Methadone and Anxiety

[vikkitennis]

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?

[SueJohnson]

For the anxiety you might try Buspar (buspirone) or trazodone.

[vikkitennis in reply to SueJohnson]

with both of your recommendations, it doesn't disturb with the GI track?

[vikkitennis in reply to vikkitennis]

Also, can you take it without causing sleepiness?

[SueJohnson in reply to vikkitennis]

trazodone actually helps insomnia. Buspar might cause insomnia

[SueJohnson in reply to vikkitennis]

Correct

[Joolsg]

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.

[vikkitennis in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you, I will look it into it. I see the GP this month and the neurologist next month.

[kcraig]

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.

[vikkitennis in reply to kcraig]

Good to know, Thank you.

[Merny5]

I experienced some anxiety initially but it soon subsided. Unfortunately it is a side effect of methadone. ☹️

[TheDoDahMan]

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.

[Oregonmike]

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

[Oregonmike in reply to Oregonmike]

yes you can get early withdrawal in just a 1/2 day