In this article, I’m going to teach you how to get rid of opiate withdrawal restless legs naturally. You won’t need any prescribed medications or over-the-counter medications using my step-by-step plan. This method is simple, natural, and can work wonders if you do everything I recommend. But before I get into the “how-to” part of this article, I believe it’s important to first explain the difference between Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and restless legs from opiate withdrawal.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by the overwhelming urge to move your body to stop painful or weird sensations. Restless Leg Syndrome usually affects the legs, though some people get symptoms in their arms, torso or head. There have even been reports of people with RLS in phantom limbs.
RLS symptoms can manifest in the following ways:
- Pain and/or aching in muscles
- An itchy feeling that cannot be relieved by scratching
- A “crawly” feeling
- A feeling of being tickled
These RLS symptoms usually occur during periods of rest or relaxation such as:
- Reading
- Studying
- Trying to sleep
- Kicking-back relaxing
Note: Moving the affected body parts generally eases or stops the symptoms and can provide temporary relief.
There are two types of RLS:
- Idiopathic – This is a primary condition without a known cause or cure.
- Secondary – Can be caused by many different things including side-effects from a medication or medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, opiate withdrawal and more.
Opiate Withdrawal Restless legs
Restless Leg Syndrome from opiate withdrawal will be the focus of this article. One of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal is jumpy legs, twitchy legs, dancing legs, or restless legs….whatever you prefer to call it. It is different than traditional RLS because the cause of it is known (opiate withdrawal), and there is a cure (time) because it goes away on its own after a few days or weeks. There are many awesome strategies for stopping opiate withdrawal restless legs.
If you really want to know what helps RLS during opiate withdrawal, you’ve come to the right place. My simple and effective 4-Step Plan can stop restless legs from aching, tickling, twitching, crawling, and break-dancing across the room. Furthermore, this natural plan is so powerful that it doesn’t just stop restless legs….it can also work extremely well for reducing insomnia, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sweating, hot and cold flashes, gastrointestinal upset and lack of appetite.
Step 1: Exercise and Stretch
One of the most powerful strategies for treating opiate withdrawal restless legs is to exercise. Walking, cycling and swimming have all been shown in studies to reduce RLS symptoms. Exercise at a moderate pace and don’t over exert yourself. You can walk or cycle on the street, or on a treadmill and stationary bike.
Note: Morning, afternoon and evening are all excellent times to exercise, just don’t perform strenuous exercise within 1-2 hours before going to bed as this has been shown to worsen Restless Leg Syndrome.
After you get done exercising, make sure to use the following leg stretches which have also been shown to be helpful for RLS:
Step 2: Take Supplements for RLS
There are incredible natural supplements that can be used to stop opiate withdrawal restless legs. Valerian root
is an herb that was shown in a study to improve symptoms of RLS and insomnia. Valerian works on the GABA receptors in the brain in a similar way that Xanax, Valium and other benzodiazepines do. Valerian is well-known for its ability to relax muscles and tension, decrease anxiety and improve sleep. Passion flower is another herb I highly recommend using for RLS. It works in the same way that valerian does, plus it can really uplift your mood.
Magnesium is an “anti-stress” mineral that was shown in a study to be a useful alternative therapy in patients with RLS. Magnesium can help to stop restless legs from opiate withdrawal by easing muscle and nervous tension, thereby allowing the legs to loosen up and relax.
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that can be used to stop restless legs from opiate withdrawal. L-tyrosine converts to L-dopa in the brain. L-dopa then converts to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Considerable evidence suggests that RLS is related to a dysfunction in the brain’s basal ganglia circuits that use dopamine, which is needed to produce smooth, purposeful muscle activity and movement. Disruption of these pathways frequently results in involuntary movements. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease, another disorder of the basal ganglia’s dopamine pathways, often have RLS as well.
Note: During opiate withdrawal, you are literally going through the worst dopamine withdrawal imaginable, which could be the main reason for RLS symptoms. In traditional RLS treatment, doctors often prescribe dopamine agonist medications, which are drugs that mimic the neurotransmitter dopamine. A natural way to increase dopamine for opiate withdrawal restless legs would be to use an L-tyrosine supplement.
The following supplement can also significantly reduce RLS symptoms:
- Opiate Withdrawal Supplement
- If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
Step 3: Take Epsom Salt Baths
If you’ve never had one of these, you are truly missing out. It’s a quick, inexpensive and natural way to stop restless legs from opiate withdrawal. Epsom salt is actually not even salt. It’s a naturally occurring pure mineral compound consisting of sulfate and magnesium. Both of these are easily absorbed through the skin.
Epsom salt baths are an ideal way to gain the following benefits during opiate withdrawal:
- Flushes toxins from the body
- Relaxes the nervous system
- Soothes back pain and aching limbs
- Improves the absorption of nutrients
- Helps RLS during opiate withdrawal
Note: Research also shows that magnesium increases energy and stamina by promoting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. It helps to produce serotonin, the chemical in the brain that helps you feel emotionally relaxed. Stress drains the body of magnesium, so it’s important to replenish it while going through opiate withdrawal.
To use Epsom salt baths to stop RLS during opiate withdrawal:
- Pour two cups of Epsom salt into a hot bath and soak for at least 10-15 minutes. Stay in the bath as long as the water is still warm to get the most benefits.
Step 4: Apply Self-Heal Balm With A Hot Washcloth
Self-Heal Balm is an all-natural topical pain-relieving cream that can be used to stop restless legs from opiate withdrawal. It has a pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing combination of organic herbs, essential oils, castor oil and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). One of the main ingredients that are useful for RLS is St. John’s Wort oil, which repairs nerve damage and restores neural transmission. The DMSO and healing herbs work to relax tight and sore muscles in just seconds. These ingredients can also ease RLS symptoms.
To use Self-Heal Balm to help RLS during opiate withdrawal: rub a generous portion of the balm onto problem areas such as calves, hamstrings, behind the knees, or anywhere else that is bugging you. Next, soak some washcloths in hot water and ring them out so they are still wet but not dripping. Apply the wet cloths to your legs over the area where you applied Self-Heal Balm. The hot and damp washcloths will help to drive the active ingredients in the balm into your muscles for quick RLS relief.
Finally, get two dry regular towels and wrap them around each leg. You can use two Ace bandages to tie the towels to your legs. Make sure they are not so tight that they cut off circulation, but snug to the point where you feel RLS relief. You can do this anytime you are resting at home during withdrawal.
Note: Make sure to use this technique right before you get into bed at night to help you fall asleep.
Things That Aggravate RLS
Even though your Restless Leg Syndrome is caused by opiate withdrawal, there are certain things that trigger RLS that I recommend staying away from anyways:
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Excessive stress
- Excessive refined sugar intake
- Antihistamines
Click here now to view my best home detox program. If you have any questions on how to stop restless legs from opiate withdrawal, please feel free to post them in the comment box below. Good luck, and I wish you a mild withdrawal!
And click here to learn about my opioid detox & recovery coaching program.
I was having a difficult time with RLS after getting off suboxone. Every night around 1 am it would start. It was so bad I had to get up and walk around. I would then fall back asleep around 3am. I used L-tyrosine along with CBD tincture from eden’s herbals. It really helped me drastically.
Thank you for sharing all these ideas, they have obviously been so helpful to many. I will read through all the comments to see if there is anything I may have missed. I did masses of research online and came up with a similiar plan when I gave up Tranadol and Diazipam after 12 years or more of use for back problems. If I’d come across your article before it would have saved me a lot of time as i didn’t come up with anything different. Sadly for me it didn’t work although things did improve! I came off gradually after 400mg a day when I gave up work, leaning and sitting at a desk 8 hrs a day made it impossible to get through without tramadol. Usually NHS treatment, give pills don’t find out the problem! I managed the back pain by using a heat pad, leaning back on pillows on a bed whenever it was immobilising and it would ease. The withdrawal symptoms gradually wore off except for the restless leg, it was a real problem, people just don’t understand it’s severity! I suffered for a year after and tried all of your ideas, I’m active and not overweight but after a year I could stand it no longer and finally got to see a Neurologist. She didn’t even connect T withdrawal with restless leg and dismissed this! Prescribed Pregabalin which has marginally helped but Not the help I had hoped for. Sadly I’ve now added 100mg of tramadol after 18months I could just stand it no more. It was suggested that maybe the Tramadol had masked the problem but I don’t believe that! The damage seems to have been done and is irreversible imo. I still suffer even with the Tramadol and Pregabalin. The worst for me was the feeling my legs had frozen ice packs pressed on them, combined of course with the feeling you were attached to a battery! I have to place hot water bottles on my legs and feet and wear thick socks tucked into jogging bottoms in bed. The weight and heat from the water bottle helps. I can’t bear the feeling of cold cotton sheets against any part of me! I don’t know where I go from here but the Neourologist is not helpful, she’s given me a pill and that’s the answer! My problems last all day, the minute I stop moving unless I am in the heat. I take holidays to the sun now, sit on a sun bed and the sun on my legs allows me to sit in comfort but the minute it’s gone I’m back to RLS!
I have severe RLS and Tramadol is the only thing that helps and hot baths just for a moment. But I have been researching and my mother has Parkinson. They use the same medication for RLS as for Parkinson because it is a dopamine issue. It is difficult for me because I have major migraine problem and sumatriptan, triptans (medications for migraines) are serotonin connected as well as histamines will aggravate RLS. And I have read from people that using dopamine helps majorly in RLS. This is the next step in my journey. I have a doctor’s appointment coming soon for that reason. Also, there is different medications stimulating different dopamine receptors from D1-D5. Some of them might not have desired effect.
Hi there
I was on Tramadol for 11 years plus benzodiazepines cloplin. I needed to get off this junk, was no good had to other methods. Anyway the RLS kicked inn big time! Kicked was the word, as I just kicked my legs all over the place every time I either nodded off or relaxed so sleep was a no no! I just totally wrecked the bed sheets and could not stop moving, my legs were on so much discomfort I wanted to chop them off- so to speak. Pretty painful as well, but a dull pain, cramps the lot. After failing a few times as was so bad I went to get more tramadol, I though one day got to do it this time, I was half way there as was not on so big a dose as before. However, the RLS was still there and I tried all sorts. What I found helpful just to get me over the hurdle was CBD, oil capsules and liquid. only one at night and if too bad during the day a little from the bottle with drop under the tongue. I didn’t have the string stuff just the stuff you get from your local health shop with no THC, just pure CBD. This was an instant RLS killer and relaxed me as well to read myself to sleep with a good book. After the withdrawals were gone I just stopped the CBD no problem at all. Hope you all get through the hurdles. Keep the faith!
I am sharing my story in the hopes it may help someone who is not addicted but still dealing with opioid withdrawal symptoms post surgery.
I have had mild-to-moderate Restless Leg Syndrome my entire life (I am a leading edge Boomer who has already passed the Big 70) but am able to control RLS with nutritional supplements and sleep hygiene about 90% of the time. I have never taken any drugs for my RLS.
In April 2018 I had a right hip total replacement (my first major surgery) and of course was given 4- 5 Norco (5 mg hydrocodone + 325 mg acetominaphan) post surgery so I could tolerate the physical therapy. This was my first experience with opioid pain meds.
2-1/2 weeks post surgery, when I came home from 2 weeks in rehab, I began to slowly wean off of Norco because my hip no longer needed such strong pain relief. To my consternation, I suffered from a 24 hour per day horrible exacerbation of my existing RLS for 8 weeks, most severely in my legs, but less intensively also over the rest of my body. It was so severe that I could only sleep 2-3 hours per day from 5 am – 8 am; my thigh muscles twitched almost constantly. I dreaded night time because all I could do was restlessly pace up and down the halls of my apartment building until 5 am. I was terrified I would be like this for the rest of my life, but starting about the 8th week, the symptoms gradually faded and I have returned to my “normal” pre-surgical level of RLS.
My ortho surgeon was sympathetic but seemingly clueless about the cause and/or treatment for this (my situation has hopefully educated him — I surely can’t be the only patient who has experienced this). After a lot of online research, I discovered there were 2 possible causes: surgical anesthesia / other drugs given during and immediately after surgery (anti-nausea, etc) and opioid pain meds. At first I was convinced that it might be the anesthesia (it’s possible it might have affected me for up to a week), but it’s not likely the effects would have lasted for over 8 weeks. It was the Norco.
I am living proof that someone who is NOT addicted to opioids can still have withdrawal symptoms.
I may need other surgery in the future, so I am already planning ways (RLS drugs and/or supplements) to be able to handle the RLS exacerbation without the misery that I went through in 2018. My hip healed well, but absolutely the RLS exacerbation was the most miserable part of my surgical experience.
I just read the other comments and discovered that others have also suffered from horrible RLS during withdrawal, so that confirms to me that this is a real thing. And I see Matt has written an article on “POST ACUTE WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME FROM OPIATES”.
Does anyone have any experience using Tramadol (Ultram) for post-surgical pain? I’ve received a recommendation to consider using it for future post-surgical pain. Is it as effective as Norco? I’m confused as to whether it is considered an opioid or not.
Thanks in advance for any feedback on tramadol.
Hello, 1st MANY THANKS, for your article on RLS during withdrawal. I will try some of it tonight. What I have read about Tramadol, and was prescribed it along with other things, it is also an opiate and Harder to withdrawal from than Norco. Norco will be more beneficial for your treatment of future pain (it’s stronger mg./mg.) Wish you well pre and post surgery(s). Sally
Yes, I recently had my shoulder replaced and put on oxycodone for pain(def needed it) and about a week after surgery felt creepy crawly pain in legs And jerky movements of both legs and arms. I wasn’t able to sleep until 4 am-9am due to intense Pain. Down to 20 mg oxycodone a day(2 , 10mg every 12 hr after therapy) but still get rls every night
Anyone reading this please please please do not think Tramadol is less of a pain to get off of. If anything it is worse and long drawn out. Its the go to for doctors not wanting to prescribe the hardcore stuff and is the worst to get off of.
Also try a weighted blanket for RLS. That gotta move them constantly feeling. Not much pain unless youre like me a punch your legs to try and stop the heebie jeebie feelings. Just annoying and can’t get comfortable.
The pain is likely lack of potassium as opiotes are famous for making one deficient.
Also kava kava is another herb that helps.
No don’t do it don’t get on this terrible drug, It has ruined my life and family disappointment
I realize that the last post was in 2015, but I hope you still get this message. I have been addicted to Kratom now for about a year-and-a-half. I have tried getting off of it and it is literally hell. I came across your article and this is amazing! I thank you so much for all of the information that you have put out here. I’m going to start on a vitamin regimen of valerian root, l-theanine, and passion fruit flower, along with my clonidine prescription and I pray to God that it works as well as your suggestions say. If you have any suggestions regarding the vitamins that I’m going to take please let me know! Thank you SO MUCH for putting this out here. You are truly an angel to taking the time to help all of us addicts. Thank you again, seriously, again and again and again!
That’s exactly why I’m here! I’m weaning myself off kratom as well and the restless legs are so unpleasant. I didnt realize it was symptomatic at first and couldn’t understand why I was suddenly having this problem.
It’s 4 in the morning and I’m thinking of taking an Epsom salt bath because it’s the only thing you listed that I have. Can confidently say I’ve never taken a bath at 4 am before. Wish me luck and thank you for your article!
Taper, use CBD oil, Plys CBD brand only has .04-.05% thc and Source Naturals sells one wiyh truly 0%, made from Orange Oeel… yrs CBD is found in a number of unexpected plants, Time released Magneseum or Magnesium L-Theonate may work best.
My symptoms started at the age of 47. My fingers on my left hand were stiff and were difficult to move. People noticed that my walk was not normal. I was often asked did I hurt. I noticed nothing different about my walk. It was difficult getting up from` a chair and getting out of a car. I was diagnosed a year later ,it was the onset of tremors starting in my right hand that caused my other symptoms to be recognized as Parkinson’s.. I am now 59. With the new herbal medicine i purchase from http://totalcureherbsfoundation.com was my only way to get rid of my PD,the herbal formula effectively reverse my condition and alleviate all symptoms.
I am 56 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after four years of decreasing mobility to the point of having family dress me. One of my first symptoms was the lost of my sense of smell. Experiencing the beautiful aroma of a rose was no longer something to look forward to. I also had some difficulty writing. I was on one tablet of pramipexole (Sifrol), 0.25 mg three times a day. Since the original diagnosis, my stiffness slowly increased. I’m 56, In Febuary this year my neurologist referred me to Organic Herbal Clinic, i immediately started on their natural organic Parkinson’s Herbal treatment. I had a total decline in all symptoms including the Stiffness, Visit Organic Herbal Clinic web page ww w. organicherbalclinic. c om. The PD treatment totally reversed my condition and most amazingly i can go about my daily activities!
Just wanted to share what worked for me when I was having RLS from cold turkey opioid withdrawal. I had decided I was sick of the monthly hassle of getting a prescription, and wanted off the meds.
I had one of these HoMedics Heated Vibration Massage Wrap (https://www.walmart.com/ip/HoMedics-Heated-VIbration-Massage-Wrap/762039674)
I put it on my legs on the lowest vibration setting. I think it tricked my brain into thinking I was stretching the muscles, when it’s the vibration that’s moving them. Now I have a bed that has the vibrating massage and it works for me if I’m having a bad day from pain.
Thanks for sharing this info, Sandy! Seems like a great resource and I appreciate you posting it here. Take care. 🙂
Hello Matt~
I have shrapnel in my spine from my tours in Iraq, and Kuwait. I, upon separation from the Marine Corps, accepted OPIOIDS from the V.A. Fortunately, even ingesting various types, such as Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone tablets, and finally Morphine, I never became addicted, although I was physically dependent and terrified of withdrawal. I am titrating off of Bupernophine/Nalaxone, down from 6mg per day to 1/4mg, soon to be eliminated from my system PERMANENTLY. My ONLY W/D SYMPTOM, is the itchy feeling that cannot be relieved by scratching, and
A SEVERE “crawly” feeling. In fact, this symptom is IDENTICAL to the W/D experience from the above mentioned narcotics. My Doctor admits that I am extremely atypical. Until I found your site, I have never seen my symptom explained or even understood. I have been prescribed Tinzanidine, to prepare me for inescapable W/D. If I miss my Bupernorphine /NL, by 1-2 hours, W/D returns. Focusing on my SPECIFIC symptom, what is your opinion❓
The W/D is soooo horrific, and previously, (nothing that we tried, i.e., Clonidine has been at all effective,) that I consider jumping from a window. In March, I will be completely detoxed, so that is why we implemented the Tinzanidine today. As you are undoubtedly aware, attempting to treat the W/D after it commences, is in my experience, a uphill battle. I would appreciate your comments, thank you.
,
My Dr. gave me on my first visit 230 30 mg ,180 perceict 10 mg 90 somas 120 xnanax. thank God I don’t see him anymore. although I did for a log time. I went into a severe depression and almost did not make it.I know a lot of people who did not. Although I do not take as much mg as I used to I do not want to take any at all. I was wondering if I could take xanx and sleep my withdrawls away and is it safe. thanks KC
Tony P, glad to hear you are getting help with buprenorphine. I too have been on opioids basically for the last 15 years so I know what you are going through. About 10 years ago I started on methadone and thought I would be on it the rest of my life but after 4 years I had enough and got off. For the last 4 years I have been on suboxone (buprenorphine) until 19 days ago when I stopped and have been going through withdrawals (acute phase over, on to PAWS). I believe the reason you were still having issues after 7 months is due to PAWS which can last anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years for your brain to fully heal. I have not experienced the bupe patch you mentioned but with my experience on suboxone I can say that it caused me issues with sleep for a while then I lowered my dose and that fixed it for me. I don’t think it was rls however keeping me up so this may not bbe your issue but still should be considered. If I were you I would m nation the rls to your doc and see if he can get you something for that. It could be that you have developed rls over time and may need to take something for it if it disrupts your life. This is what my doc told me, that they only prescribe something for it if it is disrupting your life/sleep. I hope you find something that helps you or figure out what is causing it my friend. Take care.
This is off subject in a sense for this thread…but I wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on a method I e recently heard about to get off of subutex…before I explain it I want to say my initial reaction was probably the same one you all will have ,but after I thought about it a little more something about it made some crazy sense…I think… so the methods directs the user to abstain from subutex for three days(the 72 hour half life period)to lower bupe levels to the point of withdrawal on the fourth day begin taking a max of three ten mil. Percs or hydro’s…..do this for roughly three weeks and then stop taking them …at this point you take an 8mg subutex and split it into quarters and take one quarter a day for four days …the claim is that at this point you will be finished…no withdrawals…obviously there was no claim this would work for everyone and it is based on some very basic principles…stop subutex avoid withdrawing by taking the percs or hydro’s…do this long enough to basically remove any residual bupe from your system…then use one subutex pill to get you over what should be minimal withdrawal from the three weeks on the traditional opiates…has anybody ever heard of anything like this …I mean it’s basically medically assisted…but not like anything I’ve ever heard of….would it work???
