are hit hard with something - wether it be arthritis, eye probs (which i also heard was part of it), etc. with the crohns/colitis/IBD thing. And then there are my regular inflammations, which are brought on by the TINIEST amount of stress, and as most of you might know, life is FULL of stresses. As a result of THAT, they try to kinda tackle it head on giving me some things to calm me down like Cymbalta so as to actually prevent inflammations. So along with that, comes other things to calm me down like the pain medicine for my pain of course. Soo..thats sort of how I'm stuck in the life of pain meds right now. I supose I could just continue to take pain meds until either it effects my liver, or I'm completely immune to them, having to keep always switching. So the idea of the meth, for me, is to stop that process. But falling teeth..i don't know that seems a bit too much to take!
Posted 3/3/2009 3:20 PM (GMT 0)

Yes Methadone is hard to come off of, yes it has a lot of side effects, and it also has a bad rap.  But, if I didn't take it I don't want to think of the pain I would be in.  Every drug has its downfalls.  Not just methadone.  So, don't be scared off by listening to just the bad things.  You should take a calcium suppliment if you're worried about it.  Take very good care of your teeth and they won't fall out.

Methadone has helped many people.. not just for pain management, but for opiate addiction as well.  It has its good points too.

Me.

Posted 3/3/2009 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
second me's statement. Plus, while on any prednisone or other corticosteriod, one should take an extra supplement of calcium. I get pill fatigue just from all the vitamins I have to take. (And it doesn't help that I have to take a handful of Asacol 2x a day...smaller than the Pentasa though).

I know how hard it is to find the proper med as my GI system doesn't digest things right...and yeah, got Liver dysfunction from the Crohn's too...and do you know how many meds go through the liver!...I hope this works for you.
Posted 3/3/2009 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
i have a question i asked my doctor about methadone and he said that if you ever decide to get off it, that you go through hell. is this true i mean after taking any pain meds for awhile and you get off of it you can go through some issues right? so then is methadone any worse cause io am taking oxycodone and i still hurt alot
Posted 3/3/2009 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Jess, I'm sorry, I should have thought better before I wrote. I hereby declare, if it works, and it agrees with you, it's your body and know best. It's true that it does somehow do something to the calcium but you can take extra calcium. I still wish we had a better selection. I think we have little to choose from and when you're in pain, you think I'll worry about it tomorrow. There are draw backs on them all. I guess because I saw so many people on methadone, it left me hating it for what it was doing to people--but they were also abusing it. I apologize. I also know someone trying to get off, so that added to the bias of my response. I say spend more money on a good pain reliever. I think my pain is from the "feel the burn" work out craze, that lasted almost 30 years for me. I would bet there are plenty like me that overdid it and haven't much of a choice in pain relief. I wish you the best. And am sorry.    

Posted 3/3/2009 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Someone asked if Methadone was more difficult to go off than other Opiods.
If have the same question. (I can't find their post. My apologies)

Pamela

I have gone off Oxycontin. It was no picnic basket. uh uh.
Posted 3/3/2009 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Jessi,
You are following what's best for you based on a lot of good medical advice. There are always horror stories that can be found, especially if you google something, but methadone is increasingly being used for pain. No drug is without side effects, and all of these medications cause physical dependence. That means they should never be discontinued abruptly, and without medical supervision.

But we also forget life with pain, or undermedicated pain, has side effects. I wish I could go back to a time when all I needed were occasional tylenol or advil, an occasional antibiotic for a sinus infection, but that is not my reality. I have not yet made total peace with that, but I have made peace with taking whatever medications will at least give me some pain relief. So please don't be scared off as long as you're following good medical advice.

PaLady
Posted 3/4/2009 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jessi. Sorry if I came in this topic late. But if you're still considering Suboxone remember that you have to be in mild to moderate withdrawals before you go on it. Since you're on Methadone I think you have to wait 72 hours because Methadone is such a long acting opiate.

Personally, I don't know if I could put myself through that. If you take Suboxone right away you'll go into something called Precipiated Withdrawals. Not pleasant I hear. This is because Suboxone has something called Naloxone in it. A drug that commonly used for opiate overdoses.

