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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects While Weaning Off Methadone?

hi. I m coming out of pain management program. methadone 30mg, for four years. spine/disc problems. too many side effects from methadone. my question is..... I have been methadone free for 20 days now. still have persistent low grade fever/chills and have night sweats with putrid sickly sweet/sour odor that permeates laundry and remains in clothes after washing. also aching/burning sensation in abdomen. acetaldehyde? should I be worried?
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response

Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
Glad to know you have almost come out of pain management program.

Since you have been free from Methadone for the past 20 days, it will take few more days to get completely free from its withdrawal effects.

The long-term use of methadone (4 yrs in your case) causes adaptations within the body that lessen the effect of the drug over time. So, when you want to gradually reduce the dose over several weeks, it will take time by the body to get adjusted with out the drug which is manifested in the form of withdrawal effects.

The most common side effects that are seen while weaning off Methadone include: Sneezing, running nose, increase tear formation, vomiting, chills, rigors low grade fever, increased heart beat, sweating, increased perception of odors (detergents used by the laundry in your clothes smelling like acetaldehyde!).

So, in view of the above explanations, nothing to worry about the these effects. They will gradually disappear after a few weeks.

Hope these suggestions could be useful to you in understanding the withdrawal phenomenon.

Best of your health.
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What Are The Side Effects While Weaning Off Methadone?

Hi Thanks for posting your query on HCM. Glad to know you have almost come out of pain management program. Since you have been free from Methadone for the past 20 days, it will take few more days to get completely free from its withdrawal effects. The long-term use of methadone (4 yrs in your case) causes adaptations within the body that lessen the effect of the drug over time. So, when you want to gradually reduce the dose over several weeks, it will take time by the body to get adjusted with out the drug which is manifested in the form of withdrawal effects. The most common side effects that are seen while weaning off Methadone include: Sneezing, running nose, increase tear formation, vomiting, chills, rigors low grade fever, increased heart beat, sweating, increased perception of odors (detergents used by the laundry in your clothes smelling like acetaldehyde!). So, in view of the above explanations, nothing to worry about the these effects. They will gradually disappear after a few weeks. Hope these suggestions could be useful to you in understanding the withdrawal phenomenon. Best of your health.