Hi Blake,
I used this methadone to get off Suboxone with relative ease many years ago. I did end up back on opiates about 4 months later, but the method still worked well. Here are the exact steps I used, but this plan can be customized to your needs:
Why Getting off Suboxone Was Easy For Me>>
hi – VERY CURIOUS about this method – sort of tried it – the UPSIDE was that while i went back on the perc’s (for about 12 days) when i came back to the sub’s i was taking less. those little things are potent beyond belief. its shocking trust me. i would LOVE to get off suboxone for good – been on it since August 2017 – started off higher than i should have with 2mg’s to almost 3 (i know this is low compared to many but stick with me for a second) i was on yellow perc’s (my favorite) for 5 years – BUT i had this control where I would never do more than 5 a day. usually maintained between 2 and 3 a day. but then i got down to 2 even then 1.5 etc. Im at .25 a day and can NOT get off it – to the point that i started feeling like absolute shit when i reduced. Id like to do the perc’s again and was thinking of getting 20 and taking only 1 a day for 20 days then see what happens – maybe keep a few subs and do only .25 for a few days. thoughts?
Hi Joe, I would get enough to do 3 a day for the first week and then go heavy on some great remedies after that. So jump off the low amount of Suboxone and use Percs morning, noon, and night, for about a week, then use a variety of the remedies mentioned in this article:
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies THAT WORK>>
Hey there my name buck I been on baby perks 3 years of leukemia now Dr cut me off cold turkey in my 7th day no withdraws except legs jumping real bad can’t sleep need pill at night my advice is to get them take one at night I have no withdraws just night 7 days no sleep
Hi…I know I’m a little late on the reply but I’d just like to say a few things…First to those who are addicted to opiates, there is hope. You can break away from this ever revolving cycle. I was addicted to opiates for 20 years. My addiction was sparked after being diagnosed with Endometriosis. Back in 96 the only thing they did for you was feed you pills. I had bottles of opiates laying around with unlimited refills. Once I had my hysterectomy, the doctors suddenly just stopped giving me the pills and needless to say..I was VERY addicted to them. I tried discussing m horrible situation with a husband who didn’t understand or relate AT ALL to my problem. I had and have not ever done an illegal drug. So this can happen to ANYONE. Addiction changes the real person that you are. I have stolen pills from people that I love, made up phoney reasons I was in pain, anything low life thing you can think of. All because I was terrified of the withdraws. I’ve read a few of these articles and thought I’d give Gabapentin a chance. Although I greatly disliked the weird head buzz it gave you, it was a far cry from actual withdrawals. To have a safe and calm withdrawal it took 1600-1800 mg. I DO NOT suggest you start this high..start at 300mg and increase as needed. It’s important to remember that with Neurotin or Lyrica (and Lyrica is stronger, so be careful) that you do not get immediate results. It takes about an hour or so for the medication to kick in. Hang IN there! You can do it. If you fail, it’s okay…try again! I wish everyone a safe and happy journey on their road to recovery.
Annelissa, glad to hear your story and that gabapentin is helping you through this. Many of us have a similar story that started with doctors who cut us off which started a vicious cycle of “seeking” to keep withdrawals stay at bay. I hope your journey continues in the right direction towards opiate freedom. Take care.
I’m glad to hear of success getting off opioids. This is some of my story and is a mixed bag. There’s a lot good and I still expect my long journey to get better but I’m VERY frustrated at the moment. I apologize, I didn’t see how to post a comment on RLS without adding to a Reply.
After 15 years of dependency on heavy opioids for chronic pain, 11 of which has been in a pain management program, I’ve found the Butrans Patch to be a god-send.
Backtracking, I was able to reduce my MS Contin level over a couple year period and than the long term withdrawal feeling of ZERO joy or motivation hit me like a Mack truck. I say what’s the point if you never feel good. That said I never wanted to go back to MS Contin because I wasn’t addicted but after 7 months it became clear this lack of feeling might never end despite of what I read. I can see why they say only 2 in 10 can quit and stay off opioids. I’ve been addicted to other drugs in my life but this is by far the hardest one to stop. I honestly don’t think I can. That’s where the Addictionologist came in. He started me on buprenorphine and I’ve since moved to the Butrans Patch. It’s made all the difference in the world as it turned off the MS Contin withdrawal. Just a side note I think it’s a bit of a disgrace that people in this Opioid Crisis don’t have greater access to these medications because of the expense. I’m not a big Government guy with expenditures but I don’t know how people with long term addictions are expected to succeed. My Addictionologist said I will likely always be on a low dose and that’s fine with me. Of course I still deal with chronic pain. Another professional I see recently said that at a recent seminar he attended on opioid addiction, the medical community’s recommendation is now for people who are addicted to always stay on a low dose because the chance for relapse is so high.
Ok now to the f***ing problem!! I have never had such an awful affliction as restless leg syndrome. It’s been an insidious thing to deal with for 5 damn months now. I’m not exaggerating but can’t go into. It’s the only thing now that’s keeping me from functioning like a normal person. I’ve tried just about everything. I’m beginning to wonder if IT will ever end now. I hear people say a month or two. The only thing that gives me relief is Requip and hot water on my legs but I have to sacrifice some of the ONE anti-depressant Lexapro that works well for me that I’ve been on for many years which is really lousy. And I don’t see that walking a bunch helps me. So the Requip works but you feel like you’ve been put through the ringer the next day, like you didn’t even sleep. It’s only after I feel like crap and am so tired I don’t have RLS. Than I’m up at 3 am like today because I had to go to bed too early. You know what they say, every pill is a little more poison. lol
So I have RLS every other day now for two months so I guess that’s improvement over the complete nightmare in the beginning. 🙂 I wonder if there’s anyone who can relate to my situation? I will try the Balm you suggest. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing. I have been addicted to codeine for 8 plus years. Started as a way to treat period pain. Then id take 2 anyway because they made me feel relaxed and safe and eased my anxiety.
They used to be vvv easy to get, no script required, Im in Australia. Now near impossible…
Which i am actually grateful for.
I can deal with the tummy upsets, anxiety and the headache even. But the restless legs is beyond me. I want to crawl out of myself. And would kill someone for 2 tablets.
I am 3 days from last dose. And mind you I was only having 2-4 panadine fortes a day longterm (60 -120mg codine). Somedays I’d take more. But that was rare. I’d worry about my liver and freak out about overdosing so I never ever too it to a extreme. Never took more than the recommended daily dose.
My dose is so small I never thought I’d have withdrawals. I guess over many years my system is so used to it. I’m ashamed of myself.
I have bought Gabba and L tyrosine beginning today. I pray it helps 😇.
Good luck everyone. Stay strong.
Only to an extent because you are still giving your body an opuate and that is what it is reacting to being without upon cessation. I would recommmend avtaper abd not end on Suboxone, ever. It is the hardest to discontinue.
I keep seeing a lot of recommendation for Lyrica and Neurontin. I have spent a few horrific months withdrawing from Lyrica. Worse than Suboxone withdrawal by far. I was only on Lyrica for ONE month before coming off of it. It takes no time for it to become addictive. Everyone is different and may not have that reaction but I need to put it out there. There is a survivor group on Facebook if you find yourself with problems from using it. Good luck!
Did you taper off the Lyrica? Or did you come off cold-turkey? In my experience, when a person on these types of medicines does a good job lowering their dosage over the span of a few weeks or months (tapering), this typically prevents the horrific withdrawal syndrome.
I wouldn’t even recommend a big coffee-drinker to quit caffeine cold-turkey. Drugs affect the brain and coming off them cold-turkey is not pleasant, but slow tapers can totally prevent this.
Hi Matt I want to reply to Tony P from May 2018 but there is no reply link at bottom of his post? There is one under the next post however ? If I reply on that would he see it? I was diagnosed with RLS back in 1999!! I did sleep studies etc suffered for many many years before RLS was ever even heard of!! Long story I will tell “ my story” soon! Although it is fairly long and …… like everyone else !
Hi Francesca, if you reply on the next post, he will see it if he’s he turned is comment notifications on. Can’t wait to read your story soon!!!
I am replying to Tony P from May 2018 hoping he sees it?? So bf I write it I’ll wait to see if he sees this one!! There is no reply link under his comment??
I was prescribed opiates for a long time. I took them as I was suppose to. Never ran out always passed my urine and blood tests. Once Obama decided to get involved I was dropped because of my age blah and blah. I then turned too the streets and maintained well. But since all drs never want to write scripts my street connects were only left with heroin. For the longest time I stayed away. But as my pain worsened I broke. I have now been an addict for a yr now. I hate it. I want off. These articles are very informative. And I thank all of you for sharing your stories. Thank you.
Hi Trizzy,
I’m glad you’re getting value from the articles and stories. You’re welcome! It’s my greatest pleasure. Thanks for leaving a comment and I’m wishing you the absolute best on your journey. Take care.
Lisa thank you for sharing. Hope your pain continues to go down using natural products. I wonder if this would help during withdrawal or PAWS. Certainly interesting.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in October 2011, at the age of 44. I woke up one morning with numbness in my lower back and legs, I couldn’t feel my feet touching the floor. I saw my doctor and had an MRI to see if I had a disc problem, it was negative and she told me she feared MS. I was sent to a neurologist, had two more MRIs, and was told that night that I have four lesions on my spine MS. I tried every shots available but nothing worked. In 2015, my neurologist and I decided to go with natural treatment and was introduced to NewLife Herbal Clinic natural organic MS Herbal formula, i had a total decline of symptoms with this treatment, the numbness, terrible back pains, stiffness, body weakness, double vision, depression and others has subsided. Visit NewLife Herbal Clinic official website ww w. newlifeherbalclinic. com or email info @ newlifeherbalclinic. com.
This treatment is a breakthrough for all multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers, I am strong again!
Matt I really need your help. What do I need to do? I am struggling terribly. I see where you have offered your help to others. I am desperate. Thanks.
Ive been on pain maeds most of my adult life for one thing or another, accidents…etc etc…later years is 60mg methadone and 4 10/325 hdryo a day. prior to that i was on 3 80 mg OCER and 6 30 roxi break threw. i was there with her 7 years. i wanted off. i hurt daily but i hate the feeling of being a junkie. i hate these meds cause of the public perception and the shame it puts on you when you need to find another doc or another pharm. i left this doc of years cause i wanted to come off the oxy stuff and try other stuff. i hate the feeling i get feeling looked at or down upon. yes i hurt like hell but it still makes me fell like a junkie. i found another doc i thought was gonna be good. he reluctinly but did put me on what i am now. but with constant chastising, just making me feel worse then i aleady do. i went in last month and the nurse i see said in short you people, saying pill seekers and liars. i told her i worked uc as a LEO for years, i hate these things but i hurt like hell. she said ya, yall say this. that was it. i cant go to my own doctor feeling like this over and over. i cant sleep waiting to hear your not getting your meds any more, were just up and switching you etc etc. i am so pissed, i take my meds as i always should most often have them left over buy a few, never run out but i dont need this feeling. ive tried to detox a few cause of this but it always gets me back after a week or two of the pain..im not sure what im gonna do but this place had some good reads..thanks…
I’m sorry to hear how you have been treated at the doc office. I understand what you are going through. Many years ago when I was much younger and going to the doc for pain I had a new doc say to me “if you were my son I would bear your a$@.” Needless to say I didn’t return to him. After this I turned to the street for pain killers unfortunately b/c no one there looked down their nose at me like I felt at the doc. The good news for the was the pain did go away after a few years but I was left with an opiate addiction. I ended up at a methadone clinic which truly helped me, I was no longer buying off the street and constantly seeking more opiates. You are able to choose your own dose (so no doc restricting) and stay as long as you need. The downside is you have to start going daily but can move up quickly to start getting take homes. In the end there I was getting monthly takehomes so it was much more convenient.
I recently weaned myself off suboxone when my provider suddenly quit her job. They would’ve given me a new provider but I just wanted to be done. The withdrawal was so intense and miserable. I had the basic symptoms and the rls was unbearable at night. So I did some online research and found an amazing way to get through this with all over the counter meds.
First was immodium ad. It helps with the diarrhea and it also gave relief because it has a synthetic opiate already in it. You can’t get high off it because it doesn’t transfer into your brain. But it blocks the receptors and gives much relief. It greatly helped curb the cravings and eased my withdrawal symptoms.
I also got 5-htp at the local pharmacy, that helps so much with the anxiety and depression brought on by withdrawal.
Next, you need kava kava. It also helps with the anxiety and depression but also helps greatly with the rls. This will also help with your mental clarity and cognitive function that you may have issues with while in withdrawal.
I also got gaba. Also known and gabapentin or phenibut. If you can’t get a script for it, they sell it on amazon. When I have issues sleeping because my legs are jumping around every where from the rls, I take one and it stops pretty quickly. It also relieves pain and panic from withdrawal.
I also suggest getting krantom. It eases the withdrawal like no other. It’s a natural non addictive opiate that helps you get through withdrawal. It’s made from a tree that’s part of the coffee tree family. You can buy it online pretty cheap.
I also took melatonin at night to help more with sleep. I know some say it causes rls to be worse but if you take it with these other remedies, you’ll be fine. When you’re in withdrawal from opiates, your body doesn’t produce enough of its own melatonin which is the chemical that makes you sleep.
If you use all these meds properly during your withdrawal, you will get through it way easier than not using anything to help you through the hardest thing you’ll ever suffer though.
Do some of your own research on these rwmedies and youll see they really help. I wish you all good luck. Hope this helps a bit.
Hey Rachel, I’m so glad to hear that you were able to get through suboxone withdrawal and get to the other side of opiate freedom. I did want to clarify a couple thing you mentioned for others reading however. Firstly, GABA, gabapentin and phenibut are 3 different things (although I have heard ppl call gabapentin gaba as well) but all 3 can help during withdrawal. GABA is an amino acid that can be purchased locally or online that could help during withdrawal. Gabapentin is a prescription medicine that most certainly help many during opiate withdrawal but is harder to get since it requires a prescription. Phenibut is similar to gabapentin and available to purchase online and can help during withdrawal (with sleep and just feeling a little better) as well but phinibut is highly addictive so it’s probably best to use only for 2 or 3 days then stop use. Also, it’s best if ppl know that Kratom is in fact addictive since it acts similar to opiates by binding to opiate receptors but is a much safer (imo) option that’s opiates and is currently legal in most states in the US. Kratom is a great plant that can be used to get off opiates or as a replacement therapy for long term depending on your goal. The downside is that the US government is seemingly at war with kratom and are currently in the process of making it illegal. Hopefully they will not succeed but time will tell. Rachel, I hope you continue doing well and please feel free to post back here with your progress.
Are u serious kratom. Im laying in bed next to my husband and hes withdrawing from kratom right now has been for 2 days . its worse than heroin.
Worse than heroin? Show me the science behind that statement, otherwise, it’s just an opinion, and one that research proves against. Yes, kratom can be addicting, but it’s much easier to come off than heroin. I’ve been working in this field for over 6 years, and you are literally the only person I’ve ever heard say kratom is worse than heroin. You might want to do a little more research on that, because that statement is false, and all the science and research proves it is false.
The truth is that kratom is addicting for a small percentage of people, and meanwhile, it helps countless people on heroin and other powerful opiates and opioids get off those drugs naturally. Sorry your husband took it too much and became addicted, but millions of people use it to get off heroin, methadone, for chronic pain, depression, and many other issues. It’s not a perfect solution but used responsibly, it is a true miracle plant.
Im also in the fight to get off opiates for a year now, a 20 yr addiction mostly roxycodone. I tried to order kratom since i read so much about how it helps here. Unfortunatley TN is one of the states that banned it. Do you Matt, or does anyone here know a workaround to get some kratom? I have tried everything else without success. Im so desperate to get off poiates, Id rather put up with the pain than keep devastating myself financially, and having something with such a tight grip on me. Thomas method sure didnt work for me. I need help please.
I’m one of a few people I suppose who has a hard time coming off kratom. The wd is real but doesnt last long . At least for me. This post is a lifesaver I just lied to my entire family that i was sick and needed to sleep in a different room than my bf because of rls from kratom wd. Tried cold Turkey it was the worst idea. I will try tapering just waiting impatiently for my kratom delivery today. Mag sounds great and I’ll pick up an herbal valerian and passion flower tea today. Thanks for the great advice and compassion!
Thank you Matt for stating the OBVIOUS. Clearly Emily or her husband has not had the pleasure of going through heroin W/D. What an ignorant ass thing to say, not to mention that irresponsible response is the reason states are trying to ban kratom since they are clueless as well.
I’ll tell ya what I’m going though, recently found out I’m pregnant and was on effexor, subutex and adderall. I quit the effexor and adderall C/T. Cant be taking that shit while pregnant. Actually I cant be taking anything but I didnt want to put my body completely into shock and quit all 3 at once and risk a miscarriage. Not to mention in still working part-time and taking care of 2 kids…anyway, coming off the adderall and anti-depressant made me feel like a crazy person for about 10 days and I was having fits of crying and rage and dealing with wicked morning sickness. Dont wish it on anyone but I know we are all going through hell to get off the garbage 🙁 so on to the subutex…i was taking about 2mg/day before I found out about the pregnancy. Once I got through the adderall and anti-depressant w/d (about 10 days) I dropped to 1mg subutex for a week. Then I starting taking crumbs. Not sure how much but it was definitely less than .25-.5. After a week of that I stopped taking it completely and was fine first 24 hours just a little tired. At 48 hours I was DRAGGINGGGG and had pretty bad RLS. At 72 hours I felt just a little bit worse and gave in a got a little kratom. I took the kratom the 3rd day and it helped a little, although I hadnt bought kratom in a long time and i dont think i got very good quality, however, an hour after taking a teaspoon of Kratom I threw up (morning sickness lasts all day and clearly I’m extremely sensitive to what I injest)… Since I wasnt able to keep the kratom down that 3rd night I spent hours in the shower sitting down until I ran outta hot water. One thing that is a blessing and a curse about sub withdrawal is that it is milder IMO than heroin, oxycontin, dilaudid esp if you have ever had an IV habit. The curse side is that is seems to be more drawn out and I know this because this is my 3rd time getting off subutex. Dont ask me why i keep getting back on it, I ask myself that several times a day ugh. Oh and the sneezing! Be ready to sneeze 100x’s a day..which is real fun because I’m a tour guide on a microphone for work. Yay! Anyway after the 3rd night of very little sleep and RLS I ordered some phenibut from nootropics.. On day 5 I had to go back to work and literally felt like i couldnt move or think so I took a tiny crumb of sub. Crazy how such a small of an amount of sub is so strong and how much my tolerance had gone down in those few days…i did beat myself up pretty hard about taking it after having been off for 5 days. By the way, I have been asking God for strength and I truly believe he is helping me tremendously with this whole process. I decided not to beat myself up anymore and just get back on the wagon the next day. Day 6 and 7 I didnt feel too bad, I guess because I had taken that little piece. Thankfully on day 8 the phenibut arrived and it helped about 50% with my energy and mood. And thays where im at now, day 9. Not sure how the rest will pan out but I feel all of your pain…pray and God will give you strength… Listen to your body and if you go a few days and feel like you cant go on, take a little piece or find something else that helps and just keep truckin’
…every step you take to get off it all is one in the right direction…xoxo
I am prescribed 120 10/325 hydrcodones a month for pinched nerves in my back, bulging discs, stenosis, arthritis and scoliosis. I can barely get out of bed with out taking 3 of the hydrocodones upon awakening. I then take three in the afternoon and three in the evening. As you can do the math, I run out of them after two weeks and go through withdrawal once a month, during which time, I can barely function normally. Not only do I take hydrocodone, I also take valium, zanaflex, gabapentin, lunesta and also melotonin and a natural sleep aid! Oh, and benadryl, up to four tablets at night. I need all these meds to sleep because I have horrible insomnia since I was a child. I don’t take more of those medicines than I am prescribed. I just abuse the hydrocodones. I know this is such an excessive amount of medication, and to go through withdrawal once a month, every month, is really horrible. The worst symptom is RLS when I am withdrawing. What I felt really helped is eating a banana right before bed! It took my rls away! Try it! Very simple, inexpensive, natural and it works. I probably will quit altogether some day. I’m already getting to the point where I am so sick of this cycle!
Thanks for the tip Gracie. Probably the potassium in bananas that is helping rls, they helped my wife greatly when she was pregnant. In my opinion you have to be sick and tired of opiates to be able to break the cycle and get off. I hope it goes smoothly for you when the day comes.
Gracie, going through withdrawal once is bad enough but once a month is a horror story. I’ve been on oxycodone since last may for the same spinal issues, surgery, etc,. I was thinking about getting on Suboxone in order to get off the opiates but now having second thoughts. I think the pain that started it all is resolved but not sure b/c when I try to taper off the opiates, I’m into painful withdrawal and the rls is really bad. I might try to get a hold of some Elimidrol to aid with the w/d. Good luck to you, I hope you can get off that roller coaster and get your life back.
Would Phenibut help with restless legs? And one thing I’d like to add, Melatonin makes RLS much worse, in my experience. Just like Benadryl. I just figured I’d mention that in case someone takes Melatonin thinking it will help them get to sleep. It way won’t. You might feel a bit more like going to sleep, but it’s not gonna happen with the increased RLS.