I was on Suboxone for a bit, and I found that did hardly anything for my pain. It is suppose to be 50 times stronger then morphine though. Good news is that getting off Suboxone is fairly painless. Subs will block all other opiates from working. So, you can't take for example Vicodin and Suboxone together. You'll get no effect from the Vicodin.

Also, you have to put Suboxone under the tongue. The taste is horrible, imo. cry

Posted 3/4/2009 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
Dave, I don't quite understand what you mean by the "precipiated withdrawls." I mean, I'm on methadone right now, and supposing my insurance approves me taking Suboxone, than I will stop the meth under the detailed instructions of my doc, then he has a prescription of Tylenol 3 waiting for me to take for a while BEFORE I start the Suboxone. So then are you saying even after I do all that, when I start the suboxone I will just feel withdrawal symptoms? And for how long?? Also, when you say "Subs" are you talking about the subs of the suboxone - that they will block all opiates from working but that the Suboxone itself will not act that way?

Denim, you don't have to apologize but I appreciate it anyway! I was just kinda freaked out - as anybody would be I'm sure - after hearing that there is a chance their teeth may fall out! I'm only 22! But as the others said I'm sure if I take care (which I'm really bad at) and if I take calcium I should be ok...? Anyways I'm sorry for your bad experiences with it..I would definitely feel that way too if I saw/heard what you did.
Still unsure of what to do exactly..only time will tell, but thank you ALL for your support!
Posted 3/5/2009 12:05 AM (GMT 0)

Jessi21 said...
Dave, I don't quite understand what you mean by the "precipiated withdrawls." I mean, I'm on methadone right now, and supposing my insurance approves me taking Suboxone, than I will stop the meth under the detailed instructions of my doc, then he has a prescription of Tylenol 3 waiting for me to take for a while BEFORE I start the Suboxone. So then are you saying even after I do all that, when I start the suboxone I will just feel withdrawal symptoms? And for how long?? Also, when you say "Subs" are you talking about the subs of the suboxone - that they will block all opiates from working but that the Suboxone itself will not act that way?

Jessi, I don't want to scare you or anything but if you have any opiates in your system when you take your first dose of Suboxone you will go into Withdrawals. Those are called Precipiated Withdrawals. The Naloxone will kick in. This is why you must be in mild to moderate withdrawals before you take your first dose to avoid this. Another way to avoid this is to ask for Subutex. That's still the same drug but without the Naloxone. It costs a bit more though.

They put Naloxone in Suboxone to stop people from abusing the drug(crushing up the pills and snorting it or shooting it up via needle). This is why they give the drug to addicts in opiate replacement therapy. Along with the fact that it's a super long acting opiate that has a half life of 36 hours.

But don't take my word for it, please...talk to your doctor. I myself was told I had to wait 24 hours before my first dose. I was taking Vicodin then which is a shorter acting opiate then Methadone. Also, "Subs" is short for Suboxone. :) 

Posted 3/8/2009 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
   Jessie21,    I have been on methadone 10 mg 5x a day for almost 4 years and I have severe dry mouth and constipation but I take about 4 other drugs that also cause those side effects. I take ms contin 30 mg x 2 with it and the combination helps my pain. The methadone doesn't make me sleepy but the ms contin does. I also take baclofen for muscle spasms and it makes me sleepier than all the others. I have gotten in the habit of taking sennacot every night after dinner to help with a bowel movement. I did gain weight but that was because I fell and was inactive for 2 years and depressed also so all I did was eat. I'm dieting now and methadone doesn't make me eat more. It helps my back pain better than anything else ever has but it it very hard to get off of. The subaxone is about the only way to get off methadone and it is so expensive that my insurance probably won't cover enough for me to pay the difference. I guess I will keep taking the methadone. If you have to pay cash it is real cheap. I was on percoset 650 x 4 a day and they cost 225 a month. When I changed to methadone it cost 35.   Hang in there.
Posted 3/9/2009 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Toothbrush Talk for Methadone users:

Have two or three tooth brushes. Make sure they are dry before you use them.
I believe I've read that bacteria are dead when the brush is dry.

