Methadone Withdrawal Treatment

Withdrawal from methadone can be one of the most challenging parts of detoxification. Actually, Methadone withdrawal without proper medical intervention can last months. Fortunately, there are options. Waismann Method Rapid Detox for Methadone can help those addicted to this powerful drug finally find freedom from this dependence.

An effective methadone withdrawal treatment can be a life-saving procedure. Not just because of the health risks of long-term methadone maintenance but also because those not dependent on mood-altering drugs, especially opioids, are likely to have a better quality of life. This powerful detoxification procedure can help ease the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings so that you can get your life back on track. If you or someone you know is struggling with methadone addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There is hope for a better future.

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid¹ used as a pain reliever and as part of treatment for opioid addiction. Like all opioids, methadone works by changing the way the brain interprets pain signals. Opioids cause other changes in the brain, including the pleasant, euphoric feeling that makes these drugs attractive for recreational use. With continued opioid use, these neurological changes can also cause addiction and other profound and permanent effects on the brain.

With regular and continual use, the human body can become physically dependent on any opioid, including methadone. An opioid-dependent person must maintain a certain level of opioid drugs in his system to feel “normal.” When opioid levels drop below usual, the individual feels flu-like withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is used in the treatment of addiction because it helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same pleasurable effects as other opioids.

If you have been taking opioids for a while, your body may become used to them and need higher doses of methadone to get the same effect.

**Do not take more methadone than prescribed. Doing so can lead to dangerous side effects or death.

What are the most common side effects?

Some of the most common side effects of methadone¹ use include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Lightheadedness.

While most side effects are not always a cause for concern, there are some side effects that should be taken very seriously, as they may indicate a serious health issue. These side effects often improve after extended use of the medication. However, some side effects such as sweating, dizziness, and dry mouth may persist. If any of these side effects become severe or bothersome, consult with a doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Patients taking methadone should contact their doctor or, in some cases, even emergency services if they experience:

• difficulty or shallow breathing
• lightheadedness or feeling of faint
• hives or a rash
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• chest pain
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat, or experience hallucinations or confusion. If any of these side effects are experienced, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects, and others may occur. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and guidance regarding methadone use and withdrawal to minimize potential risks.

Withdrawal Causes

Methadone withdrawal can have several causes. The first is if methadone is underdosed and does not counteract withdrawal from other opioids. This can lead to the body experiencing withdrawal from other drugs.

The second is methadone withdrawal², which can occur when the body becomes physically dependent on the medication. Some common causes of methadone withdrawal include incorrect or inadequate dosing, sudden cessation of use, or tapering off of use.

Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms

Methadone withdrawal symptoms can appear as early as 24 hours after the last dose and may peak within 2-3 days.

Early symptoms may include:

• • Anxiety
  • Irritability

• Sweating
• Muscle aches and difficulty sleeping.

As withdrawal progresses, symptoms may become more severe, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps and involuntary leg movements.

Sometimes, methadone withdrawal can also lead to more severe complications such as seizures or delirium.

The timeline for methadone withdrawal without medical intervention varies from person to person, but it can last from 4 to 12 weeks for most people. However, it is not uncommon for some symptoms to linger for several months. If you are struggling with methadone withdrawal, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

Methadone Detox and Treatment Options

Methadone withdrawal is similar to other forms of opioid withdrawal and should focus on managing both physical and psychological symptoms while lowering the risk of returning to unsafe opioid use. A person should not withdraw from methadone without medical supervision. Medically Assisted Detox or Rapid Detox under the supervision of a doctor improves outcomes and reduces the risk of experiencing serious withdrawal.

Rapid Detox for Methadone is a safe and effective detox method under medical supervision. This treatment option can help reduce withdrawal symptoms’ severity and duration while reducing the risk of relapse. Contact us today to learn more about our methadone detox and treatment options.

Waismann Treatment™

If you are ready to come off methadone in the most comfortable and effective way, the Waismann Method® Rapid Methadone Detox may be right for you. Our team of experts has successfully performed this detoxification process on thousands of patients for over two decades. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome your addiction and get your life back on track.

Sources:

1. Healthline: Going Through Methadone Withdrawal
2. Medical News Today: What to Know About Methadone Withdrawal

Reviewed by Clare Waismann, Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS), Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC), founder of Waismann Method® Advanced Treatment for Opiate Dependence and Domus Retreat®. Clare Waismann is an authority and expert on opioid dependence, opioid use disorder, substance dependence, detoxification treatments, detox recovery, and other topics covered on RapidDetox.com.