Jake,
Just like with melatonin and benadryl, phenibut can increase rls FOR SOME, but not for all. If you’re already having rls problems, phenibut is not known as an aid for it. Increasing your dopamine levels naturally using high doses of amino acids (dl-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine, l-dopa) or getting a dopamine agonist medication, usually prescribed for parkinson’s disease, is an alternative. The most commonly prescribed meds for this are Mirapex & Requip. For many, the prescription meds Gabapentin (neurontin) and Pregabalin (lyrica), not only help with rls, but with most other opioid withdrawal symptoms.
~MARY
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
*DISCLAIMER- this should not be considered medical advice. Always speak with your Dr before starting any supplements or medications.
Phenibut does seem to help me with RLS coming off subutex. However, it still kicks up several times throughout the night and wakes me up but at least I can fall asleep and get a good 3 hours before it happens. Time is the only true cure for RLS…oh how I wish a banana would do the trick for me 🙁
Hello,
I’ve been an addict with opiate narco pills for about 5 years. I never knew what they had in them and how addicting they can be. Also the hell I’d go though to stop. I’m now going on my 2 day and worst is trying to relax but can sleep due to the ANSI feelings I experience. It’s unbearable! What substitutes can I take to help me sleep? I’ve been told marijuana helps?
Thank you kindly,
Andrea Martinez
Wanted to thank you for this post. I have been on suboxone for 8 years. I am down to a very small maintenance dosage and the only thing that keeps me from kicking it completely it’s the RLS I experience. It’s mostly in my feet but I would imagine it’s the same as in your legs. I’m willing to try. I’ve tried everything else so what could it hurt. Thanks again for taking the time to post this!
Matt,
There are also prescription meds that could help with RLS. They are dopamine agonists. So If you are still having trouble you could always check with the Dr and see if you can get Mirapex or Requip. Some prefer Gabapentin or Sinemet. Just know that there are many options.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
I feel ya bro.I take 16mg a day of subboxin and I’ve tried to stop.while I’m glad I’m not on dope ,the detox from subboxin is longer and just as bad. I am 41 and this drug has taken over my life..I had to kick it once in jail…terrible…good luck..Shane
Try mucuna puriens, it works for me
hi all im on my second day heroin withdraws sat up in night climbing the walls as ya do but im determined to kick this im using pregabalin 300mg every 6 hours then going to wean down, its helping a bit with the leg pain and rls but its my mind thats the worst thing fighting my inner addict telling me to use n ill feel better i know i wont long term so its a constant fight going on up there, keep going guys we can kick this crap n get out lives back! we deserve happiness to! much love to you all in this battle i know its tough! x
I am wondering how long the restless leg deal lasts once opiate use has stopped. My boyfriend was a chronic heroin user, intravenous for about 2 years, and other methods prior. I met him in January when he entered treatment (i’ve got a little over 8 years sober, but was not an opiate user), and he had a brief (3 day) relapse about 40 days ago, and just about every night his legs jump so bad that neither of us get rest. I’ve tried the Epsom salt bath, different soothing creams etc. We’re not the supplement type, and are hoping that time will make it better. Any thoughts? Thanks so much!
Hey Autumn, time should make it better (if he is getting proper nutrients in his diet and excersizing regularly) but the longer withdrawal symptoms persist the better chance for another relapse imho. A trip to the doc is what I would suggest since you ‘aren’t the supplement type’. There are several drugs the doc could prescribe that would help, the one I am most familiar with is gabapentin. Hope this helps.
Autumn,
I want to congratulate both you and your boyfriend on your sobriety. That is a wonderful accomplishment. I know you know that and so does everyone else who visits this site.
First I will hit on a few things that you don’t have to be “the supplement type” to address or change. One of the main triggers for RLS is caffeine. Giving up coffee, caffeinated sodas or energy drinks is a good idea. At the very least, no caffeine after midday.
There are minerals that he may be deficient on that are contributing to RLS. Being Low in Magnesium or Folic Acid cause RLS for many. Have him snack on nuts and seeds (like cashews, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc) all day. Include other foods rich in these minerals in his diet. Continue the Epsom salt baths as this is one of the best ways to get magnesium in our bodies.
Check any medications that he may taking to see if that may be contributing to RLS. Antihistamines such as Benadryl & Vistaril (others) can worsen these symptoms and many allergy medicines can do the same.
I also wonder, like Jeff said, is your boyfriend under the care of a Dr; even a family physician? There are good prescription medications that work well for RLS. Gabapentin is one of them and so is Lyrica. These medicines are anticonvulsants and work well for neuropathic problems. Dopamine agonist medications which are used for Parkinsons Disease patients also work well for RLS. These med include Sinemet & Requip.
A checkup with blood work done to see what his system is lacking would be a good idea, especially since these symptoms have lasted so long.RLS can be symptomatic of Anemia, Iron deficiency, Diabetes and other problems.
In the meantime try both hot & cold compresses on his legs to see which works best. Drinking tonic water with Quinine works for some. You can also have him try this remedy from my own Mother that worked very well for me. I drank dill pickle juice (less than half a cup) every night and ate about a tablespoon of mustard. ? Yuck! But it helped! I kept pickle juice in the nightstand and if problems started thru the night, I’d drink a little more and get relief very quick.
I hope this helps so you both can get a good night’s sleep. Check back in and let us know how things are going.
~Mary
OAS Recovery Specialist
*Disclaimer : Any advice concerning ones health, including medications and diet, should be discussed with a Dr. Follow the advice of a medical professionals.
Mary, I am very interested in if you know why the pickle juice would work? I ask because I am detoxing from subutex and I am craving pickle juice like mad. I had to go to the store yesterday and I bought 4 jars of pickles. The juice is my favorite part by the way! I could go without eating the actual pickles. I heard that your body will crave what it needs, so you may be onto something here! Do you happen to know why the pickle juice helps? Thank you..
Try mucuna puriens, it works for me
In anticipation of surgery, I stopped nearly 10 YEARS of Subutex cold turkey 4 WEEKS ago but transferred immediately to hydrocodone 7.5/325. I am now trying to wean off the narcotics for a hipe replacement surgery in mid-August. I’m experiencing severe RLS and I’m crawling the walls!! I assume it’s due to the buprenorphine (Subutex) still in my system? I’ve been given oxycodone 5 mg and am only taking it twice a day along with Lyrica 25 mg three times a day. The withdrawal is really bad and now I find I’m taking the oxycodone to alleviate the withdrawal, not so much for the pain. I feel as though I’m caught in a Catch 22. I love all your advice and plan to take the Epsom Salt bath in a few minutes. In my case, what else would you recommend?
Is your Dr willing to up your dose of Lyrica? The dose you are taking is much too low for bupe withdrawal. You didn’t mention your dose of subutex, but unless it was below 1mg , I can definitely see why your feeling sub withdrawal. So #1. Ask your Dr to drastically increase your lyrica. (Hopefully you have a Dr who is willing to work with you.) #2. Start Dlpa or l-dopa to produce dopamine that is low because of less opioids. L-dopa is quicker acting but also harder to find. Check your local Health Store. Both can easily be found online.#3. Eat healthy! If you’re putting sugar & processed foods in your body it will block many of the nutrients you especially need right now. #4 Eat a protein rich diet #5.Consider Kratom. This can fight sub withdrawal and help relieve pain.
Good Luck and check back in to let us know how you are doing.
~Mary
Oas Recovery Specialist
*Disclaimer: Any suggestions for the use of medications or supplements given here are not to be considered medical advice. Please follow the advice of your medical provider.
Hey Mike, I second Mary’s advice on dlpa and l-dopa (Mucuna pruriens) but want to mention take dlpa only in the morning and maybe early afternoon on an empty stomach (l-dopa anytime). I would also take tyrosine with dlpa since you need high levels of tyrosine to produce dopamine. All of these can be found at powder city’s website for great prices and super fast shipping. They have the highest quality l-dopa I have seen to. Since you are under a docs care I would suggest asking for a script for Gabapentin. It should alleviate all symptoms you mentioned, you may be wise to print out info and take with you in case your doc isn’t as familiar with it being used for opiate withdrawal. At the very least you could get a script for Clonidine (or lofexidine if blood pressure is an issue). These will help some as well but probably not quite as much as gabapentin. If asking the doc for a script is out of the question let me know since there are other supplements I can suggest that could help, but not as much as the prescription meds I mentioned imo. Hope this helps my friend.
I agree with this Jeff, and I forgot Clonidine! Lol! The only thing is, since he is already on Lyrica, the Dr more than likely won’t prescribe gabapentin. Also , since these two medicines perform essentially the same, with Lyrica being stronger, insurance probably wouldn’t pay for both. Lyrica work much better than Gabapentin, in my opinion. It actually kept me out of severe withdrawal from dilaudid.
~Mary
I was unfamiliar with lyrica but just researched it a bit and seems very similar to gabapentin. So, maybe check on a Clonidine script and see if doc will up your dosage of lyrica as Mary suggested. Sorry I missed that, there are so many meds out there and I have only had access to some of them. The Clonidine should help with that creepy crawl out of your skin feeling and possibly with RLS. Everyone is different with this but it will at least take the edge off.
I am 36 days clean from a 3 year Percocet addiction. The most I ever took in one day was 50 mgs. Usually I only took 30-40 and that was only in the last year of my addiction. I went ct and am feeling so much better except for sleep and rls. My rls is getting worse! I use melatonin still to sleep and it’s not helping much. Is it normal for the rls to get worse this far out!?!?!
Hey Lecia, it is probably PAWS (post acute withdrawal) and it will pass will pass with time. Make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet or silupplement protein powder 3 times a day or as much as you need. Also, magnolia bark helps me out allot for sleep. I take it about an hour before bed and melatonin 30 before bed. And chelated magnesium/calcium mix helps relax muscles as well. Swanson has both of these for a very reasonable price and works great for me. hope this helps you push through. Don’t get discouraged, it will pass.
Jeff,
Thank you for the encouragement! It’s now been 45 days and it’s getting better. I also prefer to use natural remedies so I really appreciate your suggestions. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done but I am feeling so much better!
End your RLS misery, get some gabapentin from your doctor, seriously! It works wonders, it’s the only thing that got me through PAWS!
I am 5 months clean from a 14 year opiate addiction. I got in a car accident and my doctor referred me to a pill mill. I was taking approx 180 mg of oxycodone a day and I’m a 130 lb girl. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done can someone please tell me what I can do to get out of the darkness and depression . Tired and fatigue as well as the worst restless leg (aching and pain type) it’s non stop 24 hrs a day 7 day a week help!!!
My doctor can no longer prescribe me norco…and the pharmacies wont fill it if he could.
I went to a vein clinic they found that some of my veins were not functioning properly.
4 trips 3 more to go. The cramping in my legs that kept me up all night…i no longer have.
Get minimal bubbling in the legs. It usually takes 8 weeks to get full effect …cut back on the
medication and can now get a full nights sleep…wish someone told me about this 4 years ago.
I have took 2 of be 300 mg should I take more it wasent helped I got some gabapentin. From a friend my Rs is pretty bad havent sleep in 3 days
We are all different of course but it is common to take 3 capsules of the 300mg gabapentin or even 4 capsules. Also melatonin may help you sleep along with this and other herbal supplements may help as well such as valerian root, skullcap, Passion flower and even amino acids such as tryptophan or 5htp and magnesium glycinate. Many of these work well in combination with each other and along with prescription meds such as clonidine. It may be beneficial to even take loperamide for a few days until the worst has past but don’t take to high a dose and I wouldn’t take more than a few days worth if it were me. You should check with you doc before taking anything for safety as well. Hope this helps.
The melotonyn is making it worse!!
Stop taking that.Gabapentin. will kill rls.eat a bannana right before bed. Im a bad speller.
Getting ready to jump off Soboxone at between 1-2mg per day. Should have enough Gabapentin to last as long as almost 12 days if need be with taking 800-1200mg twice per day. Does Gabapentin really alleviate all RLS?? I am completely amazed by this information and anyone that has used please let me know how much and how often. Thanks.
Here are articles I wrote that may offer value to people reading your comment Sherry:
Calm Support Review: Eases Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
How To Take An Epsom Salt Bath During Opiate Withdrawal
That’s exactly where I got the ideas! Thanks for AWESOME suggestions and reposting link!
Sam hows it going with the Gabapentin? The rls is my biggest fear and I want to be ready for it any feedback appreciated. ..Vito
Yes. Gabapentin is approved for RLS and neuropathic pain and hot flashes. I find it helps with the creepy crawly skin and insomnia too. Most doctors are also ok with prescribing it because it is not a narcotic. Good luck, I think the RLS is one of the worst symptoms as well.
Thanks for the feedback Erin and I am so thankful I found this site since I had no idea that Gabapentin was even used for withdrawal.
Am going to begin detoxing on the 9th of May since my spring classes will be complete for college on that day. Have not had the chance to try the Gabapentin yet, but will let you know by next week for sure! Hopefully it will work for me and reduce or completely stop the RLS, but either way I will be done with the Soboxone. 🙂
Hey Vito, so far the gabapentin has been working wonders for me. I also went to a local natural store and purchased pure Kava Root powder and that really helps as well since it helps to alleviate the RLS. That is the one symptom I cannot stand when you feel as though your legs and arms want to move constantly. I am only on day 2 so I know I have not even hit the peak bad days yet, but I will let you know more at the end of the week. 12 years ago a doctor prescribed Klonapin for my restless leg syndrome since I have had it since a child and know that is another medication I wish I had done research on because the withdrawal from Benzo’s is horrendous. Anyway keep me posted on how things go, but definitely try the gabapentin I have not read any comment on this site that states that it did not work for them so that is a good sign right? 🙂
I am now 8 days clean and actually feeling really normal which is crazy. I used the gabapentin along with Klonapin, Valerian, Kava, and Passion Flower first then moved to a prescription of Baclofen which was filled today. I have not had any of the hellish symptoms that I always expect when withdrawing. I still feel weak and not “all there” if you know what I mean but never got the restless legs or lost any sleep at all actually slept normally. I would recommend Matt’s site to anyone wanting to get off of opiates. He REALLY knows his stuff and before I quit I was very pessimistic about all of this working but it really does. I am starting to see things differently know. Things are brighter and more beautiful which I forgot was one of the motivations for me to quit using in the past. I am so thankful for the information available on this website and have been spreading Matt’s’ info to everyone I know that needs help. It REALLY WORKS if you really want to be DONE! I have never felt better than I feel now even though I am still feeling weak and not “completely me”. I know I will feel better as each day goes on. I can look my kids in the eye now and know that I don’t have this horrible secret addiction in my life. I AM ME AGAIN! And it feels great so far. Keep pushing forward anyone that is going through this now and if you want to be free follow the advice on this site and you will get there. Much love and luck to all!!
Congrats Samantha! I’m so proud you have made it this far and doing so well. Keep it up and keep us posted with your progress.
Congrats Samantha! I’m on 1.5mg of suboxone and plan on jumping as soon as I taper down a wee bit more. My doctor has said he will help me any way I can so the gabapentin might be a short term option. I also plan on following matts other suggestions including exercise, diet, and supplements. The more natural I can stat, the better I feel about it. My question is does any one know if gabapentin is in any way physically addictive? For instance, I want to avoid benzos for that reason.
I will also add that cannabis has been very helpful in my taper thus far for those who have medical access and feel like that is a good option for them. CBD oils and salves (no thc means no psychoactive “high”) are a great option for those afraid of the psychological addiction that the thc in cannabis might cause.
Hey Stephanie, to answer your question about gabapentin, yes it can be addictive so taking it only for a short time is best and taper down before stopping completely. Ask your doctor about prescribing Clonidine if you want a none addictive option. It is great stuff that will help with chills, RLS and sleep among other things. Probably not quite as good as gabapentin but still great for withdrawal. Suboxone withdrawal lasts about 12 days depending on the individual but isn’t as severe as other opiates, still no fun. High protein diet and amino acids is a great way to speed up the healing process as well. There are lots of great natural herbs to help along the way. Some that I really like are: Motherwort – great for calming nerves , Magnolia Bark – also good for nerves or trouble sleeping, Tryptophan (technically an amino acid) and 5htp – awesome combo for sleep and Melatonin for sleep. Valerian root as well but I find it helps more in combination with other herbs like skullcap or hops. I know I am throwing a lot out so I will stop but there are many great natural ways to help through this process. Let us know if you need anything and keep us posted on your progress.
Hey Jeff, thanks for the info! I am hoping you might be able to give me some advice on the herbs I ordered, or maybe someone can. For sub tapering and the jumping at .5-1mg, I have ordered mucuna pruriens (l-dopa), DLPA, L-Tyrosine, 5-HTP, and a good multivitamin. I also have Cannabis, Kratom and Phenibut on hand as well.
I’m not sure what kind of schedule I should take these on. If I should use all of them? Or just some? Anyone have any experience with these?
Hey Stephenie, I am taking most of these myself along with some others for my sub taper. I am currently at 0.25mg suboxone and planning to jump soon. I would take dlpa and tyrosine in the morning to help with energy during the day. You can take Mucuna either day or night or both for anxiety or to help sleep. 5 htp is great for sleep but can be taken during the day (take at night first to see how drowsy it makes you, I only use for sleep). Kratom acts like opiates so use it as a tapering tool for a smoother transition but keep in mind it is addictive so try to use it short term only. Phenibut is good stuff and will help you sleep for sure but it takes 2 hours or so to kick in so keep that in mind. Also you should be very careful with phenibut because it definitely has some withdrawal symptoms of its own if taken more than one or two times. I would try not to take it then if you absolutely have to take it. For me 1000-1500 mg is great for sleep but everyone is different so this might be to much for some, 500 mg might work. If I could suggest a couple more I would say get melatonin for sleep (Natrol fast desolve is my favorite) and Motherwort for sleep or anxiety during the day. Magnolia bark and valerian root also help with sleep. If you have any more questions about these or other herbs just ask, I have taken most of them out there so might be able to help. I can list other herbs and amino acids if you would like but you definetly have a good start with these. Hope this helps.
I actually took the gabapentin but did not wean off (1200 mg per day). I wound up using two bottles of 100mg per pill for almost two weeks. I found that I experienced RLS and sleeplessness for two nights after stopping the gabapentin. I am assuming it was from the Gabapentin and not Soboxone, but if I had to do it over again I would choose this route instead of detoxing from Soboxone cold turkey. So, yes I do believe it is addictive even with short term use due to taking a large dose each time. As Jeff says in his comment though maybe clonidine is an alternative that will suit you better, but the gabapentin for me stopped all of the symptoms of Soboxone withdrawal and two nights of RLS for me was a great trade off from detoxing from Soboxone for 12 days. I do agree that weaning down would have prevented any discomfort though. I am now on day 12 and all symptoms have disappeared altogether, so overall was a much better experience than the first time I quit which was without any medication. Also, the first time I quit Soboxone was at 4mg per day, but detoxing only lasted 7 days total which does not seem to be the norm. I actually purchased the supplements DLPA and L-Tyrosinr and began taking them a month in advance which helps your brain produce its own dopamine and I believe this is may be the reason I have not experienced any PAWS. More than likely I was also on larger doses than necessary of the gabapentin since I slept through most of the two weeks. This might have led to the RLS after stopping the gabapentin as well. I have continued taking the DLPA and L-Tyrosine as well for natural dopamine along with natural GABA, Kava in raw form (from a local herbal store in my town), and a great ginseng compound. Coral Calcium is an awesome mix of 72 minerals necessary in the body (including magnesium) if you have a natural vitamin store in your area (I found an herbal store which has it either in powder form or pill form-it was actually recommended to me to help with RLS). As Jeff said L-Tryptophan works very well along with Melatonin (if you have never taken melatonin begin with a low dose since larger doses have been found to have the opposite effect). Also, a good B-Complex vitamin I have found works well for energy. Hope this helps a bit (I actually purchased all of the supplements listed on the site and most have been extremely helpful). 🙂
Hey all! Just wanted to check in and give an update. I have been soboxone free since May 8th and feel like a new person. Using the info on this site made withdrawal virtually pain free. I have experienced some PAWS but using the gabapentin very sparingly has helped wonders. Yes the
RLS lasts a lot longer longer than any other symptom at least for me. Like I said I still have it a few times a week but gabapentin has been a Godsend. I will forever be in debt to this most awesome site for letting me in on that little secret. Now
that I have been off for a while my doctor prescribed a medication called Mirapax which is used for Parkinson’s but also for RLS and since I have had this wonderful irritation in my life for as long as I can remember it is always the main symptom of WD that breaks me and makes me use again. But man oh man I feel like I have a new life and one that doesn’t have any drug controlling it. For everyone who is just starting to visit the site, is ready to take their lives back, is going through WD right now, or has already been helped by the site to get clean you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Just keep at it and if at first you fail (there really is no failing just learning experiences) keep trying and for those who have won the battle for now you have earned the right to feel very proud of your accomplishment. No one says it will be an easy road but I can guarantee it is a much smoother road. I like myself again and that is saying a lot after being on pills and heroin for 15 years. Follow the advice on this site reach out to Matt (thanks for everything btw) and you really can’t fail. But have faith because I can say for sure that you are all stronger then you think you are. Much love and blessings!! By the way the Mirapax works and
is not supposed to be addictive so if you have prolonged suffering from PAWS RLS never hurts to ask your doctor.
