<h1>What Are Some Common Symptoms of Withdrawal from Methadone?</h1>
Getting off of highly addictive opioid substances is a serious affair that can only be safely managed in a few ways. Their reputation for the destruction of lives and extreme addiction is well deserved. Hard drug substances that should only be used in medical settings like OxyContin and Vicodin, as well as illegal drugs like heroin, are among this dangerous opioid category that is far too often abused for dangerous ‘recreational’ purposes which end in a physical dependency with severe consequences for the user’s body and lifestyle.
Due to the nature of opioid dependency in the body, medical practice has taken to using a monitored trial of a drug called Methadone. A solid treatment plan and monitored use can help to transfer heavy addiction to hard substances into a situation that can be overcome.
Methadone and It’s Withdrawal Symptoms
Methadone is a medication approved by the FDA for use in the long-term treatment of opioid addiction and abuse as well as a prescription for severe pain medication. An opioid itself, Methadone has a long duration of effect. This allows it to fulfill cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and increase body tolerance to other opioids. When used in a medical setting and as one piece of a comprehensive treatment plan, it can successfully assist patients in overcoming addiction to substances such as heroin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Methadone is an addictive substance as well and must be dispensed by a medical practitioner through a certified treatment program. Not only is this to ensure the correct and safe use of the drug but also it is mandated by law as methadone is a Schedule II listed controlled substance.
Treatment using methadone can last for a minimum of twelve months and in some cases may be required patients require long-term maintenance up to years. At the end of treatment, Methadone use is tapered off to reduce dependency and slowly relieve the patient of experiencing severe withdrawal effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Methadone withdrawal syndrome is an extremely unpleasant experience and can cause addiction relapse or sometimes life-threatening reactions. For patients who are not successfully helped by a healthcare-provided tapering schedule, undergoing the full withdrawal period should be done in a medical detox program and followed by substance abuse rehabilitation.
The withdrawal symptoms for methadone usually begin within two to four days and can take longer than a week to dissipate, from fourteen days to months. The severity of the symptoms will vary based on the patients’ body’s dependency on the substance. Body dependency on a substance is formed around a multitude of factors from frequency and amount of methadone use to the weight and size of the user.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms:
• Agitation
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Yawning
• Increased tearing or watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Flu-like feeling
• Sweating
• Shivering, tremors, or cold chills
• Muscles aches
• Bone and joint pain
• Skin-crawling or itchy
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Cramps
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Inability to perform in sexual activities
Long-term Effects of Detox
Once a patient gets through the more difficult and acute withdrawal symptoms of the initial onset, long-term opioid abusers may begin to experience protracted withdrawal. The overuse of euphoria-inducing neurotransmitters caused by a drug abuser’s use of opioid substances depletes the brain of its’ store of neurotransmitters. The body needs time to restore what it has lost and be returned to normal. This can take up to six months.
Protracted withdrawal symptoms include:
• Depression
• Low energy levels
• Short temper, irritability, or agitation
• Insomnia
• Lack of experiencing pleasure
• Memory-recall issues or problems concentrating
During recovery, these symptoms will arise and disappear as your brain restores its normal functionality. This can be a difficult and trying experience for those in recovery as well as friends and family. For some, a rehabilitation clinic may be the best option to help maintain their track record and to gain medical and emotional support. This can also ease the tension and stresses placed on loved ones who are not mentally and physically equipped to deal with this particular hardship.
If you or a loved one are ready to deal with opioid dependency or to begin the process of finally getting off of your methadone treatments, we can help. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 844-639-8371 now to get started.