[melee40]

I posted the question earlier regarding making the switch from oxycontin to methadone. I'm looking for someone/anyone that has "made it alive" and even well in this process.

As I explained, I've been on a significant dose of oxy for almost 10 years. It's given me a life over my pain. But insurance backed-out and I can no longer afford it.

I am making the switch (with doctor) to methadone. Starting fairly low as prescribed...roxycodone for rescue pain.

I'm SCARED out of my mind that I will go through drug withdrawals or something else like that......or be 'looped.' *though I'm very opioid tolerant.*

Have any of you chronic pain folks made this switch successfully? (or known anyone?) Will there be 'withdrawal' or will the methadone take care of most of that? Any information you can provide would HELP immensely. I'm a functioning Mom and I'm...... just really nervous.

Hoping for 'good stories' over 'horror stories.'

Please...if someone can reply.
Thank you -molto bene -in advance.
melee

[money_chick]

I dont know much of anything about this but what Ive read, and that is that methadone is used to bring patients off narcotics, so I would think there would be minimal withdrawls. Surely while trying to adjust the dose there will be discomfort, but it shouldn't be so terribly bad.

Relax. Your emotions can make this so much worse. You have the doctors help, and you will do fine. Just let them know how you are doing and if there are rpoblems. What dose of oxy? Was it oxyCODONE/ Or oxyCONTIN? What dose of meth are you starting at?

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by melee40

I posted the question earlier regarding making the switch from oxycontin to methadone. I'm looking for someone/anyone that has "made it alive" and even well in this process.

As I explained, I've been on a significant dose of oxy for almost 10 years. It's given me a life over my pain. But insurance backed-out and I can no longer afford it.

I am making the switch (with doctor) to methadone. Starting fairly low as prescribed...roxycodone for rescue pain.

I'm SCARED out of my mind that I will go through drug withdrawals or something else like that......or be 'looped.' *though I'm very opioid tolerant.*

Have any of you chronic pain folks made this switch successfully? (or known anyone?) Will there be 'withdrawal' or will the methadone take care of most of that? Any information you can provide would HELP immensely. I'm a functioning Mom and I'm...... just really nervous.

Hoping for 'good stories' over 'horror stories.'

Please...if someone can reply.
Thank you -molto bene -in advance.
melee

It's normal to be apprehensive. Try to relax. This is a common transition. Methadone should work great for you. I am not a methadone user, but wanted to assure you that this is done all the time. I also took very large doses of OC for a long time. It really will be better for you I think to get off the OC in the long run. Methadone is probably the best maintenance drug for chronic pain. And the Roxies are great for breakthrough pain. I took them for several years too. Chronic pain is a terrible thing to have to deal with. I do understand that part of your dilemna. Lots of us go through very similar situations dealing with our ongoing pain and the meds we use to help us with that pain.

Just remember one thing while you are making this transition. In the beginning, while you and the doctor are getting you stabilized on the dose of methadone that works best for you, there may be a little discomfort for a very short time. They will start you on a small dose of methadone and adjust that dose as needed until the final and effective dose for you is reached. There is no set amount of time for how long this process takes but it's not long.

Methadone has a very long half life. So as you take your daily doses there is still a significant amount of the methadone in your system from previous days. If they jump right out there and give you a large dose right from the start it could be dangerous. The subsequent doses would be too much with what was still left in your system. So they will adjust the dose gradually until the correct dose for you is determined. This has to be done so you remain safe. It won't be anything bad, you may not even notice it, but if you do remember that it will just be for a very short time. I think it's best to know what MIGHT even happen even if unlikely rather than being surprised later. I think that is probably why you are asking this question ... you want to know if even MAYBE you should expect anything. Probably someone will come along here who has gone through this process and can share first hand with you what I am talking about. But try to relax and not worry. You will be fine. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

[melee40]

Thank you to the two people that responded to me. I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts and positive energy. It really means a lot.

Like Robert suggested.... I am still hoping someone 'first-hand' will post a message with their experience. Tomorrow is the 'big day' I begin. I've got to calm this panic attack I'm having.....

Thank you again.

Maybe I'll post the question again. Hate to be a pest but...... Someone must be out there.......

