Detox Methadone Withdrawal

When contemplating embarking upon a course of detox methadone withdrawal, it can be easy to become intimidated by the long list of physical symptoms that are associated with the process. Withdrawal itself can be a challenging process, producing symptoms that range from chills to fever to joint and muscle aches to irritability, nausea, diarrhea, sleeplessness, agitation, anxiety, depression and more. However, methadone itself, while FDA approved to treat drug addiction, is a habit-forming drug that has its own set of withdrawal symptoms and challenges.

This is why sudden cessation of methadone causes what is known as detox methadone withdrawal. Symptoms can include teary eyes, constipation, sleepiness, fever or sweating, chills, muscle aches, weakness, moodiness, headaches, runny nose and other cold like symptoms. With detox methadone withdrawal, the individual should be under the supervision and care of a licensed substance abuse treatment professional at all times. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMHSA) cautions that properly supervised detox methadone withdrawal can take from one half to one full year or longer. In some instances, newer medications, such as buprenorphine, are introduced to reduce the methadone withdrawal symptoms and ease the withdrawal process.

Other Sources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000949.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682134.html