Methadone
 

I just saw a new PM doc and he would like me to try a very small dose of methadone. Does anyone use it? It is kinda freaking me out!!

Thanks for any info

Deb

Hey there,

I switched pms about 3 months ago and he wanted to try me on methadone. I was very scared at first, however, the morphine wasnt working and all the other meds had stopped working so I thought I would give it a try. So far, it has been the best pain medicine I have tried. Im still at a lower dose, I take 10mg every 8 hours, but that is all I need. I have my norco for breakthrough pain, which I dont use as much and I have titrated down on the others because the methadone is taking alot of the pain away. Make sure your pm is knowledgable about methadone pain mgmt, the pill is constructed in such a way that it has a very long half life. So you have to take it just as prescribed to be safe, normally they will start you off at a very low dose, even if you were on a higher dose of another opiod. Just make sure you dont take more then is prescribed. Sometimes it takes a week or a few days to get the pain relief, so make sure you dont double up on those days because you havent felt the full effect yet. I understand why you would be worried, trust me I felt the same way! But Im telling you from my personal experience, it has been the best pain relief. It also has very few noticeable side effects, you can keep it at a low dosage for awhile, and it is dirt cheap!
Just do some research and ask your dr any questions, Im sure he can help you feel better about trying it.

I hope this helps, if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to pm me!

Hugs
Shannon

A new doctor I saw recently also recommended this. He told me he is a very cautious dr regarding prescribing medications and that he has seen great success with low doses of methadone for many pain patients. In fact he said that was practically all he prescribes now. We agreed that I would keep it open as an option should my lidocaine in fusions stop working.

MsL

Thanks
 

Thanks so much for your reply- you made me feel so much better- He is prescribing me 5mg and I told him I will probably cut it in 1/2. I have not been on much as far as pain meds so my tolerance is very low. If I take 1/2 a vicodin I am buzzed. So I will try not to be scared to take 2.5mg I visit the doc next week again- he did sound very knowledgeable.

Hugs
Debbie

I have taken many different pain medications and find that the methadone is the easiest to tolerate and just helps with the pain without any weird side affects, I also take percocet for break through pain. The one think you do have to be careful with the methadone is if you take any other type of anxiety medication your pharmacist might be able to explain it better then I. The reason for that is that both methadone and anxiety medications slow down the heart rate so you just have to be careful. As I said previously the methadone works the best so it doesn't make other symptons come on which cuts down on other meds. In my opinion it's a win win situation. Also methadone is very inexpensive. I have been on 6 or 7 medications at one time in the past but since I started the methadone all I take is the methadone and percocet for break through. It feels good to look in my medicine cabinet and not see 10 bottles of medication, that was depressing me in itself. It works the best for me. Good Luck....


Gabbycakes:)

Im so happy that everyone else has had the good experience I have. I think its a great idea to take it slow and easy when starting and Im certain your dr can help you find the perfect dose for you. I have read that when you start the methadone, you want to stay on the same dose for about 4 days or so. Say you want to break it in half every 8 hours, make sure you do that for about 4 days to a week or longer before you move up-if you do. You just want to make sure you slowly introduce it because it has a long half life. I started on the 5 mg 3 times a day also and now I am at 10mg 3 times a day and I have no need to move up right now. Also, something you will find with methadone is that once you are used to it, you dont really feel it like with other narcotics. Personally I can barely tell that I have taken a pain pill when I take my dose, so you can actually feel less dopey and be able to enjoy your day without feeling spaced out.
The only thing I noticed when I began the methadone was when I took my breakthrough meds, they felt a little more intense. So if you take breakthrough meds you may want to take 1/2 your normal dose until you are used to the effects, especially if you are more sensitive to the effects of narcotics.

Just sharing my experience, feel free to also call your pharmacist or dr if you have any other questions. I know I called my pharmaist with a list of questions with my first prescription of methadone. lol
I hope your pain level will go down, please keep us posted with how it works for you!

