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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Methadone

Hi. I have been using methadone for the last 5 years, 40 mg a day. This was for the severe pain relief that i had due to back pain. Now i am positive for HLA 27 test which confirmed that i have ankylosing spondilitis. I am 40 years old. If i dont take methadone i will sweat, so much pain in my hands and legs also extremly feeling hot, etc..... can you please help as what i should do to get rid of using methadone please? Thanks
Mon, 27 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Methadone is an opioid drug that is used in opioid dependence. The drug is also used in pain conditions also. You have been taking the drug since last 5 years so abrupt stoppage of the drug at any time would precipitate withdrawal and this is the reason you are having symptoms like sweating on stopping the drug. Best way to reduce the doses is by gradual tapering of the doses. Try to reduce the dose by about 20% every two weeks and stop completely at about 8-10 weeks. Dose reduction in such slow manner will reduce the symptoms and will ease the withdrawal. Please talk to a psychiatrist for detailed prescription for weaning off the drug.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Methadone

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Methadone is an opioid drug that is used in opioid dependence. The drug is also used in pain conditions also. You have been taking the drug since last 5 years so abrupt stoppage of the drug at any time would precipitate withdrawal and this is the reason you are having symptoms like sweating on stopping the drug. Best way to reduce the doses is by gradual tapering of the doses. Try to reduce the dose by about 20% every two weeks and stop completely at about 8-10 weeks. Dose reduction in such slow manner will reduce the symptoms and will ease the withdrawal. Please talk to a psychiatrist for detailed prescription for weaning off the drug. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.