Sam J, thank you for sharing your success story. Congrats on this great accomplishment as well. It is great to hear when someone makes it and is truly an inspiration. Keep it up my friend.
Thank you for responding Sam you mentioned Kava Kava root what are your thoughtsales and feelings on it does it relax you is it a narcotic or are just the efacts narcotic like?
Hey Vito, I am new to kava myself but finally able to enjoy it. It is more relaxing than anything else imo but that is a good thing. Some call it ‘Natures Valium’ which seems fitting but it isn’t exactly the same. The best part is it’s not addictive so take it as long as you want then just stop. I would suggest looking online for the best quality kava. Be warned, there are many many suppliers out there and much or it is junk imho. Check out bula kava house or nakamal at home for great quality. Stone kava is very good for relaxing and fu’u is probably the easiest to drink (taste wise) and has great results as well. You can get 1/2 pound for around 30. Honestly, kava tastes quite disgusting on its own but I can share my recipe if you are interested to take that nasty flavor away if you would like. (I wish it was as simple as taking capsules but kava really needs to be drank to get full effects in my experience). Hope this helps.
One other thing I wanted to add about kava, it does have a reverse tolerance for some (myself included) so the first few times you try it the effects will likely be very mild but it will increase with time. I would recommend drink some every day (or every other day) for a week or two and by the end you should be through the reverse tolerance. You will still get the numb tounge feeling and mild relaxation but not the full effect at first. I think it builds up in your system or something, not really sure but I have read of others (most in fact) that also experience this. Hope this helps. If you are interested I can also recommend the tools you will need to make your kava tea or you can just read up on forums and get some great info there.
Hey Vito, I agree with Jeff fully on the Kava. I purchased pure Kava in raw form as well as capsules and concentrated liquid and the Kava in raw form as well as liquid both worked while I did not get any effects from using the capsules. I purchased Kava from a local herbal store in my area that also offers Valerian, Passion Flower, etc in raw form and found the effects to be very relaxing. When I first jumped off I must admit that none of the natural supplements helped much during the worst withdrawal days (4-7 or 8) and I completely relied on the Gabapentin which removed all withdrawal symptoms from me. Amazingly even the RLS which I was most afraid of. Kava is a natural supplement and is definitely not a narcotic (not addictive like Kratom could be -which I found out the hard way the last time I tried to quit the Soboxone) so I do not believe there is any chance of addiction. I did not find the effects similar to taking a narcotic though–more of just help with relaxation after the initial hard core withdrawal time period. Like I said most of the natural supplements (and I purchased all in raw form or as concentrated liquid) did not alleviate my immediate withdrawal symptoms but I continued to use them so that by the time I was out of the gabapentin my body would respond to the effects. Now, after being clean for over 2 months my doctor has put me on a medication called Mirapex which is created for Parkinson’s but also is prescribed for RLS which I suffer from anyway and have since I was a small child. I have found that since getting off the Soboxone the RLS continued worse than ever which prompted me to ask my doctor for relief after almost a month and a half of RLS waking me at night finding myself kicking as well as punching since it affected both my arms and legs. The Mirapex has completely alleviated all symptoms and I am very happy with taking this medication on nights when the RLS is worst. But, the Kava does help with relaxation and help in falling asleep even thought the taste is terrible. I would definitely ask Jeff for his recipe and would be interested in hearing it myself. Thanks Jeff for all of your positive encouragement and I have never felt better now that I am off of the Soboxone (I have had NO DESIRE AT ALL to begin taking any narcotics again thankfully). Thanks Adam as well your posts encouraged me when I was getting ready to quit as well as through the process of actually doing it. This site is awesome and I really do not believe I would have been successful without all of the encouragement and information it contains. I will forever be thankful to everyone who responded to my questions as well as offered encouragement through this time for me. 🙂 Vito, I hope this helps with your decisions on how to cope with the withdrawal process and my thoughts and prayers are definitely with you. Best of luck and much love!
Sam J, thank you for mentioning me in your comment, your gratitude is much appreciated, I’m glad all of us could be of some help in each, a small way for such a large outcome. So nice to hear a success story, I no longer crave opiates either, never will they make me their slave again, such a nice life without opiates being a part of it. Sam J, you must be an intellectually, strong minded girl to do what you’re doing, awesome, good for you, I’m stoked for you, totally, keep up the good work!!!!
Hey Samantha, that is great you are doing so well after 2 months. I am so glad to hear it, keep it up. As for the kava recipe, I can’t take all the credit, I read about part of it on another site and added a little tweak to it and it is great. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still kava so not gonna replace sweet tea for me but it is great in the evening to relax with. Here is my recipe: you will need ground kava root (3 heaping teaspoons), 1 cup water, 1 cup milk (I use whole milk since fat is important to get the goods apparently), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, filter bag (explained later)
First, heat water (at least to almost boiling) then remove from heat, add sugar, cinnamon, clove and stir. Add cold milk to the mix and put in refrigerator (you want it to be around 78 degrees when you start adding the kava, doesn’t have to be perfect but not to hot and not to cold). Now put kava in a filter bag (I use a milk nut bag from Amazon 80 micron, I think it’s Elite Chef brand but any type of filter bag will work. There are paint filters but only use nylon not polyester. I prefer around 80 micron since it gets out more of the grounds so will help prevent any nausea. I have even used panty hose doubled up but this lets in a little more grounds than I prefer) Now with the liquid mixture you prepared before in a large bowl add the filter bag with kava to the water. I usually knead the bag while in the liquid mixture for 20 to 30 minutes (sometimes a little longer depending on how fine the kava is ground) then squeeze all juice out of the bag into the bowl. You can add another cup of milk or water to dilute a little then just refrigerate and drink once it’s chilled. If it’s still to bitter just add liquid coffee creamer (flavored) or chocolate syrup to taste. Another trick is to not breath through your nose while drinking it, this takes away 90% of the taste. If you have a weak stomach just take some ginger capsules before drinking your kava tea. I usually drink about 6 oz at a time every 20 minutes or so until I am where I want to be. Sometimes will have some left over for the next day. Hope this helps. Enjoy.
Wow, Jeff that actually sounds pretty tasty to me. Thanks for the information and thanks again for all of your encouragement. I am going to try the recipe and will let you know how it works for me. I have also been purchasing sleepy time tea which has valerian in it and it has actually been working great as well to help me fall asleep quickly.
Vito I am on day 5 and using the Gabapentin along with DLPA, L-Tyrosine, and a few other supplements that are suggested on this site and I have not had any withdrawal symptoms at all except for being tired, but I can handle just being tired lol. I am in shock that I have not been in pain and unable to sleep. My sleep cycle has stayed the same (sometimes up to 10-11 hours per night and I am also taking naps during the day. I jumped off at 2mg’s Soboxone so I am going to say yes the gabapentin definitely works wonders. Best of luck!
I am off tramadol and it is causing the worst rls and insomnia, i also take gabapentin and it hasnt helped me at all.
Advice anybody? I’m tapering down from 30 mg of oxycodone a day that I’ve been on for a year, I broke my back and had spinal fusion surgery, I just started Day one of detox, I have really bad restless leg syndrome and in my arms even worse, my arms feel like their crawling right off my bones, I can’t sleep at all because of this , I guess you would call it restless arm syndrome, if I soak in a hot bath it stops but the minute I get out and get back in the bed it comes right back, obviously I can’t spend a week in the bathtub LOL I recently got a hold of gabapentin and Lyrica, people tell me Lyrica is even better than the gabapentin for withdrawal symptoms including RLS , I’m wondering if anybody has any opinions on which one is better?
Did you taper? I had two knee replacements and found that it is much easier to taper off the drug. Cut down and then stabilize and then cut down again till you are off. You will have minor withdrawl symptoms each time you cut down, but not near as bad as cold turkey. Also, this is a good website: https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/opiate-withdrawal-restless-legs/. Take it slow!
I’m on lyrica and going threw opiate withdrawal and it’s not helping my restless leg syndrome. However lyrica really saved me from the affects of fibromialgia
Here are articles I wrote that may offer value to people reading your comment Sherry:
Calm Support Reviews>>
How To Take An Epsom Salt Bath During Opiate Withdrawal
Matt, I think you’re awesome and so helpful. My doctor suddenly retired due to heartattack at the same time my state passed more laws on methadone so I found myself stuck! To make it worse my medical records were then destroyed in a flash flood! I already knew how tough ft his would be so I was frightened but determined. Your website has been a life saver, literally! You’re helping people in all walks and all situations and that’s fantastic!
Nameste.
Here is an article I wrote on it that may offer value to people reading your comment Sherry:
Calm Support Review: Eases Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
I have tried Lyrica and it helpped more than anything since. Lyrica can get you clean with no pain at all
I wanted to share where I’m at now with being free of my oxy dependence/addiction and the methadone that I was on for almost 9 months to get off of the prescription oxy I took for almost a decade, which actually worked. I post on here all the time, but wanted to let everyone who reads this know I’m on day 82 of complete freedom of opiates/ opioids, never to ever think of reusing a pill again for pain, well, narcotic pill anyway, lol, but it has been hard. The pain I had before I took narcotics is slowly coming back, stronger than ever and am reminded everyday why I was taking narcotic pain medication in the first place. But every time I think that, I think how nice it is to be free of taking 10 pills a day just for pain alone. I mean after awhile I was just maintaining, whether or not I had pain enough to take 10 pills that day, I would have to anyway, just to not go into serious withdrawal. That’s no way to live, trust me, you guys know that, hence, the reason everyone wants off of their meds here, good for you for having that mindset that not everyone can or doesn’t want to have, very commendable! Even if you’re not off yet, seems if you have that mindset in your head, you will get off those awful drugs. Coping in my head with pain along with gabapentin and klonopin is so much better, I don’t have to take them all the time if I don’t want to either and I don’t, so nice. My life is so different than 3 months ago, so different, so much better, keeps getting better, even with the persistent RLS, neuropathy, and lower back pain, still better than taking poison and being a slave to it, lol! PAWS is over I believe for me, mostly I think, lol, my RLS was there before I took narcotics, so just to be fair, lol. It gets better guys, it really does, even if you don’t feel good physically, mentally you’ll find and have the strength to go on through the physical stuff because that damn fog lifts out of your brain just a little more everyday, energizing your body anyhow, so. I would have died on oxy, guaranteed, even when I was on it, I never liked it, hated methadone even more, reminded me to close to how morphine made me feel and act. Over 3 months ago, I never thought I’d be sitting here writing this, never could have convinced me either, but through some dedication and sheer will power and some help from a couple family members to let me stick out the worst for free in their house, I am here writing this free of slavery, literally. I’m back working too, that in itself is an accomplishment when on narcotics, I’m not a functioning person on pain meds, some people can and I don’t know how they do it! I’ve been reading on this site for awhile now, get emails on all the new comments, things like that, it’s nice to see everyone trying to help each other for the most part, most sites, most of the world just usually isn’t that way, not even close. Very encouraging, just keep trying, that leads to doing and then eventually it gets done, obviously us persons here can never be done done with narcotics cause of the possibility of relapse, but done in the sense of true feedom and being back to a happier life, while being cautious in the back of your mind ya know. Anyways, just keep trying, that’s all anyone can do anyway, right. ¡Pura Vida!
Thank you for sharing Adam. This is truly inspiring that you have made it so far free of opiates. I am glad to hear you are doing well, keep it up.
I love that you shared that story with us. I am on day 3 of quitting Soboxone and reading your story just convinces me that I need to keep going. You really are amazing to me and I for one was very moved by your words. Yes it feels great to be clean I have been there but sometimes I need a reminder of just HOW GREAT it feels to be clean. I too have suffered from RLS from the time I was a small child and was put on Klonapin to stop the RLS and it worked great until my body got used to it and kept having to up the dosage until it was at the 4mg per day which is what I am on now. After the Soboxone I have a goal to if not get off the Klonapin completely at least get on a much lower dosage. But awesome post and again thanks for the inspiration that you give! God Bless! Please keep posting you always have something encouraging to say that really does help those that keep up with this site. 🙂
Thank you Samantha J, that’s very kind of you. Day 3 off Suboxone, that’s great, frickin awesome! I was never on Suboxone, but from what I know from hearing about it, getting off of it is some of the worst withdrawal you can get. Day 3, no need to go back now, right, lol, might as well go ahead with it for sure! Very stoked to hear that and for you also, for breaking those chains! My klonopin is 0.5mg x twice a day, been on it for quite sometime now and for some reason it’s never needed to be upped, thankfully, but you never know what the future holds. Please keep me specifically informed of your progress, I’d like that, it helps me too, to keep going! Hang in there!
I last took Soboxone 5 days ago and am using Gabapentin, Klonapin, and supplements and have had NO withdrawal symptoms at all except being really tired. It is so odd and I keep waiting for some symptom to start like RLS or even diarrhea but I have not felt anything this time. I really did not think it was possible to not suffer while detoxing even after reading many of the stories on this site. I am amazed and so very thankful to Matt for creating the website and giving us the ability to actually do this without suffering through hell. Maybe it was due to taking DLPA, L-Tyrosine, B-Complex Vitamins (highest concentration available), but I did something right with the information on this site because day 5 should be one of the worst or near the end of the worst and I have felt nothing bad-I am even sleeping through the night just fine and taking naps during the day! This is freaking awesome and I am kind of still in denial waiting for withdrawal to set in but it has not. So damn go get some Gabapentin, DLPA, L-Tyrosine, (also using Kava in liquid and powder form-very nice feeling like you are floating-very relaxing, Valerian once in a while also in liquid form, Passion Flower liquid form, Asian Ginseng, and Ginger (which I use anyway because I have stomach issues)). Thank you to everyone on this site that shared their stories which gave me the nerve to get off the Soboxone again and to Matt especially for sharing all of this information which really does work. I will keep you guys posted on how things go, but I am proof that even by day 5 (DAY 5) using some of these supplements really do alleviate most if not all withdrawal symptoms. For me I was just hoping for no RLS I was not worried about the rest of the symptoms, but I am extremely grateful as well as extremely surprised not to have any symptoms. 🙂
Awesome, thanks for sharing and so glad to hear things are going well for you. What dose of gabapentin are you taking and how often? Thanks.
Hi Jeff I began on day one of jumping off (jumped off at 2mg Soboxone per day-I am terrible with tapering and that is the lowest I could get to) with the lowest dosage that was needed to feel “normal” so it was not very much (probably 600mg per day). By day 3 I moved the dosage up to 1200mg per day and take them 3 times per day 600mg at a time. Keep in mind everyone is different and I have spoken to others that take 1600-1800mg per day from days 3-7 or 8 then taper back and see how your body reacts. It really is based on what your body needs to feel better and everyone’s withdrawal is different. The best thing is no RLS at all which is always my biggest fear when quitting. That is the only symptom I cannot stand and what usually makes me go back to using. I am also using Kava in liquid and powder form and find that very calming (I like the liquids and powders because the effect hits you right away to relieve any discomfort – say anxiety for example), Valerian Root liquid, Asian Ginseng, and Passion Flower. I am also taking Ginseng for stomach discomfort. Like I said everybody’s different so what works for one person may not work for another. Be careful with the Gabapentin and begin with a low dose because it can affect your coordination and cause blurred vision as well as dizziness, so if you have to drive make sure that you are at the minimum dose your body needs for relief. I hope this helps Jeff and if you have further questions please let me know. Good Luck and God Bless!
Well, I think you’ll make it all the way for sure, no doubt about it! I’d like to thank everyone on here that’s been an encouragement to me, also, especially Jeff and of course Matt, for the site, of extremely good info on everything that you need to know about getting off opiates the right way successfully…..personally, never liked to post on these sites, but this one is extremely different, so, I still share and will continue too, obviously, recovery will be a lifetime for me, lol! What you said about Suboxone and taking all the right things for withdrawal, naturally and the gabapentin too, it is to easy for a person to say to another, “your going to be in a world of hurt, I don’t think you can do it, no way, not oxy and definitely not methadone, it’s worse!” This is the crap I had to hear from almost everyone, except my parents and two friends. Every person is different, just like every drug is different, the two combined, you never know what will happen when you withdrawal, till you try. Methadone is supposed to be worse to get off of, but not for me, I couldn’t get off oxycodone, tried several times. Got off methadone so much easier, sucked, but for me it was doable for sure. Point being, people’s opinions are not scripture and neither is everything you read or hear about on the net, just got to try and then you’ll know yourself for sure then by doing, but try to plan for your withdrawal, I didn’t, probably would have made it easier, but I always seem to go the hard route, lol! This site has loads of help, obviously in this area, Matt and Jeff know what their talking about, so definitely take into consideration everything that they say, it’ll make for a successful and more favorable outcome, I wish I would have found this site before withdrawaling myself, but it fortunately it worked out anyway, but still happy to have it here in the aftermath for sure! ¡Pura Vida!
Adam, I’m so glad you are still doing so well, that is awesome! Reading these success stories is what everyone should pay attention to. Ignore all the horror stories of withdrawing online and you can do it. It’s just to easy to scare yourself into thinking you can’t do it. Well done Adam, keep it up my friend.
I was going to a suboxone doctor for about three years and slowly tapered off. I completely got off almost three weeks ago and I’m just now starting to feel normal. My only problem now is at night I get such excruciating pain through my legs and arms where I can’t even think about sleeping or doing anything. I’ve tried icy hot creams, Epsom salt baths…. everything. My doctor said that it’s not normal how I am still getting such pain so he tried putting me on muscle relaxers which also didn’t work. I don’t know if anybody else went through this but it’s the only thing that makes me want to give up. I just want to know when it will end.
I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but it could take awhile, I’m going through methadone withdrawal myself, I think day almost 26. My legs just plain out hurt! Try gabapentin for your legs, that’s what’s been working for me. When your legs hurt try also exercising them by walking or riding a bike for 20-30 minutes. Also, socializing, when my legs hurt, has done wonders as a distraction. Try the exercising the most! You’re on your way, don’t let it get to you, show your legs whose boss! It’ll take effort on your part to do these things, but in a few months you’ll see it’s worth it! Great job so far!
Have you tried bananas (potassium) or a magnesium supplement (doctors best brand works)? Sounds simple but should give you relief. You will likely need more than the recommended dose. Also phenibut might help with sleep but take 4 hours before you go to bed (takes forever to kick in) on an empty stomach. I have found 1000mg to be a good dose. Only use phenibut for 2 or 3 days as it may cause it’s own w/ds if taken for long periods. Hope this helps.
I’ve tried potassium vitamins, clonidine, drinking tons of water, phenibut, kratom…everything. Nothing works. Idk what else to do
Right on the money Jeff, gabapentin, I’d be in the grips of Hellish PAWS if it weren’t for that stuff! If you do get it, use when necessary, only in the withdrawals and RLS phases. Don’t take any more than you need! The Dr. will say it doesn’t work on a pill by pill basis, but I know otherwise. Chronic use, like 6 months to a year of gabapentin, could lead to a small dependency, but not exactly the same as opiates. Stating facts, not trying to scare anyone, I take 300mg for RLS, neuropathy, sleep, and I’m epileptic bad and it’s an anticonvulsant, point being even at 300mg, 2 times a day until, say for 3 months, it’s completely fine, no worries! I think dependency on gabapentin is for persons who take 3000mg-5000mg for a year or longer. So take it, it helps RLS to the max, plus I only take when necessary. Like Jeff said, do some research, go to your Dr. and show him this is what you need, I did so with my neurologist, told her what’s up, got it no problem! Be careful at first, it takes about 2 hours to work, but when it hits you, you’ll know, serious weariness! I hope elaborating on Jeff’s comment helps! Jeff you know your stuff man! I love this site and usually don’t post things, but this site is awesome! Everyone keep up your longsuffering to get clean, you’ll be so happy when it’s over, truly content, no drugs needed for a smile on your face! Pura Vida
I was prescribed Gabapentin and Lyrica a long time ago for fibromialgia and was on 300mg for almost three years. When I quit I had no withdrawal whatsoever from either medication, so yes, I would believe that you would need to be taking much much more per day to ever gain a dependence on this medication.
I also wanted to share some info I have recently learned partially from a book I am reading called end your addiction now by two doctors. one of the main causes for restless leg and other symptoms during opiate withdrawal is reduced dopamine (among others) levels in the brain which is caused by long term opiate use. Your brain stops making what it needs and becomes dependent on the opiates instead. Some meds will help with symptoms but it will not fully go away until your brain starts producing enough on its own. You can speed this process up by taking amino acid supplements. In the book several are listed and I will list a couple that should help: tyrosine (or l-tyrosine, I have read that NALT is more bioavailable than tyrosine so it may be a better option) and DL-pa. Also ginkgo biloba is said to help raise dopamine levels. Matt also has an article here on this book and the other supplements he recommends in the book. I hope this helps.
