What Are Common Metadate Withdrawal Symptoms?
Metadate is a prescription central nervous system stimulant. The generic name for the drug is methylphenidate, which is also in Ritalin. Metadate, like Ritalin, is used primarily for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children aged six years and older, as well as adults. In some cases, it’s also used as a treatment for narcolepsy. Metadate, when used in people with ADHD, can improve attentiveness and reduce hyperactivity. Metadate also has a potential for recreational abuse, however. Metadate, like other ADHD stimulant drugs, is abused because it can create a euphoric high when it is taken in high doses. Metadate also has other effects, including increased school or work performance, alertness, appetite suppression, and even feelings of self-confidence and sociability. When used as prescribed, the risk of any of these effects is low, as are the chances of addiction or dependence. When Metadate is abused in high doses, however, both addiction and dependence are possible. When someone is dependent upon Metadate, after using it for a long period of time, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using it. Most of the symptoms of Metadate withdrawal are psychological. Common Metadate withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Sleep disorders and disturbances
- Shakiness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Impotence
- Unpleasant dreams
- Psychomotor agitation
- Increased appetite
Metadate Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Duration
The Metadate withdrawal timeline can vary significantly. For most people, symptoms of Metadate withdrawal begin within the first 24 to 36 hours after the last dose of the drug was taken. For the first week to two weeks after someone stops using Metadate, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Usually, within three weeks to a month, Metadate withdrawal symptoms will have disappeared. Some people may experience ongoing Metadate withdrawal symptoms for months, however. These could include depression and sleep disturbances.
Managing Symptoms of Metadate Withdrawal
How to best manage symptoms of Metadate withdrawal depends on the specific situation. For example, if someone has abused Metadate over a long period of time, they will likely need a professional detox. If someone uses a therapeutic dose of Metadate as prescribed, they can usually just follow the instructions of their physician to taper down their dosage gradually. There’s no one, right way to manage symptoms of Metadate withdrawal that is right for everyone. Regardless, it is important to speak with a medical professional before stopping the use of this drug because some side effects can be severe if you stop suddenly or “cold turkey.”
Metadate Medications and Detox
A medical detox can be the right choice for someone who has abused Metadate in large amounts or over a long period of time. During a medical detox, a staff of medical professionals monitors the patient and provides any medical interventions or care that may be necessary. During a detox program, the medical team will work to treat individual symptoms as they occur. For example, depression is a very common symptom of Metadate withdrawal, as are sleep disturbances. These problems might then be treated with medication.
How to Choose a Metadate Center
For someone who believes that they would benefit from a professional Metadate detox center, there are some factors to consider. First, does the center offer assessment, diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders? This matters because it’s common for people who abuse stimulant drugs to have co-occurring mental health disorders, and stimulant abuse can also trigger new or worsening psychological symptoms. Knowing whether or not the Metadate detox center is part of an addiction treatment facility is also important. Detox isn’t the same as addiction treatment. Rather, it’s a medical process in which symptoms are managed as the drugs leave the body. In order to receive treatment, the patient should enter a formalized addiction treatment program following detox. Many inpatient, residential addiction treatment centers do offer a medical detox as part of the program.
The Recovery Village offers medical detox, as well as inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Contact us today to learn more.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.