Starting methadone

[tagaxel]

So on Thursday night I will finally start taking methadone. The initial dose is going to be 2.5 mg. I have to admit that I'm always frightened about taking any can of drug that's going to affect the central nervous system. Is there anything I should be expecting or not expecting? My neurologist wants me to try that for a week and then he will take me to 5 mg.

[SueJohnson]

That's great - you finally got it!

[ziggypiggy]

Expect sweet relief.

[SleeplessinNC]

I started Methadone in recent months with great results. Started low like you and am at a dose of 12.5 to 15 now. I have some itching with most opioids so that was an expected side effect. I was fearful prior to starting and then there is the opioid stigma BUT the positive effects were great as far as RLS and the “feeling” of taking Methadone at this dose was much less dramatic than I feared. Wish I had tried it sooner. Best of luck. Sweet dreams!

[Nikos64]

If you precisely follow your doctor’s instructions you will be OK and will likely get excellent relief. I think this class of drugs, taken as prescribed, are safe for long term use.

But I also think you shouldn’t exclusively rely on the methadone … make sure you avoid triggers for RLS like antihistamines, caffeine, strenuous exercise etc. Also, take care of yourself, eat healthy and exercise moderately.

RLS is a miserable affliction but at least it’s treatable and you will get relief. So, be optimistic !

Good luck!!!

[Jumpey]

Huge good luck.

[Rayme]

It's working very well for me, started 10 months ago.. I take 7.5mg in the evening mostly, can go to 10mg. Occassional days in a row of breakthrough RL, but it's mild compared to all night RL and only 1-2 hrs sleep at 6am. I could take more Methadone but decided to manage the breakthrough symptoms best as possible to stay on lowest comfortable dose. Also it means I can continue to figure out triggers for RL on those occasions. I imagine you'll be greatly relieved to be on methadone. Good luck.

[LegJimmies]

I have been on Methadone for years and liquid Pregabalin and they work! Dopamine Agonists caused an addiction to gambling. Maybe if the name could be changed from Methadone to something else we would not feel so weird about taking it. Good luck.

[tagaxel]

I should clarify that I'm being put on methadone for the immediate reason of getting off pramipexole without suffering from the withdrawal syndrome. Ultimately, once I get off the pramipexole, then he's going to take me off Horizant so that in about a year methadone will be the only drug that I take. So my real question should have been: "Will the methadone really block the dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome"?

[TheDoDahMan]

I think 10mg/day is the most common dose that provides a decent night's sleep, whether for DAWS or permanent symptom relief. Best of luck to you!

[lorri214]

I have been taking methodone for two months 12.5 mg. I still wake up every night about 3 times with restless legs. My dr. upped it to 15 mg. Still get rls. I don;t understand why I am the only one not getting relief. I have tried everything. I am not pursuing any new drugs since I am awaiting the new device to be delivered from Notrix. Hopefully this helps because I can't go on like this as you all know.