I’m going to try that gingko biloba, Jeff, thanks, didn’t know that. I’d prefer not to take gabapentin, but it works for me, but also, if this other stuff helps after awhile with my dopamine levels, be nice not to have to take a BTC drug. I’ll go get some and post after a few days and let you guys know. There’s a wealth of knowledge on this site, I’m very thankful, I’ve been following it since my cold turkey withdrawal from methadone. It’s helped me, the info on this site, good stuff!!!
Hey, I hope it helps for you. these amino acids and herbs will take time to help based on info from the book I mentioned before ‘end your addiction now’ by dr Gant (btw, there is great info here, you can purchase on eBay or Amazon ‘used’ for only a few dollars shipped). I wouldn’t rely on just one as I think they all work together in helping your brain get back to its normal self. Could take a couple weeks before you start noticing its effects. Matt has an article here as well with all the aminos listed and the doses but I recommend the book as well since it goes into more detail to help you understand how the brain works and the affects of taking drugs long term that causes imbalances. Hope this helps.
I’ve been heroin free for nearly 5yrs and I STILL feel like I’m withdrawing. I’m on 65ml of
methadone, but it’s
doing very
little as I’ve
been on
that almost
as long as I
was on
heroin. I
can’t cope
without
opiates,
I’ve told
my support
worker (I
live in UK
so things
like what
drs are
willing to
prescribe
for
current/ex
opiate
dependants are a bit
different to the US) that I want to use still, but she won’t help.
I WILL use again one day, until then, what can I do to not feel as bad ??
You can do it ! Ask your self, am I happy living like this ?? If not then make a plan and then get support and execute it .
I have been on opiates for 15 years and I’m in day 5 of withdrawal , during this last few days I have had moments of such clarity , I can feel my true personality coming back , not the one that needed opiates to function .
My 2 boys have never known my true self . They are 15 and 13. That is sad for me to think about . But I was going to lose my family and used that as my motivation to better myself .
Think about it , I’m going to pull for you buddy …
Just read your comment and I am in the same boat. Been on opiates for almost 20 years and my children 22, 18, and 15 have never really known the real me. Am getting ready to quit Soboxone now for good and am actually looking forward to it due to reading about all of the success people had with medication and supplements on this site. Thankfully, there is a place I can go online and connect with people who have or are going through what I am going through and find and give support. Best of luck and your boys are going to absolutely love the real you! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story because it helps keep me focused on why I am striving to be clean myself!
Hi Jeff,
Can you share name of book? Do you know if NALT is better in powder form over capsules? I read your post and went straight away to Amazon and was promptly confused. Lol. I’ve taken L-Tyrosine for years for lupus. Never was told that NALT works better! Definitely ordering NALT!
Thanks for your informative comment!
Hey Sherry, the book is called End Your Addiction Now by Dr Charles Gant. The newer version (with more info) is a white book with the title written in blue and pills down the left side of the cover. I read about NALT while researching l-tyrosine and it is widely used in the weightlifting community. I have read it has a higher bioavailability which means more is absorbed by the body than standard l-tyrosine. As for the book, I purchased on Amazon or eBay (don’t remember) used for $4.00 shipped so well worth it imo. Btw, Powder City has great online prices and ship super fast, and offer capsules or powder for allot of items. I prefer powder since it is far cheaper and I purchased a capsule machine for $10 and just capsule them myself. I ended up getting a scale to do I could better track how much goes into each since not all powders weigh the same. The scale was around $18. It is spending a little but I saved a good bit getting powder instead of capsules anyway and there are not additives in the powder either. Hope this helps.
Today my doctor prescribed me gabapentin. He gave me a months supply and prescribed me two 300mg pills a day. I’ll let you know how it goes I hope this works!
That’s awesome, I think you’ll do well! I’m doing great on it, it’s as if I’m not in the grips of PAWS anymore, most of the time that is. I hope you have the same experience! Be careful, it takes about 2 hours to work, but it’ll hit you hard with serious tiredness, at least it did me, but it feels good though, a little loopy in the head, but nothing bad, just works great for RLS and other withdrawal symptoms. Good luck!
Well it’s the third day of using gabapentin and its crazy. I have no withdrawal symptoms or RLS and I’ve been sleeping great. I finally feel normal!
Thank you all so much for the advice! I’m eternally grateful!
Awesome, glad to hear you found something that works for you. Hope all the best for you.
Alright, I’m stoked for you! So happy that it worked for you. Yeah, I think that gabapentin is still a best kept secret not many know about, but then again it might only work for certain people, I’m not sure. But some of us on here that have been off opiates for at least three weeks, the opiate no longer masking any pain or anything, gabapentin can actually help RLS, so. It’s godsend really!!!
Well I have tried neurontin, baclofen, requip and have had no success whatsoever from this rls from hell due to opiate withdrawl and I’ve had it for 3 months already!
I’m truly happy for you. I hope it helps, keep us posted.
I would also try eating things with potassium, esp. bananas. It should help some. Considering that our bodies have been so depleted of vitamins and minerals for so long while using.
You are doing great. Try taking magnesium supplements. Don’t give up now. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Hang in there. I know it’s horrible but you will get to the bright side. I’m going to try magnesium
The suboxone program in my community is so full they can’t take new patients. The local police are trying to have it shut down and they are going to pharmacies intimidating pharmacists to stop filling the prescriptions. They succeeded at all but one. The reasoning behind that, they say, is because of the wide spread of abuse of the med. Getting clean is so f…ING hard! The only way it will happen is, you have to be sick and tired of the chase, and of the hell you put yourself through and everyone around you. Then spend years trying to repair your life, and hope to hell you have the will not to go back.
I can’t believe that! Since when can police shut down a pharmacy that gives medication to patients with a prescription from a medical doctor? Unless the pharmacy is doing something illegal, or the doctors are. Unbelievable, and yes, it is VERY difficult to get help and get clean. You really do have to go through a mindset shift to want bad enough to stop then stay off opiates for good.
I’m on day 16 of methadone withdrawal, initial withdrawal is over, however, PAWS has set in. It’s so hard….but I think if I got this far, I think almost anyone can do it. You might need a good support system or maybe you’re strong on your own, which I am not, but by god if I’ve come this far, there’s no turning back. I used to blame everyone for what was happening to me when I was on large prescription doses of oxycodone and couldn’t get off it, the police, the state, the US government, and the doctors. Some of the blame is reasonable to an extent, then I had an epiphany, I am the one deciding to put these pills in my mouth, no gun to my head. I decided to switch to a MMT program because of a quite a bit of successful experiences that others had had. It was a better opioid for myself, I had more of a life, but I still didn’t want anymore part of it, so after 8 years on oxy and 8 1/2 months on methadone, I quit cold turkey off 91mg of methadone. My life was just one big excuse to take more opiods. I couldn’t live with myself anymore, I had to quit. Here I am on day 16, it’s hell, especially at night, s**t f***king sucks period, but I am still alive, still breathing and will be the next day more than likely. I am so proud of myself. Point being, it can be done, hard as f**k, but everyday, every hour, every minute that you don’t put that garbage in your body, is a huge, humongous victory! Just get clean, it’s so worth it. Your family will be proud, you might inspire your friends if they have an addiction and the main thing will be that you’ll look back at the hard work you put in and say, I overcame one of the world’s biggest problems, opiate addiction or dependence. You’ll be a success story! Just stay positive and I know most can do it. I know I want to be one of those success stories and I hope that you do to!
Wow this is so inspirational!!! Thanks so much for posting this comment Adam. I’m so proud of you! You’re amazing. 🙂
Thanks to all you guys too!
Hey guys, I got a question. Been just 1 month 3 days over my cold turkey withdrawal from methadone, anyway, at day 20 or so, I started sneezing, bad, bad and when I go to sleep, finally, at night it wakes me up every night, to the point of frustration every half hour, putting myself back to sleep and waking up again, it’s actually getting worse than that everyday that goes by, is this cause the final methadone sitting in my body could be starting to leave? I know during my oxy withdrawals, sneezing was the first thing to remind me I was about to be in hell, but not so with the methadone. Did a self UA and methadone is still registering in my urine at the least, if not still sitting and holding on for as long as possible, for dear life, in my fat cells and other weird corners of my body, I’m assuming another 2 months before a UA would be close to clean and even though it’s still there it’s not helping me, it’s just like they say, it just sits there for so long. Anyone with the experience of the sneezing thing and how long literally, it took before a self UA was clean? It’s just getting annoying, I’m clean, but if I were to end up in the hospital for a massive epileptic gran mail seizure that happens sometimes cause I’m epileptic, they always ask “are you taking anything prescription we need to know about, narcotic or not”, I’d say no, but if they tested, which sometimes they do, it would show up in the blood test for sure and it has before, but I was under a doctors care, now that I’m off that shit, I’d have to explain and who knows if they’d believe me with the way things and people are today. Just ready to move on, but I know it takes more than 33-34 days, lol, but in my head I’ve already gotten past all this, but the body is telling me different I guess! Experiences with sneezing and how long it took for the ‘done to leave your body for clean self UA was what I was looking for, so please tell all! Looking for knew ways to make myself feel better bout being off opiates besides the obvious reasons for being off of it, lol! Thanks
How you making out? Progress report and thanks for sharing. I went to a detox and had 5 day suboxone detox and ten nothing which helped a lot and now that I’m almost 30 days clean I am getting back to normal and I didn’t and refused long term suboxone maintenance cause to me it’s still a drug and a crutch that would require more wd to come off of. Jesus has pulled me through and if I can get clean ANYONE CAN. I had to get to point where I wanted it like AIR. and when I have negative thought or my addiction tries lying to me I remind myself I NEVER have to feel that way ever again if I NEVER PUT THAT POISON BACK INTO MY BODY BRO. Hang in there and keep your head up.
Thanks guys! Yeah, I’m on day 23 now of my cold turkey methadone withdrawal. It’s a psychological nightmare with real pains and aches and phantom ones also, my head is waging war between anger, serious depression, and wanting to be happy! Now I know that sounds bad, but let me tell you something, one happy thought in one bad day of PAWS, is enough to push me through, I get happier everyday, just a little bit, gets better everyday a little bit, it’s all you need to get through, even if it lasts 2 more months or more, I know that I will overcome this obstacle, that makes happy thoughts! Don’t give up, life’s to important! I know you guys got it in ya, just keep pushing through 1 minute at a time, 1 hour at a time, baby steps leads to full blown journeys, if you keep up the good work! Sounds like some of you guys have committed already, keep going, it’s hard, hardest thing you’ll ever do more than likely, but win you get past it, let your experience be your life’s inspiration when something bad happens in the future maybe, hopefully not, but you can look back on this and say “well I got through that, this isn’t near as bad!” You guys are great, doing a great job! If you’re feeling really bad on some days, I noticed that socializing helps tremendously, not with other users, but with people that really care about you and your health, try it! I’ll keep posting every once in awhile to keep you guys informed on my progress, please do the same yourselves, cause it helps me too! Pura Vida!
Thank you for your optimistic and uplifting words. They’ve helped. Everyone’s advice and insight on this site has been great. I’m in withdrawal hell, but giving up is not an option. Thanks again.
Hey man I’m on day 7 coming off of suboxone right now but in 2006 I was arrested ( thank God ) and withdrew from methadone along with all the other poisons I was putting in my body.. At the time I was on 120mg of methadone a day but still taking more than that.. I’m truly grateful I was arrested because THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD HAVE EVER STOPPED TAKING IT AND SUFFERED THRU THOSE WITHDRAWALS LIKE I DID.. I NEEDED TO BE LOCKED IN A BOX OR ELSE I WOULD’VE DONE WHATEVER IT TOOK TO GET MORE… I feel that methadone withdraws are the worst so when I read your article about you just being done with it all and going thru the absolute PURE HELL to be clean again….. I’m truly inspired!! More than that you are my freaking hero!!!! It’s the middle of the night and I’m looking for some type of relief for my restless legs and that’s how I found this page.. I also had enough of the fog of the opiates and the opioids that are supposed to help us.. I had been on subs for 3 yrs 16mgs a day with no end in sight as the doctor didn’t really care if I got better, as long as he got his money he was fine.. So finally one day I was just DONE.. DONE with it all.. Well that was only a week ago but the worst is over I just wish my freaking legs would stop aching.. It’s all I feel at night time.. The days aren’t so bad I stretch and keep moving but the nights are horrible.. Anyway I’m sorry I got sidetracked I just wanted to let you know that I’m in awe over what YOU accomplished on your own.. Good for you brother you are stronger and more powerful than you will ever truly know.. Congratulations!! I know it’s not over for either of us and there’s gonna be good and bad days but the worst is behind us my friend… I love being sober.. The clarity is indescribable… Keep up the good work and don’t ever forget who you truly are and what you’re truly capable of…
Hey, thanks man, much appreciated!!! I’m on almost 33 days clean of that god awful poison. Feel good as hell, in my head and my body is slowly shaping up, lol! Nights aren’t as bad as they were, so, you just keep going man, don’t ever look back, unless you need a reminder in a weak moment, but you sound strong minded as of now. Hey, a little trick for restless legs and pounding pain in the lower legs, go to your Dr. and ask for gabapentin, it’s for withdrawal in your legs, I promise you won’t regret it. Just take it for your withdrawals, then stop when it’s gone or slowly stop if ya want, it’s the best kept secret I’ve found. My legs hurt, but there not restless like before, totally manageable, you’ll probably start sleeping chase 300mg, the lowest dose that’s given, will put a couple of horses to sleep, lol, seriously though, take it 2 hours before anytime you think your going to need it, hits you hard as far as sleepiness and a little dizzy in the head, but my friend it works. See if you can get it and post back, I’d like to see what you think and how you feel! You and everyone on here suffering through these nasty withdrawals, are all inspiring also to me and others, thanks for the kind words and you keep up the good work to stay clean forever and to infinitely! Can’t wait to hear from you if you can get that prescription, see ya later man! ¡Pura Vida!
Hey Adam oh how I wish! Nuerontin nor Lyrica or any other prescribed meds for my RLS from hell touches it and did not let up at all for 6 months but I’m glad it helped you !
I’m on my 4th day of no suboxone. Been on it 6 years. I was a miner for years and had great benefits. Never had to pay for it. Moved to Kentucky once I got laid off and found out state insurance does not pay for doctor visits or suboxone.750 a month all together. They are out their f**king mind. So I went to the doctors one time got my 60 suboxone and never went back , dossed down as far as I can. The weakness and restless arm syndrome is the worst. Have tried everything. Everything mentioned in these comments I’ve tried. That’s my luck. But will not let this beat me. 750 a month is taking from my wife and kids. God bless and good luck to all who is suffering at this moment. Like myself. But the outcome is worth it.
It’s called intimidation, and they succeeded. I got the information from a pharmacist that had his own pharmacy. He said that he is the only pharmacy in the area that is filling suboxone. The one pharmacy that stopped filling suboxone is a big chain store. You would think that the police would be supportive of addicts trying to get clean since heroin is a huge problem here. A little over ten years ago, MSNBC did a documentary on the heroin problem in my town and called it the heroin capital of America.
Wow the heroin capital of America? That is a big deal. And intimidation can be scary. But if anything they should be passing out free Suboxone and methadone to all addicts to help with the heroin problem, not making it harder to get medication.
Matt what’s your idea on Keaton for rls? In in day 2 and can’t sleep at night .
I’ve been on hydrocorone for 15 years and started methadone the last year of that 15 …also how long till my energy comes back ?
I think you are asking about kratom, if so it will likely help but you should also know that while kratom doesn’t come from the opium poppy plant it still binds to opiate receptors in the body so it can then lead to the same withdrawal symptoms. If nothing in matts article worked try taking chelated magnesium 400mg or more and choline bitartrate 600mg to 1000mg. The choline helps absorption of the magnesium and made me super relaxed and slept well so could help for restless leg as well. Hope this helps.
Yes , I don’t want to get hooked on something else . I bought a lot of what he suggested in his step by step plan and every day has been better.
I had ordered the red maetng kratom . I hope not to need it when it comes in…
If I try it how quick is it addictive ??
Just askin …
Hey Steve, I have come off methadone to and it can suck but I know it can be done. If it were me using kratom for withdrawals i would do it strategically for a very short period. First day try a little and go up in dose from there until you find what works for you. Every day after that I would go down in dosage until finally stopping after a few days maybe a week. If you go down in your dose each day it should be much easier to stop but remember kratom can be addictive as well so be careful. Another similar product would be loperamid that may help as well. Same thing applies, drop your dose daily then stop as quickly as possible. Matt has an article on this as well but I would suggest starting at low doses as opposed to very high. It can truly help if used carefully. Methadone is a long acting opiod like suboxone so the withdrawal period lasts much longer than short acting opiods unfortunately. After the a cute atage the main issue i have is low energy which can take a while to come back to normal but you can take amino acids and other natural supplements to help with this. Check out a book called end your addiction now by dr gant. Matt has an article here on his book as well. Hope this helps. Keep us posted with your progress.
Thank Jeff , after 15 years of continuous use I expect it will take a while to be my true self again. I forgot what I was like back then , it makes me sad that I have been high most of my 2 sons lives so far as well as my daughter , but working so much I could never take the time to get off them .
I will use that 7 day plan . I guess i willl start at 3 grams and go up till I feel relief from withdrawal , and then start going back down ??
I will also do more research as well .
Do you know how long before someone can get dependent on kratom ??
Hey Steve, I would treat it like any other opiate or pain pill since it is similar in how it acts in the body. If tapered you will be good but you have to make yourself taper each day. When you get to lower doses you will likely be tempted to take more to feel better (that is the trap is it not?) but do not allow yourself to do it. When I came off methadone I tapered to 50mg then jumped and lasted a few weeks then ended up back on it. Then I heard about a rapid taper on suboxone so I did that and stopped pretty easily (not w/d free but much smoother of a transition for sure). The doc near me only did maintenance so I got 3 strips from a friend and just did it (be warned: you must be in full blown withdrawal to start suboxone or it will result in precipitated withdrawal which is far worse, ask me how I know) It was a few years back so I don’t remember the exact dosage but it was something like 8mg-6mg-4mg-2mg-1mg-0.5mg-0.25mg-jump off. So using kratom in this manner would be the same concept. My biggest mistake was getting back on suboxone after nearly 2 years off. Now I am almost finished with a slow taper since I have been on it for a while. I can relate as well to what you mentioned about having kids and being stuck on opiates. I got off methadone when my first was born and wished I would have stayed off. Anyway, to me tapering is much easier a method than cold turkey and produces less withdrawal symptoms. I hope it helps for you. Also, if you are still in contact with your methadone doc (or any doctor familiar with coming off opiates) you might try getting a script of clonidine or gabapentin. Both of these can help reduce withdrawal symptoms very well. Hope this helps. Please keep us posted, thanks.
Im on day 4 of narco/methadone withdrawal . Where do you suggest I start with 3 grams or half that .
I’m 170 pounds but have a high tolerance for opiates ??
I just don’t want to start at to high a dose and then screw myself .
And 7 days should be the max to go up and then back down?
Sorry my mind is still foggy with every thing I’m going thru, I’m mentally and physically exhausted from working full time and forcing myself to the gym. And all my other responsibilities . I can’t believe my body hasn’t shut down with the lack of sleep .
Thanks for your support , it really helps!
Hey Steve, i certainly don’t claim to be an expert in kratom since I am new to it as well. I have only taken it a few times but I would start with 2 or 3 grams then go up 1 gram every 30 minutes until you find a dose that helps you. Then use that dose throughout day 1 (kratom only lasts a few hours so you will likely need 3 or so doses a day, but only use what is needed to get relief). On day 2 you should start reducing your dose down by 1 gram (or 1/2 gram) per dose. So it might look something like this:
Day 1 – 5 grams x 3
Day 2 – 4.5 grams x 3
Day 3 – 4 grams x 3
Day 4 – 3.5 grams x 3
Day 5 – 3 grams x 3
Day 6 – 3 grams x 2
Day 7 – 3 grams x 1
This is only an example since I have no idea how strong a strain you have or how you will react to it. Like anything new I would start low and work up from there until you are familiar with it. The red strains are usually more sedating and white a little energetic. Many find a mixture of the two most helpful. I hope this helps you get past all of this.
Also, don’t forget to drink grapefruit juice when you take kratom. It will boost it a little. And I personally have a hard time drinking the powder so I find it much easier to capsule them myself. Super cheap to get capsules ($5 or so for several hundred) and a cheap capsule machine (about $10) allows you to do 24 at a time. Some ppl can just drink it though so maybe that won’t be an issue. Dlpa seems to help some for me during my taper (daytime only will keep you up at night), currently down to 0.25 mg suboxone so I’ll be jumping off in a few weeks. Hope this helps.
Jeff you are a gentleman and a scholar , thanks for all your help and support , it has been an emotional week this week but I’m coming out of the woods .
Thanks again …
No problem, I hope it helps for you. Keep us posted on your progress if you have time. Thanks.
Hey Steve, I am wondering how things are going? Did kratom help? Can you share what dose you ended up with that helped? It might help others reading here as well. Thanks, hope you are doing good.
Hello and thank you for checking on me.