Hugs
Shannon

TY
 

Thanks again for your responses. Should I expect to feel a little loopy in the beginning?

2.5 mg is probably plenty for a first try. Some people find it a powerful analgesic. It has an odd effect on me. Rather than relieving my pain when I take it it eases it the following day. The doc wanted me to get up to 80mg to install the pump but I couldn't even come close. I couldn't take it every day without getting panic attacks when it started wearing off.

Do be very careful with this at first. It is extremely constipating. It is best to take this with metamusil and lots of water. Take a little senecot at night. You might want to have suppositories on hand just in case. There might be some small chance that constipation is related to diverticulosis so be forewarned.

I'd get a little "stoned" on the methadone which I didn't really want but it actually became a little pleasant over time, perhaps since I associated with pain relief. I did get addicted but it wasn't too hard to kick. I am afraid to go back on it but ONLY because I liked it and consider it a last resort.

WC Fields said a man without vices is like a sinking ship with no ballast to throw overboard. I'd say a man on his last "vice" can't afford to be a sinking ship.

info i found-

[Before using methadone
Taking methadone improperly will increase your risk of serious side effects or death. Even if you have used other narcotic medications, you may still have serious side effects from methadone. Follow all dosing instructions carefully. Methadone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Methadone should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine (examples include codeine, morphine, Oxycontin, Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, and many others). You should also not take methadone if you are having an asthma attack or if you have a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.

Before taking methadone, talk to your doctor if you have:

*
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";
*
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
* liver or kidney disease;
*
underactive thyroid;
*
curvature of the spine;
*
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
*
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
*
low blood pressure;
*
gallbladder disease;
*
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
*
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
*
mental illness; or
*
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.]
more -
http://www.drugs.com/methadone.html
http://www.rxlist.com/dolophine-drug.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/methadone...et/article.htm

I felt just a little loopy at first, but honestly that passed about 2 weeks in and now I can hardly tell im taking anything. Of course everyone metabalizes differently, so you might have a different experience. I was taking morphine and other meds prior and no matter how much I was used to the dosage, I could always tell I was on something. Now I really have very few side effects, its been amazing for me.

Good luck!

Shannon

Loopy
 

I won't repeat all of the reassuring things already said. I think you have had some great responses. I, too, was really freaked about going on methadone. I have always told all of my PM docs that I was afraid of addiction or getting totally 'zoned out.' But, I had always been assured that meds taken for pain will not do that. Only recreational use leads to addiction. (That's an over-simplification, but generally true.)

I have never felt loopy from any of these kinds of drugs, even the methadone. This is why you start small and work up until you get the relief expected, and no more. I ended up taking about eight times more than my starting dose. A good PM doc will know how to help you manage this.

Mike

TY
 

Thanks Mike- I am so glad I have you guys!!!!

Hi Debbie
 

Hi Debbie,
I haven't ever tried the methadone, but I see you got some great responses, here. I just wanted to jump on and say hello! We haven't spoken in a while and I wanted to send you my best wishes. I can see you are still being strong and doing what you can to move through this challenge that faces all of us. We've got a great group of support here, haven't we? All the best Debbie,:hug:Di

Thanks
 

Thanks Diana- I think that is all we can do! How is the HBOT going?

research
 

I was told it was only used in the UK and noy FDA approved and what I saw said they would have to not you in a coma for 3 days Im not sure how to spell it but it was called KITERAL.

Hubby doesn't have RSD but takes Methadone for his ms and it works very well. He had some trouble at first getting the dosage right but we just pulled back and titrated up slowly. He was taking Fentanyl before that.

TY
 

Thanks Sandy- another good response- I am getting my courage up to take a small dosage!

WOW to think that we have to take such strong meds, for are pain

I was ask about taking this and after someone I knew killed them self after being on it, just freaks me out :eek:

My Dad took Methadone for his cancer pain.

