Can anyone tell me about changing from Morphine to Methadone for severe pain?

Question

I have been on oral Morphine ER 120 mg. twice daily for some years. Morphine did help me with my back pain but it no longer does the trick. My doctor has just prescribed Methadone for me. The dosage is 20mg every eight hours. He and my pharmacist both tell me that the dosage will probably need to be adjusted so that it works properly. I am frightened of this drug because I have been told of what it does to recovering Heroin addicts and those who are still using and supplementing their drugs with Methadone. Can anyone speak to this situation?

Update:

The situation has been resolved...

? · Accepted Answer

To be perfectly honest with you, i'd be more scared of morphine than methadone. I haven't actually read up on these two drugs yet, but, another name for herion, is diamorphine. morphine is actually one of the base compounds in heroin. a month or so ago, i burnt my ankle, severely, and was almost killed from infection, they gave me a dose of oramorph each time they had to clean the infected area (so, every other day) and, as great as the experience the drug gave me was, it actually did nothing for the pain. and, just under three days off of the drug, i hit my downer. it was triggered by someone in my life, but, it was the worse experience of my life, easily. Methadone, (at least i believe) is a weaker substance than herion, but, it is a bit stronger than morphine. you can (usually) try drugs once, before they begin to do damage to your long-term mental or physical state. so, try it. and, your doctor, i am sure, will be happy to discuss any concerns you have with the change in drug. I hope this helps :)

Anonymous · Answer

FYI, there are many different types of crazy. Fear is understandable. Opiates work on the "comfort" feel good receptors (endorphin), and panic/terrors are routine in withdrawal...even the specter of withdrawal will send some addicts reeling. Chances are, though, as you say that they are going to taper you down miligram by miligram, so you will probably just feel that "creeping" sort of anxiety rather than a full blown attack. It's not remotely fun, but workable. They will probably prescribe you an anxiolytic med, which is good considering your present dosage (you definitely dwarf any of my old habits). THere is a methadone alternate, but you don't seem interested in such a thing, which is good. You know what you want and should follow through.

Soila · Answer

1

Douglas B · Answer

I can't about that situation itself but I can address your problem.  You have a pinched nerve in your back causing your pain.  When a nerve is pinched it tightens up muscles around it, just from the impulse of being pinched, to trap it in that pain.  As pinched nerves don't show up on scans or tests they go undiagnosed by your dr.  To get rid of your pain you have to free up your back muscles to release the nerve and here's how to free them up:
Back: 
(do while sitting)		
Place your left hand on your left leg next to your body.  Place your right hand over your left shoulder, fingers over the back and the palm in the front and firmly pull down on them and hold.  After 30 seconds slowly lower your body forward and to the outside of your left leg, keeping your left arm fairly straight as you do.  When you reach your lap remain there for another 10 seconds, release the pressure but rest there for another 30 seconds.  Then reverse your hand positions and do your right side. 
For best results relax your body first by taking a deep breath and exhaling then remain this relaxed.

Can anyone tell me about changing from Morphine to Methadone for severe pain?

4 Answers