I give my tooth brush a little help by soaking it in Alcohol. Rubbing Alcohol! After
it soaks I rinse it real well and then let it dry.

I've heard that you can put your toothbrush in the dishwasher and that you can
microwave your brush. I haven't tried these procedures nor do I advise them.

I don't like the idea of a toothbrush lurking in the dishwasher. I worry about what
could happen in the microwave.

Pamela Neckpain, Constant Flosser
Posted 3/9/2009 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
P.S.

I take Methadone. It works better than any other Opiod medication that I've tried.
It's hard for me to understand why anyone would take this for a high.

It's just not that!

Pamela

Anybody know? confused
Posted 3/10/2009 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Uniquelyme, you seem very well informed as to methadone and it's +'s and -'s. I too take Methadone( 50mg TID) as well as hydromorphone 8mg (Diluadid) QID for BT. As for the weight gain, it's gotten me to! I crave sweets but, also think that for whatever reason Methadone leads to fluid build up in your body. Espically in the face and abdominal areas. I've had the constipation also. Miralax helps greatlly! Methadone was a life safer for me. I love it's long half life and length of analgesic effect. I would suggest that you do not switch to another opoid. I have found that once I became tolerent to Methadone, NO other opoid or opiate has ANY effect. You may ask your doc for hydromorphone or morphine for BT, instead of oxycodone. I have found that seem to "kick in" the methadone better and keep it effective for a longer duration. I love it when I find someone who is WELL informed on these message boards. For to often it seems that people speak without experience(very much at least) or knowledge of there subject. Lastly, you may be on the max dose your doc will prescribe, but, not the maxium by state law. Because in opiods that don't contain NSAIDS (acetaminophen, ibuprohen, aspirin, etc..) there is noo limit. Follow the link at the top of the page to the opiate dosage guide. You may want to print it and take it to your doc. If your not comfortable doing that, you may find it interesting at the least. Best of wishes in controlling your pain. Hang in there one day at a time and live each day like it's your last, because one day you WILL be right!!

B & D
Posted 3/10/2009 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
B & D,

I agree, Uniquelyme IS wonderfully well informed. I've been listening to her for
sometime now.

I hate to say this but sometimes those of us who are just about the least informed
know more than some of our doctors.

Thank you for your information. I thought I was at the limit of Methadone also.
I need more. We'll see.

SCARY!!

Pamela shocked
Posted 3/10/2009 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jesse:

I'm 29 and have been on methadone since 2003. I, too, felt sick while I was adjusting. It honestly took me about 6 months to feel right. The first few weeks were very hard..I felt dizzy and tired and nauseated quite often. After that, those symptoms went away but I would get tired very easily and nod off here and there (not when driving just when I was already sleepy or bored). I was in law school at the time and would frequently nod off in class. Luckily, all my professors knew what was going on with me and they understood!!

I was never told about any problems with calcium depletion and I've never had an issue (though I take vitamins anyway). I was told not to drink grapefruit juice, as it can increase the concentration of methadone. Also, meth. has a longer half life than other meds so you CANNOT take more than is directed..there is a greater risk of overdose. The teeth thing may be related to the fact that methadone, and other meds, cause dry mouth which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Make sure you floss regularly and get regular dental check ups.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care and hang in there!

Danimal
Chronic Stimulation- a blog on living with a neurostimulator
http://chronicstimulation.blogspot.com/
Posted 3/10/2009 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Methadone has been my lifesaver.

Specifically, for me morphine sulphate 30mgx3 on top of methadone 10mg x(20-10-20) work where some others (Fentanyl patches had zero! effect) were of no help.
This is neuropathic pain from Diabetes. My other saver is Cymbalta 60mg x2 on top of Lyrica 150mg x3.

Any of these by itself does no good whatsoever; in combination as above they give some relief.