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by melee40

Thank you to the two people that responded to me. I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts and positive energy. It really means a lot.

Like Robert suggested.... I am still hoping someone 'first-hand' will post a message with their experience. Tomorrow is the 'big day' I begin. I've got to calm this panic attack I'm having.....

Thank you again.

Maybe I'll post the question again. Hate to be a pest but...... Someone must be out there.......

You're freaking out!!! Try to relax. All that anyone can really add is to say that what information you have received is correct. Not to minimize all this but people make this switch all the time. You're going to give yourself a stroke worrying and then you WILL have to post again. LOL Just be calm and do this tomorrow as planned. You'll be just fine. Be glad you aren't having to go cold turkey. Good luck and God bless.

[melee40]

LOL! Oh... that's funny. A little levity there. That's true. The next post will be: "Okay, I made it through the methadone switch but unfortunately had a mild stroke. Any stroke victims out there?" not funny but....

And I've done cold turkey before when I unexpectedly got pregnant one-week following a year of chemo. THAT, my friend, is a DEEP drag....as I'm sure all to many know.


Okay. Tomorrow I will begin. Please check to make sure I'm alive in 3 days. The mind does often make things far worse than they need to be and I certainly don't want to add to the situation with my 'brain-freak.' I'm cognizant of that so..... thanks.

Deep breath.......exhale....

[Robert_325]

Now you are sounding better. Let us know how you are doing that first day. We will be here for you. Good luck and God bless!

[piperlaurie]

Melee,

I'm not sure why you have to resort to methadone for your chronic pain problem. I didn't read what your physical problems are, but take it from me methadone is not worth it. Do you realize that if and when you try and get off it, it will be nigh impossible? It has a very long half life, and, to put it in layman's terms, binds to your bone marrow, and, as such, takes a very very long time to leave your system--as in 5 cycles of 36 hours each. That means withdrawal is the longest, and I may add, worst withdrawal you will ever experience from just about any other drug.

To put it simply, it doesn't like to leave your body--it likes to linger and the longer you are on it and the higher dose you take the more it will fight to stay in your body. Even on as low a dose as I was for 10 months (25 mgs) , after 4 days of going cold turkey, my withdrawals from hell were getting worse--not better.

By comparison, Vicodin withdrawals take only 2 days.

How do I know this--because this is my second attempt to get off methadone. This time I am more successful (on Day 5 right now) because I am using Vicodin for 10 days, then will be switching over to Suboxone as part of an FDA study that works to get people off of opiates. After being on Suboxone for 30 days, I plan to taper off of that and be opiate-free.

I have been researching alternative ways to deal with my chronic pain and I would urge you to do the same. If you're interested, I can share my findings with you.

I understand your pain is legitimate (tell me what it is), but have your really researched ALL of your alternatives? Before switching over to methadone you had better research it thoroughly--and I mean thoroughly. Don't just take your doctor's recommendation because believe me, doctors rarely tell you the downside of drugs they so casually recommend.

I too suffer from chronic pain but even with that I have decided that being a slave to a drug is simply not worth the price. Besides the physical side effects of methadone (they do vary with everyone), emotionally and spiritually it took away many months of my life. So, for that matter, did Vicodin but Vicodin was a lot easier to get off.

The bottom line is that all opiates control you--not the other way around.
One thing they all have in common is that they cause you to feel detached from life. One person said it so well, "It was though I didn't even care that I didn't care." That's a soul killer right there. Welcome to the Brave New World. Every wonder why every other commercial on TV is now a drug commercial with 80% of the spots spent on "possible" side effects?

That says it all. I'm not trying to scare or condemn you--I would just ask that you research other non-opiate, non-addictive ways to deal with your pain.

As a footnote, I would consider the source of some of the people who post on these boards. Some of the are pro-methadone advocates and, as such, are not going to say anything negative about methadone. They have a political agenda--perhaps well intentioned, but biased nonetheless.

Sorry if I scared you. I just think you need to weigh all your options very, very carefully.

