I am interested in hearing from the group, when prescribed methadone, if you have anxiety, as in on airplanes, medical exams, or possibly a situation that brings in a panic attack. I am on 20 mg of methadone, after exhausted all RLS medications the past 25+ years. I began with 5 mg twice at night five months ago, then increase it to 10 mg, twice nightly. I am reluctant to increase it to 30 mg, due to GI problems. On another note, I am experiencing anxiety in situations, that I have never had before, recently on a long airplane flight, and with a simple pain management visit to the doctor for lidocaine injections to the spine. Pain management doctor feels it is the methadone spiking these feelings. Anyone else? Advice?
Methadone and Anxiety : I am interested... - Restless Legs Syn...
Methadone and Anxiety
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For the anxiety you might try Buspar (buspirone) or trazodone.
I had never experienced anxiety in my life until I was prescribed Oxycontin in 2016.I am now on Buprenorphine and started to experience anxiety/panic attacks after 5 weeks of starting it.
I emailed Dr Buchfuhrer in 2016 and he said opioid anxiety is quite common. Adding a sedating med at small dose helps. He suggested pregabalin.
I now take Buprenorphine and 25mg pregabalin at night. It stopped all the anxiety and panic attacks.
Hope this info helps.
I take 5mg methadone for RLS. I was on Ropinerole for a year or so, but didn't work well and made me horribly nauseous. I've fought anxiety for years. I tried Buspirone, but it set the RLS off. Seroquel seems ok for now.
I experienced some anxiety initially but it soon subsided. Unfortunately it is a side effect of methadone. ☹️
I've been taking 10 mg methadone per day for over 4 years without anxiety. In fact, it calms me down because I know I'll be able to sleep that night. Best wishes for you.
maybe your anxiety is early withdrawal symptoms. Everyone responds differently- I’m not sure on the pharma of methadone , like it’s half life- it might be too fast acting then fast leaving , so your body is like,” Wait! Where’d that feeling go? I want that.”
Just my two cents