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What Can Be Taken For Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms From Methadone Withdrawal?

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Posted on Sat, 8 Sep 2012
Question: What can my husband take for Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) from methadone withdrawal?
He was on it for 2 years and quit cold XXXXXXX off of 60 mg per day. He is having restless legs, bad headaches and insomnia!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (1 hour later)
Hi,
Welcome to XXXXXXX
Treating methadone addiction requires the same medication-assisted approach as treating heroin addiction. Luckily, however, there is now a drug that can help prevent withdrawal symptoms and other characteristics of detoxing off methadone without causing a similar replacement addiction.
That drug is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is the active ingredient in Suboxone and Subutex. The FDA approved it in 2002 for treatment of opiod addiction including heroin, oxycodone, methadone and others.
Suboxone offers a helping hand to methadone addicts by helping to reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms so that it’s possible to function in everyday life. It can be administered as an outpatient therapy or as part of a residential program depending on the individual. When the patient is ready, the dosage can be gradually stepped down without many of the harsh withdrawal effects.
These are prescription based medicine, so i advice you to see physician for further help.
Hope I have provided the information you needed.
Wish you good health. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (18 minutes later)
He is 3 weeks drug free. We have researched Suboxone and he doesn't want to trade one addiction for another. The problem now is his legs constantly aching and not being able to sleep. How much longer will this last and is there anything he can take over the counter that would help?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (23 minutes later)
Hello
Good to hear from you.

Depending on how long your husband (2 yrs) has been on the drugs and what dosage he had to take, Methadone withdrawal symptoms can last for several weeks or more.

It usually do not last more than 4 to 5 weeks. As it is already 3 weeks it will be better if he uses over the counter analgesic to relieve the pain, try using the topical preparations (cream/spray) first if it does not help you can try oral.

Hope i have cleared your queries. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Harish Naik

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Can Be Taken For Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms From Methadone Withdrawal?

Hi,
Welcome to XXXXXXX
Treating methadone addiction requires the same medication-assisted approach as treating heroin addiction. Luckily, however, there is now a drug that can help prevent withdrawal symptoms and other characteristics of detoxing off methadone without causing a similar replacement addiction.
That drug is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is the active ingredient in Suboxone and Subutex. The FDA approved it in 2002 for treatment of opiod addiction including heroin, oxycodone, methadone and others.
Suboxone offers a helping hand to methadone addicts by helping to reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms so that it’s possible to function in everyday life. It can be administered as an outpatient therapy or as part of a residential program depending on the individual. When the patient is ready, the dosage can be gradually stepped down without many of the harsh withdrawal effects.
These are prescription based medicine, so i advice you to see physician for further help.
Hope I have provided the information you needed.
Wish you good health. Take care.