[mpvt]

Methadone should almost always be used as a final option.That goes for addiction and chronic pain.Methadone is a type of drug that should never be used for acute pain.The only time I have heard of it being used short term successfully is a six week small dose weaning from say heroin ect.
If you decide that you are going to be on a strong opiate for life then methadone is a great way to go but it has to be a chronic condition that will never go away.
Long term daily strong opiate addiction also fairs well with methadone and most of us that have this addiction combined with chronic pain do very well on methadone.I know people that have been on methadone for over 30 years and you would never know it.
Anyway, it is a major decision to go on methadone and one that should be a final one at that.Good luck......Dave

[melee40]

Okay... I just got my 'mind' under control until I read "Piper's" post. Now..not so good.

Um..I guess I am aware of course that its a huge drug and that's what scares me so badly. At the same time, I have been a chronic pain patient for 10 years on oxycontin and can no longer afford that drug. I have to make a decision fairly quickly - one for the fairly long term.

I guess - ISN'T it WORSE to get on a SHORT ACTING opioid like VICODIN or PERCOCET than long acting like Methadone? That, in my research, seemed much riskier. Is that incorrect?

And while I would say it is very cumbersome and difficult and...not a 'first choice' to be on ANY pain medication in one's life, the comment's about not 'caring' or whatever. Except for when I was undergoing chemotherapy on a morphine drip fighting for my life.... I lived a really full and wonderful life on oxycontin. I literally went 'up' from lying on the floor - to having my own business and and traveling the world. Now I have a five year old that I passionately adore. So.... I don't know......

Okay...I'm freaked again. I'm supposed to have started the methadone THIS morning and now I'm afraid. Again, aren't the risks higher with the short-acting opioids?

The bottom line is I am not in a physical position to function without pain medication right now - this would be one of the 'lower' cycles in my history in fact. I have to do something and now I'm confused and having to make a decision...... ANYONE?

[melee40]

By the way - r u out there robert?

[piperlaurie]

Hi Melee,

I really am sorry to have freaked you out; however when it comes to making a major decision about things like a drug which will control you the rest of your life I don't believe you can gather too much information. What you choose after reading BOTH SIDES of the story, is up to you.

Yes, methadone did control my chronic pain and, because of its long half life
made it so I didn't have to take a pill every four hours. So, of course that was a good thing. By the same token, that very quality of the drug makes it very hard to get off of it. And there were the side effects that for me, were simply not worth it.

Knowing that ahead of time is why I would never go above 25 mgs because I knew that I didn't want to be on it forever. Because of that, I chose to live with a mild-to-moderate amount of pain rather than upping my dose. Which, you will inevitably want to do if you need more pain control because you will build a tolerance to it. If you're a cancer patient, or anything in that category of pain, I certainly would never tell you NOT go on methadone or an other pain maintenance drug that would help you through your tremendous ordeal. That's why I asked what your condition was. (If it's comfortable for you to share it.)

In short, if you absolutely need to go on it do so! Just be aware, informed and prepared because once you are on it, it will be very hard to get off it if you so choose. I don't know what the specific side effects will be for you--they vary from person to person. For me, the obsessive dreaming was the worst--and, as I already mentioned previously, the feeling of detachment from life. Since I am a spiritually sensitive person that was very hard for me to deal with. But that is something you invariably have with all opiates--not just methadone.

I don't know if I've helped you or not with your decision. It's too bad you've been forced to make that decision so quickly. That doesn't seem right--there is something screwy there for sure.

As for me, I am now on Day 6 of my methadone detox, and because of my using a large does of Vicodin I am able to stand the withdrawals--otherwise I never would have made it, barring a miracle from God. Which, by the way, I believe in, so if you have a Bible start reading where Jesus went around and healed the sick (Book of Mark, John, Luke is good)--in fact, he healed anybody and everyone who wanted to be healed. He still does miracles today--I've seen it.

In line with that, you can go straight to a current outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Lakeland, Florida. Since April, present-day miracles are happening every day with people with liver cancer being instantly healed, people walking out of wheelchairs and yes, people being instantly delivered from drug addictions! if you live anywhere near Lakeland, Florida...go there! If not, God can still heal you via the internet and no, I am not crazy.

The mainstream media isn't covering this revival for reasons that are best left to another discussion but I can tell you that the woman who was dead for hours where rigor mortis had set in (it was all over the news) was not just a "medical miracle." Her niece was at the Lakeland revival when this woman died and she prayed over her cell phone with another relative for her aunt to be d and she was! That part was not in the news story but it's true.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/wo...ife/2860998459

It's absolutely miraculous and spreading throughout the whole world thanks to the internet.

