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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Going Through Gradual Detoxification From Methadone. Suffer From Withdrawal Symptoms. Any Suggestions Regarding Vitamin Intake?

I was on methadone for approx 12 years. I have recently gone through a gradual detox of 1ml per day from when I got down to 10ml. I was successful in coming off the methadone but have been suffering minor withdrawal symptoms for the last 18 days. This has been going on while I have been on a course of Lofexidine, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and Prozac which I have taken for a number of years. I have tried to detox off the Lofexidine twice now, but each time my symptoms come back in a big way and I need to start taking Diazapam to calm me down and to help with my sleep pattern. Subsequently I keep needing to get my dose of Lofexidine put back up. I would like to know if it is okay to carry on with the Lofexidine treatment as I have been on it for 26 days now and although it seems to help with my symptoms, I Don't like it's side effects that it gives me. I would like to know what your opinion is of Lofexidine as part of my treatment, whether it would be a good idea to start taking any vitamins, etc, although I am eating quite well and drinking a lot of water. I am wondering how long I can keep this up for as I have read that withdrawal symptoms from methadone can last between 30 to 60 days.
Sun, 30 Jun 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi there ~

Although you do not mention what side effects of lofexidine you are having, it seems like they are bad enough to make you think of any other medication that will help with the withdrawals from methadone. I suggest that you consult you doctor who prescribed the lofexidine to find out if there are other approved medications in that category that would suit your needs. One alternative I usually give patients is Naltrexone and you might want to find out from your doctor. Regarding vitamin intake, there are no vitamins that are forbidden in your treatment. Just make sure you take them in the appropriate doses and by consulting you doctor.

I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!
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Going Through Gradual Detoxification From Methadone. Suffer From Withdrawal Symptoms. Any Suggestions Regarding Vitamin Intake?

Hi there ~ Although you do not mention what side effects of lofexidine you are having, it seems like they are bad enough to make you think of any other medication that will help with the withdrawals from methadone. I suggest that you consult you doctor who prescribed the lofexidine to find out if there are other approved medications in that category that would suit your needs. One alternative I usually give patients is Naltrexone and you might want to find out from your doctor. Regarding vitamin intake, there are no vitamins that are forbidden in your treatment. Just make sure you take them in the appropriate doses and by consulting you doctor. I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!