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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Erratic Nature With Sleep Disorders & Painful Legs Suggest?

A friend is detoxing 34mg of methadone. She is very erratic and cannot sleep no medical insc. legs, arms, hurting all the time. has been off since 7-10-14. I have no idea how to help her. How long will she go through this transition? Any help please.
Wed, 9 Sep 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello,
A detox phase for derivatives of opium molecules, especially the synthetic ones, can vary for a period lasting from 3 months to up to a year, depending on the course of previous intake and severity of the problem.
I can understand the distress caused by this withdrawal phase in the form of constant body pains and irritability due to its chronic nature.

I would want to allocate the cause for these complaints to the apparently longer than usual (protracted) withdrawal of methadone. In that case, i will suggest a patient wait for the phase to get over, along with some short term symptomatic medication like non-opioid pain killers (Diclofenac/ Aspirin, etc) and/or muscle relaxants (Baclofen) from a local clinic.

However, it will be advisable to rule out any other problem associated with this, by checking for any other body symptoms, changes in appetite, pervasive low mood, easy fatigue-ability, losing interest in any work or conversations or feelings of helplessness/ worthlessness or hopelessness for future.

If such is the case, then your friend might be suffering from a co-morbid Depression with somatic complaints, which is a common to occur in opiate withdrawals. This will require proper assessment and medication by a specialist (Addiction Psychiatrist) who can see her in person.

I hope this resolves your concern for now. Happy to help in case of further questions. Wishing your friend a sooner recovery!
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What Could Erratic Nature With Sleep Disorders & Painful Legs Suggest?

Hello, A detox phase for derivatives of opium molecules, especially the synthetic ones, can vary for a period lasting from 3 months to up to a year, depending on the course of previous intake and severity of the problem. I can understand the distress caused by this withdrawal phase in the form of constant body pains and irritability due to its chronic nature. I would want to allocate the cause for these complaints to the apparently longer than usual (protracted) withdrawal of methadone. In that case, i will suggest a patient wait for the phase to get over, along with some short term symptomatic medication like non-opioid pain killers (Diclofenac/ Aspirin, etc) and/or muscle relaxants (Baclofen) from a local clinic. However, it will be advisable to rule out any other problem associated with this, by checking for any other body symptoms, changes in appetite, pervasive low mood, easy fatigue-ability, losing interest in any work or conversations or feelings of helplessness/ worthlessness or hopelessness for future. If such is the case, then your friend might be suffering from a co-morbid Depression with somatic complaints, which is a common to occur in opiate withdrawals. This will require proper assessment and medication by a specialist (Addiction Psychiatrist) who can see her in person. I hope this resolves your concern for now. Happy to help in case of further questions. Wishing your friend a sooner recovery!