Methadose Withdrawal and Detox

Methadose is a form of methadone hydrochloride tablets. It’s taken to treat moderate to severe pain and for the management of opioid misuse and dependency. Although in certain contexts it can have a positive effect on patient well-being, it is still a highly addictive and potentially dangerous substance. Methadose should not be taken without medical supervision.

The risks associated with Methadose are highly dose-dependent. A therapeutic dose for one patient may result in overdose in another. The misuse potential for Methadose is similar to other opioids including hydromorphone, fentanyl, oxycodone, tapentadol, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxymorphone.

Common adverse effects of Methadose include sedation, flushing of the skin, sweating, chronic fatigue, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. Side effects may also include headache, irregular heartbeat, weight gain, edema (swelling of the hands and feet), mood fluctuations, and decreased sex drive.

What Are Common Methadose Withdrawal Symptoms?

Post-acute withdrawals from Methadose are considerably less severe than those from shorter-acting opioids. Methadose withdrawals are characterized by flu-like symptoms and cognitive/emotional complications that are worsened by intense drug cravings. Symptoms can be mitigated by gradually reducing the dose instead of abruptly stopping treatment. Opioid addiction is a complex cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms that are best managed in a medical setting.

Physical symptoms of Methadose withdrawal may include tearing of the eyes, sensitivity to light, runny nose, sneezing, fever, chills, restlessness, muscle aches, and chronically elevated blood pressure (hypertension). Other physical symptoms may include lightheadedness, dilated pupils, rapid/shallow breathing, excessive yawning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat, and elevated sensitivity to pain.

Cognitive symptoms of Methadose withdrawals may include overwhelming drug cravings, delirium, visual/auditory hallucinations, anxiety, nervousness, and delusions. Other symptoms may include suicidal thoughts, depression, insomnia, increased perception of odors, agitation, panic disorder, paranoia, and apathy.

Methadose Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Durations

Methadose withdrawal symptoms typically begin within the first 24 hours following the time of the last dose. For many patients, symptoms begin within 6 to 12 hours. This early phase of withdrawals tends to last approximately three days. Symptoms such as watery eyes, excessive yawning, and restlessness are often the first to present themselves. Early stage withdrawals are also characterized by muscle aches, agitation, anxiety, sweats, difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat, runny nose, high blood pressure (hypertension), and fever.

Late stage withdrawals begin at the three-day mark and typically last a week, although psychological symptoms can extend for several weeks in severely dependent patients. During this period, more severe flu-like symptoms set in. Patients typically experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and chills. Depression and powerful drug cravings are also common.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms of Methadose

Chronic opioid consumption has far-reaching effects on a variety of body systems. With a proactive strategy, the severity of Methadose withdrawals can be significantly reduced. Mild to moderate exercise can help jumpstart the brain and body to normalize brain activity and hormone levels. Proper nutrition is imperative. Dense green vegetables provide the liver with micronutrients to repair the damage it may have incurred while processing high volumes of pharmaceuticals. When it comes to reducing withdrawal symptoms, the treatments available in medical detox can provide significant relief.

Methadose Medications and Detox

Detoxing from Methadose is, for many patients, best completed in a hospital setting. Although it’s possible for individuals to detox at home, the hospital offers several advantages. Firstly, the hospital makes it easy to stay on top of nutritional requirements. Hospitals provide meals, which allows patients to avoid shopping for and preparing food.

It’s also much easier to stay properly hydrated with the administration of IV fluids. The nausea and vomiting that accompanies late-stage withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to remain hydrated; intravenous administration of fluids solves this problem. Medicine can be provided to reduce gastrointestinal distress and treat diarrhea. Other medications may be prescribed to treat specific symptoms of Methadose withdrawal, including anxiolytics for anxiety. Opioid replacement therapy can help ease drug cravings and mitigate various withdrawal symptoms.

How to Choose a Methadose Center

Following detox, it may be appropriate to enroll in a substance misuse recovery center. Inpatient treatment programs are typically one-month long. Inpatient programs are beneficial for highly addicted patients, so they can live on-campus at the facility and recover without distractions at home. Patients in this program also take part in regular group and individual counseling.

Outpatient programs are another option. This program allows the patient to live at home while attending meetings a few times a week at the rehabilitation center. Speak with your doctor about the best option for you. The road to recovery is best traveled with the support of other individuals who can understand the experience of opioid dependence.

Medical Disclaimer

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.