I feel fully recovered on day 12.
I wish I would have had the kratom before I stopped opiates because i had a full week of withdrawal .
I started the first day with half a teaspoon about .6 grams and it helped me with my severe lack of energy , it gave me a boost that made me feel very alert and ready to work .
I have stayed with that same dose 2 times a day for a week , one in morning and one in afternoon and then stopped . I feel no addictive symptoms at all or withdrawals .
I had bought the red maetng kratom , thinking i would need high dose to sleep at night , but by that time in my withdrawal I had stopped having RLS and used the low dose for energy.
I think what helped me get over withdrawals was the magnesium , L-Tyrosine , and another product I had bought was withdrawal ease , it has the Passion flower other essential ingredients that help recovery .
My supplier was surprised when he called today to find out I was clean !!
I have learned a lot and am grateful for finding this site to help me and educate me and motivate me . It’s good that I was able to read comments here that helped me with feelings of loneliness and fear.
Thanks to Jeff and Matt .
I will also be helping others learn what I have learned here …
Steve, that is awesome. So glad to hear it helped and at such a low dose to. I hope this is just the beginning of an opiate free life for you. Thank you for sharing what supplements helped you as well. Take care my friend.
Hey Steve, I wanted to add something else. What helps me with sleep daily is malatonin. Can be purchased at Walmart ir any drug store in the vutamin section. I have tried several brands and they all work but the one that works the absolute best for me is Natrol fast dissolve 3mg. They will not knock you out but if you take it then lay down 20 minutes later it will help to fall asleep. Also, check out Phenibut at Powder City’s website (best price and quality) this stuff will help you to get a full night sleep and maybe feel a little better earlier on in the day. The down side is it cannot be used daily. Works best if used just one time a week, maybe two times but you must skip a few days between use or it is unaffected at normal doses. I am a big guy (over 200lbs) and 1000mg taken on a completely empty stomach around 5 pm helps me to sleep that night. I usually eat an hour after taking it (FYI: it takes about 2 hours to kick in) This stuff is helpful but don’t let yourself take more than I mentioned because tolerance builds super fast and it won’t help if taken to often. Hope this helps.
Hi hope you don’t mind me asking but doesn’t gabapentin cause severe depression or suicidal thoughts?
It is a prescription medication so if any severe side affects like that happen I’m sure your doc would change to something else. We are only talking about taking it for a few days/weeks to help with withdrawal though.
What about those of us who were doing it all properly at a pain clinic for chronic, debilitating pain!? My doctor retired 3 months ago after suffering his 3rd heart attack. Then my records were destroyed in a flash flood!! No doctor will take me! They won’t even see me until I’m completely off the methadone.
I was up to 60mg after 10+ years of taking it. It gave me a life again. Seriously. Before it my pain was debilitating & at 34 I was using a walker to get around. Now I face the pain again along with RLS, body aches, insomnia & soon my mind will be an issue, I’m sure. Not to mention my lupus worsening! I am down to 10mg a day now from 60mg 2 weeks ago. I have enough to keep cutting back by half every 2 weeks for the next 6 weeks. Is that a good plan?
I have been through withdrawal once before by mistake at 10mg but that was when I’d only taken it for a few months. I was suicidal & had no clue why after 3 weeks of being off! offNot knowing what is was I truly thought I had gone insane. Thankfully, I had a pain clinic appt come up & when I told her my symtoms she asked about my methadone. Another doctor had taken me off of it while I was hospitalized & apparently didn’t understand the consequences nor did I at the time. Pain dr said I was lucky I didn’t have a psychotic break.
I am furious that the laws are aimed at everyone. One size fits all. Why be such asses about methadone anyway? If it’s helping addicts is that not good?! Not to mention how it gives so many relief without the side effects of being high, groggy, etc. My doc did it right. He tested my urine every 3 months, did pill counts every visit and reviewed my scripts on national data base. I’m sure my charts were in great order- when they existed. Now I have the choice of withdrawaling on my own or going to a candy doctor & both are bad choices. If I could sleep this would be easier to cope with, I think. Even with trazadone at bedtime I get no relief. A friend recommended cannabis oil. Has anyone every tried it for relief? (No THC) Please, any additional advice is WARMLY welcomed. I’m sending hubby out tomorrow for the things already listed above.
Like you I don’t see how police can go against legal doctor orders. But some tend to over step their bounds and are ignorant to the pain they’re causing others. True of law makers too who are essentially forcing doctors to leave pain clinic practices because it’s not worth the hassle anymore. I am furious. And sad because now I’ll be back in too much pain to function as I was before the methadone. If I even survive this.
P.S. Why are legs so crazy at night? Why not other times.
I went off bups(suboxone) the wrong way. You have taper off. I was sick and tired of being on the med. So I went cold turkey and paid the price. Maybe that experience is the one thing that keeps me going back to being a lying, stealing, jerk of a junkie, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Yes tapering is totally the way to go.
To all responders that are writing “f…o…” In the name field. Put it in the response box so the entire community can see how mad you are. Stop being a sneaky individual. I am sure people can handle curse words, unless you have something to hide.
Wow, that’s pretty bold! You don’t know me or anything about me. I simply gave my experience with my suboxone treatment. To tell me I don’t know what constitutes addictive behavior when I have been struggling with it for ten years is just words from a very angry individual. I hope you get some help with that.
I am not saying suboxone can’t stabilize someone from searching for the next high. However, suboxone and subutex is also abused, and all you addicts know that. Suboxone therapy is expensive, you need groups and counseling with it, a strong will to be clean, and a new set of friends. If those things are not in place, forget it. You’re only lying and trying to fool yourself and everyone around you. Been there done that. It is hellish to kick opiate addiction, and great job if you have done it. It’s a life sentence because your forever having to keep yourself in check.
I hear you. I used to crush up and sniff the Suboxone tablets before I was even an opiate addict! Crazy!
Totally agree! At first all I wanted the suboxone I was damn pissed I hade to drive have hour one way hour back home 3 days a week fri, sat, Sunday 3 hour class so all in all 15 hours going and sitting in group class was suppose to be 6 to 10 weeks long I was in there 3 weeks shy of a year. I bullshited tapering the suboxone i was 3 8mg strips for like 7 months finally my insurance got sick of paying $150 per session and i went to one on one therapy with my group counselor i kept failing UAs in the end bc it kept me from feeling shitty coming off the suboxone which i would run out early time almost. If you take and taper off it right which my counselor told me 1/4 a week so it wasn’t as hard when the dr cut by a half every 2 week’s i ended up getting kicked out bc they told me I had to get off the suboxone i freaked out next week was at the drs gettin percocet got back up to 30 mg oxycodone tablets and finally said enough im down to 5mg now the restless leg shit is driving me crazy it’s better sitting up but still sucks i was so close to being done and now im going on a year of being back on it im tapering slowly but my husband has to keep them loockd up or I’ll take to many. LEES last comment was on point. You can’t do it without treatment what i leaned in a year of IOP is whats making me able to wein off now otherwise no fucking way. If your on suboxone and addict and not over took it proops to you bc almost everone in my group was asking for scrips eaely. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT IF ITS TAKEN AS PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR WHO RUNS A IOP In their offices and dont bullshit. If you taper right there’s not that much discomfort. Suboxone is amazing when taken exactly as prescribed taper as pers ribed ajd with a doctor monitoring progress and INTENSIVE OUT PAITENT THERAPY and continued after care therapy. I was on less than half a 4mg strip a day got scared and went back to opiates. One of the worst mistakes ive made. Its fucking hard weing off on the oxy i hardley sleep but im an addict and LEE fuck yes is a battle everyday of our lives and it fucking sucks sometimes but i look at my kid my family who i did awufl awful shit to and my dr who i have manipulated like a mother fucker into giving me sript after scipt i even had him black list ban me for myself so when i get off every dr in the state will see at the top DO NOT PRESCRIBE NARCOTICS TO THIS PAITENT. I wish u all the best in your recovery its a motherfucker gettin off im going through it now. The Herion Diaries by Nikki Sixx ( Bassist for Mötlëy Crüe and his new band Sixx AM ) every addict should read it it was my ok let’s do this shit now and never going back which I hope is true in a couple month’s but when your an addict you can never say ill never use again but weve all relapsed at some point if you havnt good for you wait to shit get rough. Go to some kind of a support group or meeting or see an Addiction counsleor bc withdrawl is almost unfucking bearable staying clean from absolutely everything especially when life fuckin sucks is the test. But tomorrows another day and i always one day at a time shit sometimes minutes at a time but ill get through it and so will you if you think positive about it. ALSO sorry for the speech but walmart had medication specifily for RLS its ususally by the advil and OTC meds. It works.
This is a soap opera around here. No need to argue, everyone is entitled to their opinion, right or wrong. This world is so messed up, it allows for lots of different situations. Remember, we want to help people here, not entertain them to continue by providing them this confrontation to amuse them. Help not hurt.
Not trying to hurt anyone, stating facts so people know how hard it was for me to get clean. Why sugar coat the truth. You have to have the will to get clean and that can happen. I would help anyone with their addiction. It’s not an easy task getting clean but can be done.
Yes, you got a point there! Sorry, didn’t mean to come off all high and mighty, cause I ain’t no different or better than anyone else here, just another dude withdrawaling and having huge emotional swings!!! LOL! Listen, like I said before I’m on 23 days clean of methadone, cold turkey, I had RLS before my opiate dependence, now I’m withdrawaling, it’s really, really bad! I’m actually prescribed gabapentin for neuropathy in my left leg and foot, I haven’t been taking it at all, but did do some research on gabapentin working for RLS. I tried it yesterday, in 2 hours my RLS and pain were gone, went to sleep all night, unreal! And it’s still working, I don’t plan on taking chronically, just when it’s real bad. Now I know that this nerve drug is supposed to start working at around a month, but for some reason it’s been working for me on a pill by pill basis, you know, only every once in a while for extreme RLS. I’m not saying go get it and take it, but I am saying do some research, talk to your Dr. and see if it might work for you. I just wanted to share that in case it might help someone here!
I just went through an excruciating bout of RLS (and Restless Arms)as a result of kratom withdrawal. I was in a hospital. The doctor *tried* to calm it down with medicines standard for opiate withdrawal — because people wrongly think kratom is exactly like opiates. But they shouldn’t, because it’s different. I know, I just went through it!!
For the extreme RLS & Restless Arms I was given a cocktail of phenobarbital + clonidine along with 2 other sedatives. Every 6 hours, around the clock. Believe it or now, that polydrug cocktail did not work one bit. For 2 tormenting days I could not sleep at all, nor sit still or comfortably because of it.
The only that stopped the torment was leaving the hospital and restarting kratom. I hope somebody gets something out of this account.
I too take kratom daily, and I stopped abruptly right before an 8 hour flight. Those 8 RLS filled hours were the worst of my entire life… Indescribable.
People who use kratom aren’t gutter scum addicts, they’re good people who have lost faith in modern medicine’s ability to treat mental illness or chronic pain…
Best of luck to you
8 hours God how I wish try 6 months every single damn night with no relief!
Shame on you addicts. You are selfish and out of control. But you all seem to love to adopt the role of the victim and accept no accoutability for your actions and choices because you are all told addiction is a disease just like diabetes or whatever. Addiction is NOT a disease. It is a symptom of a mental illness. For every one of you that chooses to use or continues to use, you are destroying the lives of those who suffer from chronic, severe pain and who benefit greatly from the use of narcotic pain medications like methadone. Because of you, they are all treated like doctor shopping drug seekers and many cannot get the help and treatment they need to manage their respective pain conditions. Many end up comitting suicide, others, who were otherwise honest, law abiding people, are now forced to buy it on the streets or turn to illegal street drugs just to find some measure of relief because the doctors refuse to prescribe them anything beyond an NSAID.The latest round of DEA regulations (created because of addicts and criminal doctors/clinics) has made it even more difficult for these folks to find a doctor who is brave enough to help them. And I’m referring to legitimate, law abiding doctors. Not those crack-pot jerks who run a one-stop-shop and drive-through for prescription painkillers. People who go to those places are idiots and should know better. It’s plainly obvious when a facility/doctor is up to no good. They too are hurting those folks who suffer every single day from pain conditions that are of no fault of their own. And the addicts just aid in this reckless, senseless, selfish behavior. And there’s a big difference between physical dependency and addiction. There are alot of drugs out there that cause varying degrees of physical dependency. SSRIs and SSNRIs are a good example. Even missing one does can cause a terrible array of side-effects, which are essentially withdrawal effects. They too, alter brain chemistry. One has to use and taper these meds just as they would a narcotic medication. Addiction occurs when there is also psychological need or desire to continue the use the drug inappropriately in order to acheive effects that benefit the psyche; usually to help mask the underlying psychological illness. But as I said, everytime a person does this, they are making countless numbers of honest people suffer greatly. And for those that end up resorting to suicide, I must say that you all have blood on your hands. Remember that the next time you even think of popping another pill just for kicks or going out on another heroin binge for your own self-satisfaction. I am so sick of addicts and so-called former addicts going on tv dressed up as a victim and applauded for their bravery. Some insurance companies are now providing clients with tens of thousands of dollars in coverage to go to luxury spas to get services such as massage therapy, accupuncture, and other silly services that supposedly are able to help “cure” you. But those that are not addicts, who suffer from chronic pain, often can’t get insurance companies to approve any alternative treatments like massage or accupuncture, or whatever else to help them find some measure of relief and avoid having to use narcotic medications in the first place. So now they have few options but to take these medications and subject themselves to the humilation of being treated just like junkies looking for a fix when all they want is to live a normal life where they can work, travel, or simply have the ability to play with their kids. This is the way the system is set up now. And it’s not going to change unless you all help to change it.
By the way, methadone is an excellent drug for chronic pain. It acts more like an enteric coated, long acting medication with very few side effects (depending on dosage). It was originally developed in Germany as a synthetic opioid to use for pain control. It was later found that it happened to help curb the withdrawal effects of heroin. And so now there is an awful stigma attached to this medication. Some people, who greatly benefit from this drug for chronic pain, are immediately ostricized by many medical professionals who just assume they’re out looking for more drugs as opposed to what they really want– and that is to find out what is causing their pain, and what can be done about it. But as soon as a doctor sees “methadone” on their Rx list, the patients’ complaints are suddenly illegitimized. This forces them to continue to look for other doctors, which, in turn, just adds to the idea that they are just doctor-shopping for a fix. Thanks alot, people. Everyone who takes part the drug abuse spectrum is at fault. That’s just the way it is. So own up to your responsibilities and help save someone’s life instead of destroying your own.
How very sad to see your ignorance towards addiction. It’s not “just a disease” I fight every day of my life, I live with my body, and the pain from what I’ve put it through, the health issues I have because of drug use. I live with the fact that I only have an “ON” switch in my brain whereas non addicts have “ON” and “OFF” no one is throwing a pitty party. So off with your ignorant comments. Addiction is now recognized and treated as a medical DISEASE. It’s two parts: genetics + environment. I wouldn’t wish addiction or even the kicks (RLS) on my worst enemy!
That’s so extraordinarily simplified that I can’t believe you really understand anything beyond the propaganda you’ve been fed by these “addiction specialists” that do their best to convince you that you were defenseless against your compulsive need to medicate yourself for satifaction. I’m sorry, but it just doesn’t work that way. There is a difference between tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. The latter being the only one with a psychological component. Thus, it is a symptom, not a disease itself. The two former are an expected effect of a wide variety of different drug therapies. I’m really saddened that people don’t recognize this because you’ve been so profoundly convinced otherwise that you refuse to see it any other way than what’s been marketed and sold to you. Clinging to this “disease” label is just another symptom of this learned helplessness. It’s not only hindering your care and recovery, but it’s making it more difficult to properly educate people because you dutifully help to spread these falsities. I really urge you to try looking at it from a different perspective, and to use a dose of logical reasoning to educate yourself and understand the true nature of your circumstances.
Dude… you’re crazy. I’m an addict because of my doctors prescribing me string opiates since I was twelve. Who is gonna tell a 12 year old about tolerance and that theyre going to need more and more to fight the pain eventually and that they just won’t be able to prescribe enough? It’s not JUST mental, it’s physical as well. It’s non curable. Leads to death in a lot of cases. This is why it is classified as a disease. DOES NOT MATTER HOW YOU GET IT. I would never have thought I would be in the situation I am in now and damn it if I didn’t look up this thread because I’m again kickin from what the doctor gave me, instead of getting to the root of my problem with my chronic illness and pain. Gather some education about addiction. I would say experience but I’m not unspirital enough to wish that upon you .
Leigh, you were obviously having a very bad day last month when you posted these comments. I only want to add to the conversation by pointing out that many ‘addicts’ did not start off that way. Many of them started off with an injury that lead to pain meds for many years and the addiction came from that. They were not self medicating, only taking what was prescribed them from the doctor for the first several years. It was only after the injury was repaired or healed and the pain started easing, when they came off the meds they got sick from w/ds. When the doctor shows no help or concern and just says it will pass they began looking for more meds from other docs just to keep from being sick. Finally you find a doc that says he can help you get through the w/ds and puts you on suboxone. Now you are struggling just as much stopping this new med. I feel for those going through pain and struggling to get the help they need. The truth is you should be mad at a government that is to big with to many restrictions and laws. Putting restrictions on medications doesn’t help addicts get off drugs only makes it more difficult for everyone. Evidence is in the pudding, look at any drug that has been made illegal or restricted: every one of them is highly used and abused even though the law is in place… Back to my point, complaining here to those looking for help isn’t helping you or anyone here. I hope you find what you need but point your frustration to the cause and help change it for the better.
Ps. METHADONE IS THE DEVIL!!!! You are lucky you have to dr. shop…. it’s saving your life!! You could always go to the methadone clinic with the rest of us junkbags 😉
Educate yourself and stop projecting. It’s very unattractive and speaks volumes with regards to your general lack of knowledge of what constitutes addictive behavior.
I am an addict who also suffers from chronic pain conditions. Have you even had to cold turkey withdrawal from Methadone? It’s worse than heroin or oxy’s combined. You have no idea what you are talking about. Anyone who is on opiates long enough becomes dependent on them. It’s right in the side effects. So suck it up buttercup because if you take opiates every day, then you’re just a “legal junkie”.
Well, aren’t you special. I’m an RN, by the way. And yes, I’ve been through cold turkey many times because of the stipulations now imposed on opioid therapy for chronic pain syndromes because of people who can’t use them responsibly and then take absolutely no accountability for their actions. There is both a physiological and psychological difference between tolerance, physical dependency,and addiction. People develop a tolerance and/or physical dependence to a wide range of drugs (SSRIs, steroids, decongestants, DAs, etc.) This is a physiological response and is expected to occur with these drugs, (the same as opiods). Its just part of the spectrum of effects of various drug therapies. Unlike tolerance and physical dependence,addiction has the psychological component. But you didn’t know that, did you? Because you lack the proper education about such things. It’s the choice to misuse opioids for self-satisfaction that has put a stigma on these drugs. Aside from myself, I have been witnessed to many patients who are going through the same torture of having fewer options now for pain control. It is an epidemic that is growing very quickly. I witness it everyday. You know, not everyone has the same compulsive need to acquire self gratification from opioids. That compulsive need is a result of your individual brain chemistry and upbringing. Thus, it is a symptom, not a disease. So many have been brainwashed by this propaganda of it being a helpless disease that it has, in fact, made efforts to resolve addictive behaviors and efforts to educate much more difficult. That’s just statistics. As for methadone, it is very effective for many people who have chronic pain and concomitant RLS that does not respond to DAs, which is why I used to take it. It gave me my life back so that I was then able to help others. But now all I see is a broken system and people who are now needlessly suffering. I know it may come as a surprise to you, but there are people who know how to educate themselves and can understand the meds they take and use them responsibly. It’s hard for you to accept that because you think everyone is like you and is affected by these drugs the same as you. Well, that’s just ignorant and its a symptom of the lies you’ve been fed and swallowed whole. Your projections of calling anyone who disagrees with you a “junkie” is more than enough evidence to suggest that you really understand nothing. Hopefully, after reading this, you can begin the path to seeing and understanding things as they really are. It just takes a little effort on your part.
Hahaha “I’m an RN”. I would hate to have you as an RN! You think you know everything about this kind of stuff. From reading your comments you are nothing but a stuck up RN that has no idea what they are talking about. If you hate addicts so much then why even comment on here? Just keep it to yourself. No one wants to hear it from you. You are a horrible person for saying addicts are mental. I think you have it backwards…YOU are the mental one.