Anyone else have combination pain relief like this?
Posted 3/10/2009 8:23 PM (GMT 0)

Pamela Neckpain said...
P.S.
I take Methadone. It works better than any other Opiod medication that I've tried.
It's hard for me to understand why anyone would take this for a high.

It's just not that!

Pamela

Anybody know? confused

I asked this same thing of my PM. He said that some get different reactions than others. He has had one guy who was a heroin addict who came in for 10 years getting 10mg Methadone a day. He's had others that come in and get 200mg/day every morning. Each of these were on 'maintenance' such that they were 'normal' with those doses - not craving and not high.

I don't think I could get high from Methadone if I wanted to. I'm sure I'd get sick or die before I got to any fun.
Posted 3/10/2009 9:02 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you very much....I think I would rather be knowledgable about anything else besides methadone....Ya know what I mean?

 

But, unfortunately I had to do a great deal of research so I knew what I was taking.  I do like how well it works on my pain, but I think I might need to switch my BT meds like you said.  I don't know if my Dr. would be willing to increase my methadone or not, but I am going to bring it up at my next appt. on the 25th.

 

As far as getting "High" on the methadone: The only "high" feeling I ever get in an increase in energy and talking more then people would like..ha ha, but that always happened when I took any pain meds.

 

So, if anybody has any questions about taking methadone feel free to get in touch.  My office is open Mon-Fri, 9-3.  Just kidding  rolleyes tongue

 

Me.

Posted 3/11/2009 12:25 AM (GMT 0)

Uniquely and Pamela,

I know exactly what you all mean!  I wish I had never seen a methadone.  Or that I know that Percocet is oxycodone/acetaminaphen comes in doses of  2.5, 5, 7.5, & 10mg, with 325 of acetaminaphen and that it is a C II narcotic.  ETC, etc....  BUT, since I do and I have to take them (opiates), I like to be informed also.  My friends refer to me as "a walking PDR!"  So you get the energy too.  Around here we call the talking thing: ratchet jaw!  I get nothing but an energy boost and want to talk and talk and talk, until, I relax and then good night.  I find it comforting to know that there are others out there who go through the same problems and experiences I have to.  I USED to think I was alone!  Good luck in getting your increase.  My guess is it will depend on your relationship with and how long you've seen your PM doc.  Also if he/she is scared of the DEA or would rather accommidate your pain needs.  Luckilly I have a very understanding doc who really cares about my pain level and quality of life.  I have found that they are FEW AND FAR BETWEEN!  I live in KY and we have KASPER( Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Register) and sometimes I think they run the show!  I'm sure you can relate.  Let me know. 

 

P.S.  Do any of you ever go to pharmer.org?  They have great forums also. They have a pill identifier, a chronic pain forum, and all info on ever drug (prescription and OTC)

 

B &  D

Posted 3/11/2009 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
As for coming off of Methadone.  I would'nt wish it on my worst enemy!  Skin crawls, you can't get comfortable, sweat and then chills, gooseflesh.  Basically the whole nine!  I take benzo's also.(Xanax)  God forbid you have to come off both at the same time.  I made it 45 days and was still in misery.  Starting to feel better physically(a little) but the mental thing was unbearable!  I had two siezures and ended up in the ER.  Thankfully they put me back on my meds and called the PM doc I was waiting to get into(because the one I was going to had moved to another state) and got me in the next week!  NEVER AGAIN! Knock on wood!
Posted 3/11/2009 11:07 AM (GMT 0)
Tony and Bones,
I can barely see. My eyes have become tiny pink shrimp.
I Morphine and 1 1/2 Xanax.
You answered my questions.
I will try pharmer.org,


Pamela rubs her eyes aand wonders if she can gather her cat and climb the
ladder to the loft with the cat. Will I hurt me? The cat?

Night night.
Posted 3/11/2009 1:28 PM (GMT 0)

Here is some info on Methadone...It's actually the handbook they give you when you go to a treatment center for methadone maintainence...

http://www.camh.net/Care_Treatment/Resources_clients_families_friends/Methadone_Maintenance_Treatment/mmt_client_hndbk.pdf

Me.

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