Hey, what have you got to lose? Check it out http://floridaoutpouring.com/
You can watch it live and you can read lots of testimonies as well. You can also see it at: http://www.god.tv/. It's been going on for about 45 days and you can see some of it on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...s&search_type=

Listen, I'm believing God for a physical healing myself since once the methadone is out of my system I will really need it! God loves you and wants to demonstrate just how much!

Okay, so please don't be scared. I will pray that God will guide you in your decision. Even if you don't feel there is another way for now and you have to start taking the methadone (He doesn't want to see you suffer) be at peace and start seeking God for your healing. He knows you are doing the best you can where you are at right now. I will be praying for your healing as well.

piper

Originally Posted by melee40

Okay... I just got my 'mind' under control until I read "Piper's" post. Now..not so good.

Um..I guess I am aware of course that its a huge drug and that's what scares me so badly. At the same time, I have been a chronic pain patient for 10 years on oxycontin and can no longer afford that drug. I have to make a decision fairly quickly - one for the fairly long term.

I guess - ISN'T it WORSE to get on a SHORT ACTING opioid like VICODIN or PERCOCET than long acting like Methadone? That, in my research, seemed much riskier. Is that incorrect?

And while I would say it is very cumbersome and difficult and...not a 'first choice' to be on ANY pain medication in one's life, the comment's about not 'caring' or whatever. Except for when I was undergoing chemotherapy on a morphine drip fighting for my life.... I lived a really full and wonderful life on oxycontin. I literally went 'up' from lying on the floor - to having my own business and and traveling the world. Now I have a five year old that I passionately adore. So.... I don't know......

Okay...I'm freaked again. I'm supposed to have started the methadone THIS morning and now I'm afraid. Again, aren't the risks higher with the short-acting opioids?

The bottom line is I am not in a physical position to function without pain medication right now - this would be one of the 'lower' cycles in my history in fact. I have to do something and now I'm confused and having to make a decision...... ANYONE?

[melee40]

Hi my kind 'friends' that have taken the time to post. First. thank you. Thank you for caring enough to take time in your day to respond to me. Truly.

I'm about to run out of my oxycontin and have in fact, cut down on my dose, but have not started the methadone. The posts have scared me.. yet because of money and most importantly health & pain issues, the methadone remains the inevitable.

Thanks for writing back Piper after the big 'freak!' Thanks Robert, MoneyChik and mvp...man.

Okay..so for those who asked..I have 'multiple pain syndromes' that would bore anyone here. But they are have been going on for 14 years and as of right now - are not in any way on the 'upswing.' This most definitely is a long-term thing for me. Though of course... of course..... I always hold out hope that one day I can be 'pain free.' It's been 14 years so.....

In many ways in reminds me of starting with the oxy. I remember getting 'high' and being so scared. The doc told me to 'hand in there' and sure enough, the 'high' went away and my life changed. Still had bad days and even hosptial visits, but the day-to-day....amazing difference.

But I guess that's the part - the dichotomy within me - that scares me. Knowing i've strugggled with this for so long, knowing it's going to be 'awhile' before any end is in sight - yet fearing all the information about getting off the meth.

The way I feel God was with me, was that I'd been with a GP for many years prescribing my meds. She suddenly said she was referring her 'pain patients' to pain docs. (been there) I didn't' listen and finally...made the move. Literally ONE WEEK after I saw him, I got the 'news' from insurance that they had 'switched' their formulary AND THEREFORE, I had hit my 'cap' EIGHT months sooner than promised!!!!!!! Had I been with my GP, she would absolutely not have presribed the methadone and I probably would be in some hefty trouble right now - with my son in hefty trouble too. In that, God was with me.

Another very 'serindipidous' yet blessed event in disguise. Earlier I had a 'scare' when insurance wasn't going to pay for the oxy then said 'okay.' (then said no and didn't tell me but that's the end of the story) When I had that initial scare, being on a very fixed income, I started researching my options. That's how I got to the methadone. When I saw my new pain doc, I said, "You know..somewhere down the line, I might have to switch. Can we talk about what that's all about?" So we discussed the methadone and I researched some more. Little did I know when I left his office that day, I would be back one week later!!!

