Hello
Welcome to HCM

Opioids are highly addicting substances and they cause both physical and psychological dependence. To taper off any individual from opioid and to prevent withdrawal symptoms usually replacement drugs are given. Methadone-roxane are one of them. When these drugs are given to a patient in replacement to opioid these are tapered gradually over 2-4 months. As you are taking the drugs for about 2 years I would advise you to gradually taper the medicines otherwise you will become dependent on these medicines. Try to taper the medicines gradually over 4-6 weeks, you may have mild withdrawal symptoms but severe withdrawal will not occur. Also you will be having increased craving and also prolonged mild form of withdrawal syndrome for unto 6 months but don't take opioids to prevent the symptoms. You can take non opioid analgesics just to prevent them. Best wishes.

Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

The aim of Methadone therapy is to reduce severe withdrawal due to hard opiate drugs, to reduce harm due to street drugs and unsafe drug intake practices, and to decrease craving and the chance of relapse. However, if taken for prolonged periods of time and in high doses, then there is a chance of developing dependence on methadone and subsequently having withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped.

It is not advisable to suddenly stop Methadone on your own because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse. I would suggest that you discuss with your doctor about a gradual tapering schedule for the Methadone, so that the above mentioned problems can be avoided.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist