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How Long Does It Take To Build Tolerance To Methadone For Pain?
Question: How long does it take to build a tolerance to methodone for pain. I am taking 5mg per day and am concerned about tolerance, as I am 50 and hope to live a normal life span.
Brief Answer:
usually a dose of 25-30mg/day may cause tolerance
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. The reason methadone tolerance occurs is not well understood up till now. However, how long it takes to become methadone tolerant is different for everyone and depends on the circumstances that lead to methadone being prescribed (addiction treatment program or recreational use). In general, there are several factors on which it depends & most common include:
- the combined effects of methadone and any other drug the user has taken
- the individual physical and psychological characteristics of the user
- the user’s environment
If you are using methadone as an opiate replacement therapy, tolerance will vary with the dose prescribed. Usually tolerance develops with a dose of at least 25-30mg/day for a week.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
usually a dose of 25-30mg/day may cause tolerance
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. The reason methadone tolerance occurs is not well understood up till now. However, how long it takes to become methadone tolerant is different for everyone and depends on the circumstances that lead to methadone being prescribed (addiction treatment program or recreational use). In general, there are several factors on which it depends & most common include:
- the combined effects of methadone and any other drug the user has taken
- the individual physical and psychological characteristics of the user
- the user’s environment
If you are using methadone as an opiate replacement therapy, tolerance will vary with the dose prescribed. Usually tolerance develops with a dose of at least 25-30mg/day for a week.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am taking 5 mg per day for pain. And i am not taking it for withdrawal symptoms. As a general guide, are we talking about tolerance developing in weeks months or years? Would it be best to alternate this with other pain medications like advil?
Brief Answer:
Better to alternate it
Detailed Answer:
hello
thank you for the followup query.
It would be difficult to comment but according to your circumstances hoepfuly tolerance will not develop soon because your dose is restricted. Secondly, it would be a good idea to alternate it with some other pain medicine.
Thank You
Better to alternate it
Detailed Answer:
hello
thank you for the followup query.
It would be difficult to comment but according to your circumstances hoepfuly tolerance will not develop soon because your dose is restricted. Secondly, it would be a good idea to alternate it with some other pain medicine.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
That's really not an answer. Just tell me in your opinion how quickly tolerance can develop with Methadone--on average. If you don't know, please ask someone who does. What other pain meds would you alternate it with. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
On avg it may take months
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Every human body is uniquely made and responds differently so tolerance also varies from one body to another. This is the main reason its difficult to comment exactly BUT according to your dose, my opinion is that chances of tolerance may NOT develop in months. Secondly, if you alternate it with other pain medicines then it will extend more and you can work easily with it. Common pain medicines that you can alternate with it are ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.
Wishing you good health.
Thank You
On avg it may take months
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Every human body is uniquely made and responds differently so tolerance also varies from one body to another. This is the main reason its difficult to comment exactly BUT according to your dose, my opinion is that chances of tolerance may NOT develop in months. Secondly, if you alternate it with other pain medicines then it will extend more and you can work easily with it. Common pain medicines that you can alternate with it are ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.
Wishing you good health.
Thank You
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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