The Hospice nurse explained that it isn't for immediate relief. It actually takes about 3 hours to work. It builds up in the blood over time to manage your pain.

She did say that taking more than recommended by your doc could kill a person that wasn't used to it.

Good luck to you.

Results
 

Feel like such a failure- Took half the pill..made me dizzy and anxious cause I couldnt take my xanax. Finally wore off around 12am -took my xanax and had a very weird restless type sleep. Don't want to do it again- just stinks that we have to deal with this. I JUST WANT TO BE NORMAL! I am mad at myself for not being able to do this

Debbie, Jim takes his zanax with methadone. Are they wanting you to titrate the methadone first before adding in the zanax? I'm sorry you had such a bad night. :hug: Maybe give the pharmacy or your doctor a call and ask if you can take your zanax and if what you experienced was a side effect of the two together?

Hi Debbie;
Just thought I would let you know I have been on Methadone for the last year now for my RSD. I have taken it several times with Xanax. Normally I take Oxy, Methadone, Lyrica and Cymbalta - I feel like a pharmacy alot! I do have to admit it has helped my pain. The methadone has to be taken for awhile to build up in your system. I felt no side effects from it. But, it took me several months of my dr suggesting I take it before I started - mainly because of the stigma attached to it. It is such a big step to try to get pain relief. The first several days of taking it I did not feel good, but I think I was so aprehensive of taking it - I mentally made it harder than it was - I kept looking for bad side effects that would effect me even though there was none. Perhaps, call the pharmacy to see what they say about the Xanax. Then give yourself say a week to try it. I'm not sure if your dr prescribed it at nite - but maybe take it in the afternoon so it wont disturb your sleep. It has helped me with the pain - if you can do it - I suggest trying it. RSD is the pits - I hope you have a better nite!:winky:

Hi. My last PM doc suggested this for me but was concerned with some prior health issues that put me at a very high risk for complications. So I am going to get another opinion. He did say that it can be very helpful though for the right person with rsd.
Debbie try not to be so hard on yourself. You tried and not all meds are right for everyone. Can you talk to your doctor about what happened and your fears? I too wish I could be "normal" . It is hard battle but you are not alone though I know it can feel like that. Hope you feel better

Debbie,

What happened is in no way the result of you being a "failure." It just points out (to all of us!) that everyone reacts differently. This will be especially true with the handful of other drugs many of us are. I'm glad you gave it a try, though. This can be important information to the doctor for other, future, prescriptions. Be sure to let him/her know exactly what happened. Make notes as detailed as possible right away, before memory fades from the particulars.

This is also a reminder to everyone to make sure every doctor and pharmacist you deal with knows everything you take, even over-the-counter medications. Prescribing is a real tricky balancing act.

I am glad you are OK now! Good luck,

Mike

Methadone should be one of the BEST meds for RSD
 

Based upon my experience, all should set aside any stigmas attached to the use of Methadone to take advantage of it's unique properties in the battle against neuropathic pain. As most know, opiods are not very effective for controlling the large amouts of pain associated with RSD and even when getting on very large doses, the pain management is usually only adequate at best for a limited period of time. Methadone is unique in that while it is a narcotic and provides pain relief, it also effects the NMDA receptor of the brain, currently believed to be one of the major receptors, thus enablers, of neuropathic pain. This is why KETAMINE is so popular for the treatment of RSD, 'cause it is a strong blocker of the NMDA receptor as a primary mechanism of action. So, for those who are looking at Ketamine but are worried about the stigma of Methadone, look towards this cheaper alternative that is more available and for which doctors understand more and are more open to the real uses. Methadone is one of the most studied drugs around and despite the current abuses making things difficult for patients (as usual) it remains a great weapon against pain.