Leigh I really hope you read this and take some time to reconsider your view on addicts. Nobody ever wakes up one morning and says “hey I want to become an addict”. Addiction can be considered a disease because of the extremely negative physical and mental effects it causes. The widespread addiction to pharmaceutical medications is basically a epidemic that is mainly being caused by our flawed medical system. Anyone that takes opiate medication over even a short period of time begins to build up a dependency toward it. So many doctors are quick to fill out opiate prescriptions and then turn around and accuse their patients of abusing the medication or labeling them as addicts when the prescribed amount of medication is not working as effectively as it once was.. Five years ago I was hit by a truck on the highway while driving to work. It sent my car rolling upside down sliding into the opposite lane and into oncoming traffic.. The accident almost cost me my life.. I suffered multiple fractures in my neck and lower spine 3 herniated discs tore out both my rotator cuffs broke my collar bone and cracked a bunch or ribs.. internal bleeding major nerve damage and concussion.. the list goes on.. I was 19 at the time and it changed my life entirely.. For 4 years the doctors prescribed me all kinds of pain medication and completely disregarded my injuries..10 months ago they finally got me in for my first shoulder surgery..2 months after the operation they cut me off of pain management entirely and released me as a patient.. Now im considered just a medication seeking addict.. So anyways what im trying to say is that please try not to be so quick to judge someone and label them an addict.. there is so many people with stories similar to mine.. Also there is no age limits with pain.. The flawed medical system is causing the majority of the issues with narcotic medication and now there go to choice for pain relief is methadone which is extremely dangerous, one of the most difficult medications to get off of and not near as effective with pain relief.. if you have anymore questions about the effects of methadone just read the CDC report on it and how it is considered lethal for pain relief… Yet the medical system is giving it out like candy.. not because its a healthier alternative but because its way cheaper for them to produce and they can charge a arm and a leg for it.. Please try to consider the points im trying to get across. And instead of putting people down for going through one of the worst hells imaginable please try to divert that energy and time into something positive.. The medical system really needs a change for the better and the more people that are aware of the corrupt and neglectful medical system we have in place the more chance there is for a positive change to take place.. all the best to anyone who has read this and I hope you got something out of it!
You are very ignorant. I didn’t choose to be hit by a car and have serious chronic back pain. The dr prescribed me Dilaudid and I became addicted fast. I was a good person before the accident and I turned to stealing and lying to get the drug. It is a disease. And there is no cure only a way to control it. You will never understand because you have never been through what an addict has. Your ignorance is unreal
Re: Leigh, As I read your comment I thought to myself how much you sounded like the people I associated with & bought pills from. Every time their Drs cut their Rx they would say the same thing. So isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black. But the worst thing about your comment is your ignorance. Every day I wake up & look in the mirror & see failure day after day. I don’t need you to tell me what I am I know. I think to myself how much I’ve hurt my loved ones how much I’ve missed out on because of my choices. Some days I think of just ending all of it but then something reminds me that I can change that I’m worth more than this & I somehow go on. Addiction is a never ending battle you just learn how to deal with it & how to work around it, I didn’t choose this if I only knew then what I know now maybe it would be different. But you can’t change genetics everyone in my family has addiction issues but I’m the only one that has reached out. So please don’t put me down for making a change to be a better person I’m not worthless & I know if given the chance I can make a difference, we all can.
As someone who has lived with an addict, I will say that you have no idea what you’re talking about. Yes, I too get mad at some addicts but there are some who are truly victims. And please stop idolizing methadone. That stuff has ruined my life and I’ve never even touched it. My husband was addicted to pain meds which were prescribed by a doctor so he had to go to methadone clinic to “help” with his addiction. He said they started him off at 25 mg and he swears he was fine at that dose and even told them, but they kept increasing it so he would get hooked on it. If you want to get mad at someone get mad at these money hungry clinics as well as those doctors who irresponsibly prescribe opiates.
I beg to differ somewhat. I am very angry at the doctors and clinics that inappropriately prescribe these drugs. How could I not be? But it’s more than that. That’s just one part of a larger problem. I’m also upset with regards to this mantra of being diseased that people are adopting as an excuse to feign any responsibility or accountability. To adopt this attitude of victimization and learned helplessness is just as much as problem as the misuse of drugs themselves. In my professional experience, it seriously corrupts their ability to comprehend the truth about their circumstances. I am an RN, so I understand very well the physiology and psychology involved in drug therapies. Its my job to understand it. I get really frustrated that people don’t understand the difference between tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. Addiction is the only one with a psychological component and is thus, a symptom; not a disease, though its actually more complicated that that. The others are expected to occur with a wide variety of drug therapies (steroids, SSRIs, DAs, etc). And patients need to take the initiative to educate themselves about whatever drug therapy is prescribed to them. It is their right to do so (see Patient Bill of Rights). To not do so, is a choice to remain ignorant. And that in itself, is ignorant. Why would anyone take a drug without fully understanding it’s risks versus rewards? A patient also has the right to refuse any treatment. And to count on the doctor to explain every last detail is not realistic. Even though its their responsibility, they tend not to do so. But the patient has a responsibility too. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out if the doctor or clinic one visits is treating you appropriately. Proper education is the best preventative medicine. I also think it’s ridiculous to suggest I “idolize” a drug that had not only allowed me to get my life back so I could continue to help and educate others, but I’ve also seen its positive effects on a number of patients who otherwise would suffer intractably. Just because you had a devastating experience with a drug (either directly or indirectly) doesn’t mean it’s not helpful to others who understand how it works and can safely utilize it’s therapeutic effects. I’ve seen terrible consequences with numerous non-opioid drugs that have really injured people. But that doesn’t mean they too are not helpful to others. What it really comes down to is the individual. Not everyone reacts the same way to a given drug. So to generalize and suggest there’s a universal guarantee that this drug will injure someone else the same as it did in your experience is exceptionally inaccurate.
And its the spread of this misinformation that is making educating and treating patients much more difficult. And I’m genuinely sorry for your troubles.
Hahahaha!!!!! Leigh you sound exactly like an addict sounds when they need to justify why they need more drugs! Listen, you are talking to people that knows what addicts are like, what they say and how they justify their needs for drugs. At least we can admitt we have a problem and are looking for a way out! Maybe you are the one that really needs to look at yourself, your addiction is causing your mind to produce chronic pain so that you have to keep using medications. What are you doing on this site? I think addiction has crossed your mind! Easier to blame others for your problems than admitting you are the problem yourself. I don’t care who or what you say you are, I tell you today as a person that works with the mind that you are no less of an addict as anyone else here, in fact, most here are already in recovery, admitting their problem, discussing their difficulties, looking for support, you are still in denial, still blaming others, still separating your problem from other’s problems, still convincing yourself your problem is real. You still have a huge distance to cover, others here has already done so! Good luck for you! At least have the decency to not knock those down who are making progress with themselves, rather keep quiet and find it in yourself to admit, just maybe, you are no different from anyone else here!
There are many fine lines in this debate and most of them can be traced back to money, labels and our restrictive system. We the people are the victims of a system that doesn’t even deserve that label anymore. If only we could all trade lives for a while, there would be so much more compassion for one another. Plain and simple, the love of life and people from different walks of life. #love thy neighbor. Kate knows what she’s talking about. 🙂 God bless
If it’s your job to understand like you say I would suggest you sign up for more training, clearly you’re oblivious!
Phillipians 2:1-4
Galatians 3:28
Galatians 6:1-6
Luke 18:10-14
Matthew 12:36-37
Matthew 7:1-2
Matthew 6:14-15
Matthew 6:33
Matthew 7:15
Romans 2:1
Romans 14:1-13
Romans 14:1
Romans 12:20-21
1Samuel 16:7
Titus 3:2-7
1Timothy 5:13
2Timothy 2:24-26
2Timothy 3:5-6
1Corinthians
5:12-13
1Corinthians 13:1-8
James 1:19-22
James 4:11
?JEUSUS LOVES YOU…AND ME?
Colossians 3: 12-15
Jesus is not God. He is a lord, not the lord. God is a separate spirit creature and he has a name, Jehovah. Call him by this name and always approach the father thru the son, in other words, when praying, end your prayer thru Jesus name, then you can say Amen. No one can approach the father, except through the son. This was made possible through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice on the torture stake, dying for our sins. The least I can do is let people know about the correct way to pray and let people know he did not die on a crucifix, just a straight pole called a torture stake. Not trying to be a religious nut,but it’s the truth and now ya know.
Wow…people who are addicted are selfish and out of control?? That is a horrible thing to say. If you have never been addicted to anything then you have no idea how easy it is to get addicted to something. It’s a proven fact that just because people get addicted to things does not make them mental or weak. People are given a prescription for an actual problem then once that problem goes away they find some aspects of life difficult. It’s that easy. A lot of people find it hard to get help. They feel embarrassed or they don’t want to lose a job or friends. I have personally known someone going through this and it’s a really sad thing to see. This person didn’t want to be addicted, they just didn’t know how to start to help themselves. A lot of times it’s fear of withdrawal as well. By the way Methadone is a very dangerous drug. If taken long term or a high dose it can cause A LOT of problems, some irreversible. They never tell you though. You have to research it. YES it can really help people but it is not a drug you should be on LONG TERM.
I would like to put a warning out to anyone considering the use of suboxone to withdrawal off opiates. Maybe this doesn’t happen to everyone but in my case the doctor kept me on the med. For several years. I did no research before I went on it. I decided I was going off of it cold turkey with nothing to help with the withdrawal. Needless to say, I was in a living hell. Every withdraw symptom you could have I had. The distress was so great I trashed my apt. Throwing furniture, I was alone because I didn’t want anyone to see me in the shape I was in. My family would come by daily and leave food and fluids inside my door and leave. Nothing prepared me for that nightmare that lasted for two weeks. Then it took about four months to get my strength back. Please, anyone considering going this route do your homework first.
Leigh, I am not sure if you have a family member or friend or someone that you know who has gone through addiction. But many of the statements you make are untrue and plain wrong. You shame people who are Adickes and I think it’s inappropriate. I have suffered from addiction that was stemming from many years of abuse and rape. I turned to drugs as a way to forget and release my pain. I suffered alone as no one knew about my addiction yet you come across as boasting the people who do this have hurt others.
Shame on you for being so vocal in such an inappropriate way. I hope the depths of addiction never creep into your life if they do, I’m sure there will be another addict as myself who would most likely offer I need your hand to help you out
Really a cruel and ignorant comment. There’s no difference between a person who uses drugs to treat physical pain and a person who uses them to treat emotion pain.
If you’ve felt the numbing, chronic, unkillable wrath of dysthemia and depression, you wouldn’t make such silly comments.
Really, really uninformed post…
I agree with you mostly.I have MS, am severely epileptic due to a TBI incurred in a 3story fall off a balcony due to a homeowners negligence.EMT’s said I should be dead cause of falling straight down, feet up, head down,hitting head first into a bed of medium sized rocks.Broke my right scapula in half, had a first rate massive concussion (TBI) and many debilitating back problems to put it mildly. My brother died in 2008,4 years after my fall.It upset me so bad that the trauma of him dying,compromised my immune system so bad that I got shingles,but didn’t know it was shingles and waited to long for treatment resulting in damaged nerves, or severe neuropathy.By that time shingles showed its ugly face, osteoarthritis was/is setting in quickly. Now I must mention that when I fell and had level 10 pain,the Dr gave me dilaudin 2mg pills to take home with me. I didn’t even know what pain meds were. Before my fall, I never drank once, never did one drug, just naive I guess and innocent, I was 24 then. Took the meds as directed by the Dr,didn’t do anything, so I threw 200 hydromorphone pills away and took ibuprofen instead,it worked better.Found myself in a declining health and pain situation, but grinned and bared it until the shingles in late 2008 when I finally went to a reputable pain management Dr office. Wish I never would have done that. I was instantly put on tons of oxy IR and oxycontin and was never informed of what chronic use would might do.I joined PM just about a year before the fly by night se Florida fleeting,sketchy pain clinics started taking the whole state by storm, which affected me getting my scripts filled,most pharmacies never had what I needed, so I suffered for a week at times due to persons that didn’t need them. There might have been some that did though too.As I continued to take that crap,I realized that I was dependent on it,maybe almost addicted unknowingly, I never abused. 2012,political lawmakers decided to crack down on amounts given to individuals and this affected me cause my Dr got scared of the DEA seeing him given pain meds to a a 32 year old young patient, as a result,I was kicked out for no reason, even though my medical problems warranted it.I was pissed and withdrawing to say the least, cause of frickin addicts and corrupt Dr’s.I ended buying off the street until 2015 just to control my pain.June 2015,I finally got a place in a methadone MMT clinic.It took me 8 1/2 months at 91mg to realize when you can’t pay,your sent to the curb,no money.This happened this February 2016,but ya know what,it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m on day 6 of cold turkey off 91mg of methadone.For some reason it hasn’t been the worst withdrawal I’ve experienced, but still very bad.I’m over the worst intensity of it,tomorrow late evening being day 7.I have still a long way to go cause of the long half-life of methadone, at least a month of medium to minor infrequent withdrawal symptoms popping up,but I suspect it could take up to 2 years for my mental faculties to return to some normalcy and produce my own dopamine high,such as laughing and etc.Now the people I blame for the pill mills are the political leaders and then the Dr’s next. I hate Dr’s to this day cause of that s**t.If you don’t need it, you shouldn’t be taking it,you’re only causing harm to yourself and the pain patients that need it,just so you can get high or escape something you don’t like specifically,get over it, peoples around the world are under worse conditions than U.S. citizens and most of them get by without any drug,it’s called human will to overcome!I agree with the statement that addiction isn’t a disease, it’s a psychological disease,meaning most addict’s use to escape something miniscule or just recreation. I blame addicts for me not being able to get what I needed due to lack of volume of the drug.So I encourage all addicts to take a good look at themselves and ask some serious questions!To keep using is selfish in so many aspects, also leads to health problems and even death eventually. I know you can get clean cause I was so dependent on narcotics for pain,that I thought I would be on it for the rest of my natural life, but now I’m almost free. It’s hard,but a drug that controls your life is no way to live. I will return to my regular pain in a couple months,but it’s nowhere near the pain of losing your young years to a stupid chemical concoction. If I can do it,you can do it,sounds corny,but it’s been proven many a time. Don’t waste your life,there’s so much to learn,explore and experience. I know from my own experiences, that being on a narcotic,it just can’t be done.I had real pain reasons for being on oxycodone and it still costed me my surfing career person. marrige,but my ex to be fair to me, was a frickin psychopathic selfish person.So I got rid of 2 things that were getting old,ha.Kick the habit now!
I have never posted anything on the net but after reading your post I had to. First of all it is a disease and I’m guessing you believe it not to because addition is brought on by oneself if your going to use that logic people dying of lung cancer that chose to smoke don’t really have a disease. Secondly like a lot of the people on this forums addiction started out with painkillers prescribed by a doctor for a real problem or were to young to know better. For most people once your at this point it’s not about getting high it about not getting sick The pains they go through are just as real as yours so if you want to rant about your problems do it on a site for that purpose not on one full of people trying get help, most of them are already dealing with depression and don’t need unintelligent people like yourself messing with that.
Word, brotha! Lol! Yeah, we need good stuff here, no need for any hostility or anything of the sort, just saying, we’ve all got it bad enough, like he said! ¡Pura Vida!
amen
I would never say I blame addicts or as it’s a journey that’s not my own & do not understand. However, I agree with everything else you said. I have systemic lupus & degenerative disc disease that started as a child. I’ve had nurses treat me wonderfully until I mention I take methadone. I refuse to go to ER regarding pain because I don’t want to be seen as a drug seeker. My doctor of 10+ years did everything above board. (My story is a few comments back.) But after suffering a heart attack recently he retired. My hubby & I have called every doctor on our insurance list & none will see me but 1. However, he sees patients from 4pm til 2am (though apots are made in normal business hoyrs he doesn’t show leaving patients waiting fir up to 10 hours or more!) and will with hold prescriptions for payment instead of filing insurance. I’m not going to a doctor that’s part of this unfair problem. Laws passed are one size fits all & that’s grossly unfair, as you said. I’m truly not sure I can face the mental decline & added pain this will cause. I honestly feel I’ve been given a death sentence. It’s so hugely maddening because the methadone truly gave me a life again -and I love life! But now I might, on a bad night, do something foolish when my mind is not my own. My family is already suffering because I can’t do for them. My loving & giant hearted husband is angry he can’t fix this for me. I have survived a heart attack at 21, liver & kidney failure & endocarditis. Dying from ignorant, biased laws will be how I go? I’ve never taken or tried an illegal substance in my life. But this situation has me looking into it. These laws weren’t made for me but they sure are hurting me none the less. I appreciate you understanding that.
Hey, I’m truly sorry for the situation you are in and hope you can find a good doc that understands your situation. It may not be ideal but I wanted to at least pass along that you could always go to a methadone clinic to get a prescription. In this case you start at a low dose and move up daily until you are at a good dose. You are able to choose your own dose. You may have already considered this but I wanted to at least mention it. It would require daily visits at first but can eventually end up with monthly visits only. I dont know if this would work for you but maybe so. Hope for you the best.
https://924jeremiah.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/gods-view-of-addicts/
Thank you sooo much for your well crafted letter to addicts. I have been in pain for 13 years due to a botched surgery. I have been to every doctor under the sun to help fix it. Finally I ended up in pain management. I also took numerous narcotics, but continued to get severe migraines from every one unti I was prescribed subutex. Of course the DEA recognizes this drug only for withdrawal for addicts. My pain mgmt doc was investigated (he is innocent) because he was prescribing these sorts of drugs for his patients. The DEA took over his practice and would NO LONGER allow him to prescribe this drug! So now I have no pain relief and it is all because of these selfish jerks called addicts!
I agree to an extent..it is a luxury that addicts have been given, and that luxury should be for people who have to travel the world just to find relief. But still, it doesn’t justify just throwing “addicts” in the gutter. We are all human beings and all deserve a fair chance at redemption. Once again, the so called system is to blame. It’s called population control, and this isn’t the only way this is done
1 year on pain meds. Tapered over months to 2.5 methadone. I ordered calmsupport, (money back guarantee even opened containers) not cheap but it helped with anxiety and palpating feelings mostly. Initially the tryptophan made me sleep for hours undisturbed. Without the anxiety feel like I can push on. I have chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, degenerative discs, major anxiety and depression. Klonipin and baclofen have also helped. I commented below but wanted ppl to see the post in case they didn’t scroll down all the way.
Good job, very awesome to hear! I’m on day 25 of cold turkey methadone withdrawal on my own initiative, still not fun, but getting better everyday a little bit! Keep it up, we’ll all get there eventually!
Hello Matt! I started a taper plan about 40 days ago. This is my 3rd day with a dosage of .25 mg, I have actually noticed I am ok so far. The only real problem some days is energy. A lot of this is mental I believe. I used suboxone for 1 year to get away from an opiate addiction. I just wanted to ask how low of a dose should I taper to before jumping off completely? I read your other articles and it seemed like starting every other day would help. I just wanted some encouragement I suppose. Thanks a lot Matt, your articles help.
[I posted this comment on another page on this site but it belongs here instead. I noticed a post about Kratom below from Justin in July but I offer a somewhat different take on the subject.]
“Akathisia” is the correct term for the creepy twitchy feelings and compelling movements that are a hallmark symptom of opiate withdrawal. Antihistamines, SSRI’s, SNRI’s, and antipsychotics will often make it worse. Akathisia is viewed by most clinicians as quite different from chronic idiopathic RLS, though both are often treated by trial-and-error with medications such as clonazepam, diazepam, L-DOPA, and ropinirole. Unlike RLS, restarting opiates will always alleviate akathisia.
For many, including myself, akathisia is the most intolerable and enduring of the opiate withdrawal symptoms. I stopped Suboxone (for chronic pain) on June 1, 2015, and I’m still battling spells of akathisia in my PAWS phase. It usually happens at night and disrupts sleep.
I tried all of the RLS medications as well as several supplements, and they did nothing at all — even 8mg of clonazepam had no perceptible effect — and my sanity was about to go from lack of sleep. So what to do? The only thing that was sure to give relief was some type of opioid. Rather than go back to Rx opiates, I discovered Kratom on this site and found it to be 100% effective for akathisia. HOWEVER, and in capitals, Kratom isn’t to be trifled with — you need to understand exactly what you’re doing before you try it. Kratom contains powerful opioids and developing a physical dependency, or even an addiction, is certainly possible. Kratom alleviates opiate withdrawal symptoms solely because it is itself an opioid. Kratom has the expected opiate effects of pain relief and at high doses, mild euphoria, but it also has the unexpected effect of boosting energy, sociability, and mental focus, leading some to choose it as a lifestyle supplement. That’s fine, but if you’re here on this site because you want to eliminate your opiate dependency, then treat Kratom as a temporary crutch and not a substitute. If you wish to try Kratom specifically for akathisia, see Matt’s article but start at a very low dose (i.e.,1/2 gram) in grapefruit juice, and stop increasing when you get just enough to provide relief but not enough to get a psychological effect.
I take Kratom regularly. The withdrawals get annoying, but it really helps me not use while alleviating some of my pain. I agree that it isn’t something to be taken lightly, but it’s better than going on Methadone (withdrawals are horrendous) or Suboxone.
