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How Long Does Methodone And Fentanyl Remain In The System?
Question: What are the half-lives of methodone and fentanyl?
I am currently using a 50 mcg patch of fentanyl and I want to get off of it completely and I heard that methodone helps with withdrawls but I don't want another drug in my system that will be even harder to get off. Currently, my only withdrawl symptom is extreme restless leg syndrome. Yes, I have already tried to stop using the fentanyl but the withdrawls have made me keep using it. What are your suggestions for the best way to come off fentanyl? What lesser doses does it come in besides 25 mcg, because I have already tried that and it's too big of a decrease for me to handle.
I no longer have the pain issues for which I was prescribed the 50 mcg fentanyl and I just want to get off it. This fentanyl greatly disrupts my life. Please help and God bless you.
my e-mail address is YYYY@YYYY
I am currently using a 50 mcg patch of fentanyl and I want to get off of it completely and I heard that methodone helps with withdrawls but I don't want another drug in my system that will be even harder to get off. Currently, my only withdrawl symptom is extreme restless leg syndrome. Yes, I have already tried to stop using the fentanyl but the withdrawls have made me keep using it. What are your suggestions for the best way to come off fentanyl? What lesser doses does it come in besides 25 mcg, because I have already tried that and it's too big of a decrease for me to handle.
I no longer have the pain issues for which I was prescribed the 50 mcg fentanyl and I just want to get off it. This fentanyl greatly disrupts my life. Please help and God bless you.
my e-mail address is YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Methadone is long acting and so fentanyl
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
The half life of methadone is 4-8 hours from point of analgesia and biologically it may remain in system from 24 to 96 hours. Most of the patients need it once a day. The half life of fentanyl is similarly very long and may remain at work till 18 hours after single application.
I endorse your idea to not to use methadone and go for cold turkey mehod of fentanyl withdrawal as there is no much role of methadone in fentanyl dependence. The restless of legs can be managed by taking clonazepam 0.5mg on as need basis.
The option of lower strength of transdermal fentanyl is not available but few of the patches available in the market can be divided divided by use scissors and a principal of 25% decrease per week can be employed for successful discontinuation.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards
Methadone is long acting and so fentanyl
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
The half life of methadone is 4-8 hours from point of analgesia and biologically it may remain in system from 24 to 96 hours. Most of the patients need it once a day. The half life of fentanyl is similarly very long and may remain at work till 18 hours after single application.
I endorse your idea to not to use methadone and go for cold turkey mehod of fentanyl withdrawal as there is no much role of methadone in fentanyl dependence. The restless of legs can be managed by taking clonazepam 0.5mg on as need basis.
The option of lower strength of transdermal fentanyl is not available but few of the patches available in the market can be divided divided by use scissors and a principal of 25% decrease per week can be employed for successful discontinuation.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr. XXXXXXX
In the past when my doctor has changed prescriptions around on me and I suffered with the bad restless leg syndrome, he has put me on low doses of oxycodone until I was able to transition to the new drug or new dose.
The oxycodone helped get rid of my restless leg syndrome immediately.
Would you support the idea of my taking low doses of oxycodone to help with the restless leg withdraw symptoms while I am being weaned off the fentanyl?
In the past when my doctor has changed prescriptions around on me and I suffered with the bad restless leg syndrome, he has put me on low doses of oxycodone until I was able to transition to the new drug or new dose.
The oxycodone helped get rid of my restless leg syndrome immediately.
Would you support the idea of my taking low doses of oxycodone to help with the restless leg withdraw symptoms while I am being weaned off the fentanyl?
Brief Answer:
Yes it can be done
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for follow up.
The use of weak opioids in withdrawal of strong opioids is well studied strategy with good results and can be employed in your case. I do not think there is any harm in using oxycodone (weak opioid) while withdrawing fentanyl (strong opioid). Since it is scientifically proved and without substantial harm I will back the decision of your treating doctor.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards
Yes it can be done
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for follow up.
The use of weak opioids in withdrawal of strong opioids is well studied strategy with good results and can be employed in your case. I do not think there is any harm in using oxycodone (weak opioid) while withdrawing fentanyl (strong opioid). Since it is scientifically proved and without substantial harm I will back the decision of your treating doctor.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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