So that's probably more than everyone wanted to know but questions were being asked - so I hope I've answered them.

Now my bottom line is what it was on Monday: I am SCARED again- and running out of time. In fact, I beleive I have to 'make a move' by tonight. I'm "in" for at least a few more years..at least... and I just don't know of any other options. Again, I'm in no physical postion to funtion without pain medication...so sadly... but true. I'm in pretty bad shape. And my "goal" once again - is to at least get back to the 'functioning' life I had before I was hit with the illness that almost killed me.

I'm standing at the end of the diving board here - do I just jump already?
I'm sorry to be such a pest and a chicken. My mind is horrible sometimes..
I'm so afraid of either 'withdrawal' symptoms or getting 'stoned.'

Ultimately - isn't everyone different and doesn't the drug have as much power as you ultimately give it? (which is a lot right now!! lol)

Trust me.. I wish my body were not in this place and I was not a patient of pain. We're the lowest rung on the lowest of ladders, for sure.

[money_chick]

Do it, Melee. Its time and you gotta do what you gotta do. ( and don't knock that high... )

[Robert_325]

Melee ... I agree with Money Chick. You have little choice in the matter and you are worrying about something that is probably in your very best interest considering the length of time you are dealing with this pain issue. Good luck.

[money_chick]

I'm dying to know how you're doing. I really think this is going to b a good switch for you to treat your pain and am excited for you to get your dose adjusted and get stable on it.

[melee40]

It's me. I'm alive and doing okay. Guess what? Couldn't do it!!!!
I got so 'freaked out' by everything.. I called my Doc at the end of the day last Thursday and said, "Can we switch courses here?" I had gone 'far enough down' on my oxy to use breakthrough meds and the Lyrica instead.

So..... I decided to go with the Lyrica option and I think I'm glad I did.

My muscles and joints are absolutely, definitely aching.......I haven't slept well... yesterday I had a few panic attacks that I had to get over..... but I'm ALIVE.

I just felt it was the better path......I got too 'freaked out' by the other and well.... I've got to really try this first.

So....here I am. I'm hoping I can function and it sucks right now...but here I am.

It's DEFinitely an 'hour at a time' here.....but I'm doing it!!! Yea!!!

Thank you to everyone for all the information up front.
I will keep you posted as I continue to move forward.

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by melee40

It's me. I'm alive and doing okay. Guess what? Couldn't do it!!!!
I got so 'freaked out' by everything.. I called my Doc at the end of the day last Thursday and said, "Can we switch courses here?" I had gone 'far enough down' on my oxy to use breakthrough meds and the Lyrica instead.

So..... I decided to go with the Lyrica option and I think I'm glad I did.

My muscles and joints are absolutely, definitely aching.......I haven't slept well... yesterday I had a few panic attacks that I had to get over..... but I'm ALIVE.

I just felt it was the better path......I got too 'freaked out' by the other and well.... I've got to really try this first.

So....here I am. I'm hoping I can function and it sucks right now...but here I am.

It's DEFinitely an 'hour at a time' here.....but I'm doing it!!! Yea!!!

Thank you to everyone for all the information up front.
I will keep you posted as I continue to move forward.

If you are able to handle this on Lyrica then you have absolutely no business taking methadone. Lyrica is a medication for pain stemming primarily from nerve-related conditions more than anything else. It's used for some autoimmune problems too such as Fibromaylgia and Raynaud's. I think it's great that you are trying the Lyrica route if that works for you. Shows you are not looking for a "buzz" at all but the least amount of intoxicant as is possible. Lyrica is a relatively new medication in comparison to most of other pain meds that are available. It's been around a while, but not used nearly as much as opiates. I have used Lyrica myself in the past with autoimmune problems ... Raynaud's. While others have had lots of success with Lyrica it didn't prove to be effective for me. But hey, if it works for you that is outstanding! Glad to hear that you may be able to make this work with a lot less serious medication than the methadone is. Best of luck to you! Please let us know how you do. I am very interested to see how this one works out. God bless.