can i stop using methadone at home by weaning myself off or do i have to go to a hospital?

Question

the methadone was prescribed for me three years ago but the constipation from it is unbearable i want to stop taking it i am on a dose of 30 to 40 mgm day as needed i mostly take 30 mgm unless pain is too bad. i do not want to go to md and request stop use because they will send me to a rehab and to a detox first i just want to stop on my own without all the bruhaaha i am an older woman retired and just want to live without the bowel problems i can take the pain but not this constipation. please help me i have no where else to go

Answer 1

You have to slowly reduce your dose. If you are on 40 mg.'s you take 40 for 2 days, 35 for 2 days, 30 for 2 days and on down until you get down to 5 milligrams. The thing is you will need something else for pain, non-narcotic otherwise it will not work.
The other choice is switching over to Subutex or Buprenorphine. I am taking a college class on this right now and constipation is a large problem for those on maintenance doses of any narcotic.

Good luck. Mylanta Supreme works well to help with constipation even though it is a heartburn remedy. 2 tablespoons at bedtime.

Answer 2

your doctor can give you other medicine to step you down off methadone, get yourself a good guy in what's call "pain management" at the hospital. They work really good on helping you control pain but wean you off the higher end stuff. Also, they will tell you if something else would work better for you- my husband had that problem and they did nerve blocks to relieve some of the pain so he could be weaned down to less intense medicine.

Answer 3

If you are taking methadone to aid in the termination of heroin addiction then you may be able to do it at home as long as you don't allow yourself to become to dehydrated. If you have never detoxed before, I am sure you don't know what is to come, it's horrible.
Honestly, you should probably go to the doctor, because of your age. Most definitely should go if you are methadone for pain, because in order for that to be prescribed for pain, your pain is expected to be ac cute without it and you will need assistance.
Detox can be very dangerous, if you do try this at home at least have a family member, neighbor, friend or sponsor stay with you incase you get to weak.

PLEASE, Be Careful.

Answer 4

Why don't you eat about one half cup of raisins or dried prunes each day and drink lots more water because this would soon fix your constipation problems. Also take docusate sodium (generic stool softener) with each meal. You can take as much of this as needed as long as you are taking the formula with docusate sodium as the only active ingredient. Constipation is a manageable problem but living in constant pain is not. good luck

Methadone can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and drinking plenty of water. If these measures do not ease your constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor.

from http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/30002955/

Answer 5

Go get help,taking your self off any meds is dangerous,you must need something for your pain,I have pain all the time from a back problem so I know where your coming from,but I have never taken methadone,it is dangerous to get off this drug alone,get to a hospitial for help.You could also have IBS,if you have had bowel problems in the past.o to the ER

Answer 6

SEE your doctor, ENTER a 12 step program.

Answer 7

You need professional help..it isn't easy..and you need evaluation and support..please see a doctor ASAP..good luck...

Answer 8

go to doctor

Answer 9

how about taking something for the constipation