I am just weaning off of methadone after trying it for several weeks with horrible results. It didnt work for me at all. I was on a moderate dose but my pain has been excruciating. I am going back to my fentanyl & then I will maybe try MS Contin eventually. My fentanyl was so high we were looking fr something different. I really wanted this to work because I wasnt as tired & the side effects were just less. But the pain coverage was horrible for me. I had heard such good things & was so excited for something better. I dont understand it.
Low pain wishes & hugs, Denny

Hi Denny , Have you tried Opana eR to replace fentynal?
 

Hi Denny, JUst wanted to see if you had tried Opana er to replace Fentnal?? It was like a miracle drug for me. I had level 8-9 pain that nothing was working on any more including Fentynal, I now take, ( yes high doses but its working)-40 mgs am and pm of Opana with oxycodone 30mg 4x a day for breakthrough Good luck,, cz

Hi Debbie,
 

I was on Methadone for over 6 years. I was able to go off of it about 6 months ago but I do have to take it occasionally for the pelvic pain. I had to take it last night. I took 2 1/2 mgs. and when I saw it wasn't doing any good I took the other half after a couple of hours.

What I found with the pelvic pain it is different then the RSD pain in other areas. It just seems harder to calm down when it starts. It has calmed down though after about 3 hours so I am thankful for that.

Our goal was to get me off meds completely. My Dr. is semi retired and he wanted to get me doing better so if and when he does retire I will have time to find another Dr. if he doesn't get me one. I see a new Pelvic Pain Dr. next week and hope he will help with this part of my pain. I've seen 2 gyno's and the problem with them is that I have a diagnoses that neither believed in. It's another one of those that Drs. question such as they have Fibro and a few others.

Back to the subject. I loved the Methadone. I was able to stay at a half of a 5 mg. for almost all of the 6 years until the pelvic pain became worse and I had to up it to 5 but we have gotten the pelvic pain to where it's not everyday so that is a blessing but the flares keep me from taking other meds I need.

I do think it's one of the best meds out there for pain and it's the cheapest at around 40. so if people donot have insurance they might be able to afford it. More and more Drs. are using it for pain.

My side effects were very minimal. No one could tell I was on anything and I liked that. I didn't have to stay in bed as I had to before we found it and believe me, I tried everyone anyone here has tried.

I do believe one reason that it may bother some people is because they do start at too high of a dosage. I had one person tell me she was on 80mgs. I couldn't believe it but I could tell it.

As far as other meds, I tried Lyrica and Cymbalta and too many others to name which I couldn't take anyway but they were used with the Methadone for me.

Talk to your Dr. about it and maybe see if he thinks it's just a first reaction with it. If you aren't use to it then it will make you seem loopy at times. I notice that since I am not on it all of the time now.

I think it's safer then a lot of the other Narcotics they give. I heard on the news awhile back that there are more deaths with Vicoden and Ocycontin then others. I don't think people overtake them intentionally but when your pain level is through the roof, it's get it calmed down or give me a gun and one bullet feeling. I have that feeling at times with the pelvic pain and I remember how bad I was when I first started with the Fibro, RSD, IC and other issues.

Sorry this is so long and again, I think of you guys often but I am trying hard to get to a point to where I am doing better with my gastro issues as well as the pelvic pain.

I don't even spend too much time on the computer due to trying to get my weight back down and get my other issues calmed down.

Hope things start looking up for you Debbie.

Ada

TY
 

Thanks for all of your responses- The worse part of the methadone for me was the knot in my upper stomach area. I get this pain with some other meds to- All of the SSRIs, I couldnt eat - just had to lie around with a heating pad. So I can not tolerate the Meth. He gave me more Vicodine which I take on a limited basis and Zanaflex- Will see what happens

Thanks again

Deb

CZ, I tried opana last year. My side effects were terrible. Not to be graphic but I could not go to the bathroom on it. I tried everything under the sun. I went 7 days & was so sick. Pain control wise it was equal to my fentanyl. I didn't really have a great deal of benefit from it. Thanks for the info though.
Denny