I was on methadone for only 8 1/2 months. In that time,started with 30mg and at the highest got to 115mg for a short amount of time just to be stable for a few weeks.They just kept pushing for higher doses for me and I kept telling them I’m fine. Then I got a dirty UA from taking Klonopin which I was taking illicitly just at that time for a mild control over my grand-mal seizures and bad anxiety, not to abuse it,but they didn’t care a bit.I tried telling them I had lost my insurance and I used to have a script from a neurologist for it,but I had no money at that time to do it the right way. No sympathy, just orders to take my dose down 1mg a day til I pissed clean. Well I got another dirty UA,no surprise to me and then they started taking me down 2mg a day. This lasted awhile til I got the money to go to the doc and get the legal script for 4 months of refills. They were so surprised to see that I got it so easy,I think they thought I was lying bout needing to have it for epilepsy. So the administrative down dosing stopped and I told them to stop me at 91mg and they did. Then another problem arose,I ran out of money.$91 a week it cost me,ridiculous amount of dough to pay every week.They gave me a grace period of 2 weeks to come up with the cash,but it didn’t happen.I can’t work cause my seizures,even with appropriate btc scripts, are just out of control.I sat down with them and they wanted some decent amount of money, just to get another week of dosing and end up with the same problem the next week.They put me on an administrative withdrawal plan that day, tapering really fast,but I said f**k it,thought of here and they are still probably wondering what I’m doing cause I left with no notification at all.They don’t care about you, just the $91 in their cash register every week.Greedy bastards! I got on methadone cause I couldn’t get off the oxycodone I was getting from PM for 8 years,that crap is not easy to kick cold turkey, so I thought methadone would be easier since it was liquid and could come down half a mg a week, real slow until nothing,but with no money, I was going cold turkey by my own choice off 91mg of methadone.Obviously I was very scared since I tried this with oxy and failed miserably cause the withdrawls almost made me take my own life twice, it was that bad.Now I knew that methadone I was told is just the worst opioid to cold turkey, every symptom would be at least 2-3 times worse,but I was ready. I’m going on day 7, tomorrow at 10am,then it’ll be 8 days opioid free.It’s been hard,but nothing compared to oxy.I sailed thru it comparably, not bad at all.The worst symptom is the aching of my knee and ankle joints along with my shins on both legs and a general feeling of agitation all over, feeling mildly sick to my stomach infrequently at times,that’s it,nothing else,I even slept at night for 1-3 hours,which is good for me considering I usually have insomnia in withdrawal.The worst is over now it’s just getting better a little each day for 2-3 months.I’m so gitty and happy,no more drug controlling my life. I’ll live with my regular pain gladly if it means not taking one more opiate. So stoked on life again. Now I can go surfing again with energy and lose 40 pounds that 10 years of pills and methadone put on my skinny,159 pound frame,I’ll feel good bout myself too,confident! Point being, the less time on methadone and smaller doses,it can be done with just your will, you got to want this change forever,never going back ever again, ever! I hope that anyone in the same predicament can succeed as well as I did and stay that way. I promise the bad will pass and you’ll love your new healthy life. Good luck you guys,I hope I’ve inspired at least a few patients and addicts. You just got to take charge. Thanks for reading this and remember, your a person you matter and you’re not the only one going through something like this, ask your friends to help you and if they don’t want to, forget them and surround yourself with sober,clean friends that are rooting for ya.I promise it’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made once your clean.Pura Vida
Where can I find matts article ? I’m in day 2 and just found this page now …
The come to about 2 mg subutex is mine forgot email address sorry
Hello I am currently coming of of subutex 6 mg daily I tapered down to 2 mg over 2 weeks then stopped for 2 days but by that night the rls wouldn’t stop amd I ended up taking 2 mg the next night I tryed taking .3 mg of clonidine which made me so out of it I felt way passed drunk and passed out after doing stuff I don’t remember them waking at 11 at night worth resless arms this time I took 3 xannex which I normally don’t take and still couldn’t sleep after a few hours I caved and took the 2 mg of subutex I’m trying again tonight what should I take more clonidine or ? And I kinda though the xanax made the resless Ness worse can it or is it in my head if I take melitonion it defiantly caused it Amy advice I already read ur articles but I have no money to buy anything to help
Is it harmful to take passion flower and valerian root with muscle relaxants?
These herbs are contraindicated with muscle relaxants because the synergy can make people too drowsy and other negative effects. However, opiate withdrawal causes severe anxiety and insomnia, so many people have told me the combination of these herbs with prescription medications actually helped a lot. Please ask you health care provider what is safe for you. Take care and I wish you good luck.
I’m Sarah, 23, a single mother with lupus, a completely bum thyroid and a few mental health issues. I’ve been using heroin off and on for 12years and am 3wks off a yr at a methadone program (tapered from 60mg to 10). I ended up using again after 2 days without methadone bc i couldn’t handle the wd. The RLS is what gets me most. My bf tells me wd is all in my head. I was wondering if my other health issues are making wd worse? And how do i get thru the RLS effectively?
Hi Sarah,
Typically, other health issues can make the withdrawal worse. Please read the following article on RLS:
How To Stop Restless Leg Syndrome From Opiate Withdrawal
sorry I just wanted to say the tonic water did help us all at detox with the RLS problem. when I got home it was my new addiction before bed
at detox they would give us regular tonic water you could get it any store
Dear Matt,
I have been reading much of your information and am very thankful for your desire to “pay back” in such a wonderful way. Please allow me to give you my history and struggle so that your advice, if given, can be as accurate as possible per my individual circumstance.
Around 1996, I was given Xanax to be taken 1 mg at bedtime only for RLS which also was eventually accompanied by ½ tablet of 10/650 hydrocodone. Due to 15 yrs of horrific domestic violence survival I eventually collapsed from possible adrenal exhaustion and was bedridden for 3 years. It wasn’t until the 3rd years that attempted to take ½ hyrdrocodone in morning and realized that it “woke me up” and lowered my pain levels so that I could semi-function through my home. So the dr’s, not truly knowing what was wrong with me through it all, decided to treat me with these meds.
Eventually they added in 50-100 mgs of Tramadol to be used as needed in intervals with the Hydros. So, it was Trams when I was having a good day and Hydros for the bad pain-filled days. I never took more then I should have and always tried to take less and add in healthy, natural ways to find better health ie walking, diet, supplements, bike-riding, etc. Also, around 2005 my Dr prescribed me Ritalin for the CFS. The time-released ones caused severe headaches so I went to tablets. I was taking 10 mgs about every for hrs if needed. And of course the Xanax was still the bedtime go to.
Fast forward to now…. I am horrified to discover that my dr’s treatment therapy for Fibromyalgia and CFS (13 years of 4-6 10/650 hyrdrocodones until 2014, then 6 – 10/325’s plus all of the others) has caused physical dependence.
In addition, in September 2014, my health quickly declined from other major health conditions which lead to bowels not moving for most of Nov. 2014, on and on, pelvic and back pain beyond compare and finally a 6 hr surgery resulting in total hysterectomy and repairs to all my pelvic organs that needed some level of surgerical seperation due to unrealized internal bleeding over the years. I had severe internal adhesions from intestinal bleeding considered to be from chronic constipation. Surgery was Jan 2015. After all of this I thought my life would finally be on a grand path of healing. But of course the hydrocodones, tramadols, ritalin and xanax continued due to it being related to chronic conditions that have no cure. (FM and CFS)
However on April 20, 2015 I had a HUGE emotional breakthrough of a very long toxic relationship turmoil that I endured and the result was almost perfect health. This was the result of prayer and the Lord’s answering. This peaceful, painless, energy-filled place lasted for about 5 days. My medicine usage was at a minimum. Then the pain and fatigue returned. Thus, the narcotic assistance was once again back to normal regimen. However, deep inside I knew that I had received a healing and began to question if the narcotics was more my problem now then an actual chronic disease.
So as a result, I stopped the hydrocodones completely cold turkey in July. I remained taking all of the others. Tramadol 100 mg every 4 hrs for pain, ritalin 10 mg but only when I had to “push through” the fatigue for a specific reason ie work, canning, cleaning, errands, etc. And of course the normal 1 mg to 1.5 mg of xanax before bed only as I have done for almost 20 yrs!
I easily was done with the hydrocodone. I do not desire any meds but even more than that, I am a professional as well as a homemaker and life can’t stop bc I have FM and CFS. Being bedridden for 3 yrs cannot happen again. What I found from the discontinuation of hydrocodone was that my bowels began to work again and I was ready to begin inner cleansing of digestive system to fight off any contaminates from having no bm’s for so long. However, to my horror, the pain and fatigue was NOT manageable with Tramadol alone, not even when accompanied with ritalin. Therefore the conclusion was that Tramadol was a total waste of med for me and taking it was creating side effects and possible withdrawals to no good benefit for my well-being.
Therefore, after talking with my husband, who is amazing through this, I told him that perhaps taking both Tram and Hydro was the bowel issue and I cannot lay around like this. So I am going to stop the Tram and go back to the Hydro but only when I need it to “push through” the pain and fatigue for work purposes. So that is what I did. I easily put down the Trams for 3 wks as I restarted the Hydrocodone regimen. What I discovered is that without the Tramadol and with spacing out the Hydros per need, I was beginning to find out that I was having wd symptoms that I have been calling FM for over a decade. Mind you whether I still or ever had FM, I question at this time. Also, to my horror, my bowels locked up once again (about 10 days into it) and the natural course of digestive was at a total standstill. I could feel food laying in my stomach from 2 days prior. I feared my body was shutting down.
So the moment of truth was here….. the Hydros are the sickness thus far! The Tramadols, acting as opioids, kept the wd’s at bay and the only thing to do to find out “how sick I truly am” was to get the opioids out of my system completely.
I immediately began a taper. 1/2 tablet of 10/325 mg hydro every 4-5 hrs. I did this for 3 days and suffered horrific migraines, body pain, skin sensation in face, nausea —- all of which I naively thought was from a tooth that I just had pulled and a possible jaw abscess. I thought I was doing well with the taper (LAST WEEK) which was Mon, Tues and Wed. and then Thursday I dropped again. Now I took 1/4 of the tablet but noticed that the wd was coming every 3 hrs and would quickly become debilitating. Plz keep in mind that I still don’t quite know what is physical dependency and what is from Fibromyalgia and CFS symptoms. As I saw that the wd’s were dominating my health I felt determined with a bit of anger towards my dr’s, the diseases, and circumstances that lead to it all, to beat this and be done.
That night I went into horrifiying joint aches, jerking, drawing up; all over my body! I couldn’t sit still for 3 sec and they were strong. I was walking up and down my driveway at 2:30 am trying to find mental relief as well as physical relief. I read on other forums that xanax was a help and to take enough to put yourself to sleep. I have never done that before but felt very desperate. So I took 2 within 1 hour timeframe. That was 3 1mg xanas within 4 hours. At some point it subsided and I fell asleep. Oh, I also did hot bath, used lavender essential oil and massage. None worked due to the severity. This made me even more angry at the meds that were sworn to improve my quality of life!
So on Friday morning, 8/29/15, I just couldn’t put another pill in my mouth that I knew was trying to shut my body down. (Still no digestive movement!) This is over a week now. So I went to my local pharmacist and sat down with her to explain my health history as I did here, told her of my tapering, my strong desire to walk away from these forever, and ask for her advice. She advised a slow tapering of the Hydrocodones. I knew in my heart that I couldn’t do it! I was done with them! And I told her so! She advised me that the RLS was indeed a part of the withdrawal and could last up to 2 wks but also should go away.
That night I went into the most horrific RLS that I have ever experienced! My entire body, every joint in hands, feet, elbows, knees was screaming and drawing up and have “funny bone” sensations going thru them. I tried to treat it again with essential oils, hot bath (2 of them), heavy pressure on my body from blankets, and finally 2 xanax’s over and above the 1.5 mgs that I normally take before bed. None of it worked!!! I also took Potassium pills and L-Tyrosine 4000 earlier in the day and didn’t eat much due to not wanting food to trigger it. I was going crazy from the pain. My husband did all that he could. I called a friend that I know deals with wd’s sadly and told her of the RLS. She suggested Neurontin and had 2 for me. I took one immediately but the intensity of them was so great that before I gave it a chance I took another Xanax and a full 10/325 Hydrocodone which of course all knocked me out around 4 AM. My husband was scared to death of all that I took and I was so desperate for relief that I didn’t know what to do.
The next morning I was relieved to find that I did fall asleep as weird as that sounds but was very upset that I took a whole hydrocodone when in fact I had almost 20 hours without it in my system. I was not doing that again no matter what. I cant say for sure what helped me go to sleep. But whatever it was, up to that point the full body RLS was too strong for my body to go to sleep although the sedation meds were in me in abundance. I wont do that one again either. I was fighting the RLS –full body AND the sedation both at the same time!
Saturday night – here they come again. The moment I felt them start they quickly became severe. I had taken the 2nd of 2 that my friend gave me just 45 mins prior. I also took GABA supplement and used essential oils after hot bath. They were once again overwhelming but not as bad as the two past nights. I put a topical skin lotion “Deep Blue Rub” on my elbows where the most pain was and wrapped them tight with scarves. It helped a bit but not enough for relief and def not enough for sleep. Again, after hours and hours of fighting it, suffering beyond tolerance, I turned to 2 more Xanax and eventually went to sleep around 3:30 but I did NOT take Hydrocodone!
Sunday night, 8/30/15, here they come again!!! This time my hubby could not stay up with me bc of his work. I had to endure. I took Gaba, Neurontin, Xanan 1mg, 1500 mg of Naproxen (I read it can elp), essential oil, Deep Blue Essential Oil Rub, wrapped up my joints and cried out in prayer. The pain was awful, clear through my body . But is was not as bad as the prior two nights. Finally around 2 pm, I took another Gaba supplement and a Xanax and eventually fell asleep.
So today is actually Day 3 of no opioids in my system. Is there anything that I can do or change that will help me? And how long do you suspect this to continue given my history of medicating with this? Any and all help is so greatly appreciated! So, so sorry so long!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It sounds like you have been through some very difficult struggles, and I believe you are now on the path to true and lasting healing. The protocol you are using seems to be working, so well done! Given your history, in my opinion the acute withdrawal could last anywhere from 4-7 days or more. However, once this acute withdrawal is over, the post-acute withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from weeks, to months, or even years if left untreated.
Please read the following article:
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
As for the fibromyalgia and CFS you speak of, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you read the following book:
The Great Pain Deception: Faulty Medical Advice Is Making Us Worse
If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m very happy and eager to help. 🙂 Take care.
I have tried everything you have mentioned for rls and mine went on for 6 months of hell not sleeping so I went back to opiates ! I want to stop again and would if not for the rls which I get in my left arm and legs! Not one damn doctor seems to know about it or is able to help me!
I had the same problem with the RLS in the legs and in my left arm horribly, lasted about five days, what help me a real lot was Lyrica and clonidine patch
Hey Peter, I’m sorry to hear nothing has worked for your RLS besides going back to opiates. I understand fully where you are coming from. If you are able to go to the doc you may have to specifically ask for certain meds that may help since most don’t study opiate withdrawal and know little about it. I had to ask point blank just to get clonidine during withdrawal a while back. Btw, that is one thing you could certainly try during withdrawal (clonidine). You could also ask for gabapentin which will help ease withdrawal symptoms including rls. The downside of gabapentin is coming off of it can also lead to sleep issues for a short time (but not as severe as opiate withdrawal imho). Other than that you may consider asking for lyrica or a dopamine promoter (used for rls treatment) such as requip or mirapex. Generally you will need to see a neurologist for rls meds. If it were me and I were asking for rls meds, I wouldn’t mention I was coming off opiates, but that is up to you completely. I would only mention the rls and tell them it keeps you up so much that you can’t stay awake during the day so it’s effecting your life. They only prescribe rls meds if it is effecting life in a negative way (in my experience). If you decide to ask for one of the others I mentioned it may be wise to find a doc that prescribes suboxone and ask for those. They have to take a course in order to prescribe suboxone so they will have at least some knowledge of withdrawal meds. It would still be wise to print out info about the meds you would like to take to the sub doc in case they aren’t familiar with them. I hope you get through this. Keep us posted on all your progress if you can.
Hey Peter Peter here I have the exact same problem as you my left arm and legs! Yes I also went thru 6 months of hell with no relief don’t know how the hell I did it I can’t even deal with it for one night now! The other wdrawls are a piece of cake and it pisses me off to no end that not one doctor can help me or knows enough about it! The regular prescription RLS meds don’t touch it! I was almost over it till I got some sinus headache meds the kind you need to show your liscence for and that messed with my dopamine or endorphins or whatever and brought it back full force! Anyways I’m back using just to avoid the RlS and when I don’t have anything now it comes back worse then ever and right away! I would like to talk to someone who can relate if you get a chance!
Hey Peter, sorry to hear about your non ending rls. I get it as well when coming off opiates and I know it is no fun and makes sleep impossible. If regular rls meds aren’t helping at all it might be beneficial to get ahold of some benzosto help with sleep during this period, just be careful not to trade one addiction for another. Since you mentioned you were using again, it would be safer for you to find a local methadone clinic rather than buying on the street and it’s much cheaper to (depending on your dose and clinic). Some would certainly disagree with that but after many years buying on the streets I went to a clinic for 4 years to stabilize before jumping off. It doesn’t take 4 years for everyone, I just went until I was sick of methadone and was ready to make the jump off. I used suboxone for about 1 month (tapering from day 1) then made the big jump. I am not a doctor so take this only as a suggestion from someone on opiates for 13 years. I know from experience that you must be sick of it to make the jump and have it last. If you aren’t at that point yet then getting a legitimate prescription from a clinic is at least legal and can help getting you away from seeking behavior as it did me. Hope this helps my friend.
Hey Jeff thank you for taking the time to reply! I had a pain pump with fentynl for 12 years getting it steady 24/7! Once I had that turned off by choice since it wasn’t helping my pain I had such bad leg pain I went on oxys for a year or so then I wanted off completely then went to methadone for over a year and weaned down to no avail! The RLS from hell for 6 months anyways got back on then went to sub clinic and got on subs for 6 months and stopped and ended up with even worse RLS which I didn’t think was possible! Anyways I’m on day 6 now with no opiates I’m taking several things you suggested the dlpa, L-tyrosine , passion flower and clonidine and lyrica which I got from my doc who happens to know nothing about opiate withdrawal! I had tried the nuerontin before to no avail! So far so good on RLS but first time I quit I didn’t come till 2 weeks after last opiate but good sign is I got it real bad after one day without opiates the other month! So we’ll see not sure if it will come back full force or not I had it a little a couple nights but nothing unbearable , don’t know what’s helping my only concern is if it’s the lyrica I’ve read people coming off Lyrica can get severe RLS ! Oh also I’ve tried the benzos to no avail as well! Wasn’t worried about getting addicted to them was on xanaax for 5 years for back spasms and never had any wdrawls! But it’s now or never I will take your advice only if I decide I can’t handle it and do the subs or methadone so I don’t have to waste money on street but I doubt that will happen I’m done……. I know it would be easy and wouldn’t hurt me I just want to be free! Thanks again for your valuable information and help! I will order the kyani as well!
Hello Shelley,
The opiate-withdrawal form of “RLS” is a type of akathisia and is one of my main withdrawal symptoms. I’m active anyway (biking,circuit training,walking) so adding more exercise was unlikely to help, and I was already taking those supplements mentioned (though maybe the “itchy joints” symptoms would be worse if I didn’t — who knows?). Kratom at a fairly low dose abated this symptom 100% for me, and it has a good reputation for alleviating other withdrawal symptoms as well.
Kratom is a miracle for me and id be willing to guarantee anybody with a opiate habit, whether it be six weeks or six mos., ZERO withdrawal symptoms with Kratom. Coming off a pretty good binge right now and i keep wondering where my runny nose is? No aches? Nothing? Sooo crazy,…. Well, what are yall waiting on?? Get you some Kratom and get your life back!!
Here is an article I wrote on using kratom for withdrawal:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
1 year on pain meds. Tapered over months to 2.5 methadone. I ordered calmsupport, (money back guarantee even opened containers) not cheap but it helped with anxiety and palpating feelings mostly. Initially the tryptophan made me sleep for hours undisturbed. Without the anxiety feel like I can push on. I have chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, degenerative discs, major anxiety and depression. Klonipin and baclofen have also helped.
Where to get Kratom?
I used kratom to come off opiates. It wasn’t a good idea. I was addicted to Kratom and the withdrawal symptoms are as similar to when I was coming of hydrocodones. Please be careful. Thanks
I have tried Kratom so many times, so many different types and taken different routes. Oral capsules, using powder to make tea, dry swallowing pure powder…none of it ever works and I have spent quite a bit of money on Kratom. I have found Gabapentin or Lyrica to be the miracle..two or three days of one of those and no more addiction. Imodium as well..My restless arms is the only withdrawal symptom I cannot handle. Thank you so much for this article!!!
Right on. Gabapentin has been a miracle drug for me coming off of opiates. Works better than anything.
Big habit, lil habit,…… ZERO WITHDRAWALS = KRATOM!!!
Shelley, hi hope all is well. I’m texting to get more information on hydroxyzine is it bad to take when I’m detoxin off methadone 95mg to quit all at about 6 weeks from today. I have everything that I can get to make as easy as it could be but I still worry about it no mistake this time. Well let me know about hydroxyzine. Pampered 25mg capsules. Thanks