Expert: Jacqui - 2/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: I need help badly. I've been a heroin addict since the early 80's and all the good stuff that comes with an addicts life. Well I finally discharged my prison number the last time I got out which was  back in July of 98. Like an addict I was addicted by September. September 30th I went to a clinic and got on methadone and have been on it ever since. At first I was still using heroin, even though at high does you don't feel the drug.  Sometime in the year 2000 after fixing I felt this type of a rush, like an adrenalin rush, but my heart beat didn't go up and I felt like I was going to die, I felt scared. The next few times I shot up I bought the dope at a different place thinking it was the dope, cut, or something, but it happened every time after that. So I quit heroin and I haven't used it again but I’m still on methadone. So I thought that was over but out of no where I would get that feeling again even though I hadn’t used.  It still happens today out of the blue or when I take any type of medicine. One time a doctor gave me medicine for my sinuses and it hit me again. Needless to say I’m scared every time I have to take any medicine because when I do I think I’m going to die and it gets me real scared. I looked up my symptoms and noticed the panic attack  symptoms are about 90 percent the same as mine symptoms. I was at 100mg but have been going down these last few years. So now I’m at 67mg. I thought a little back ground might help. After all this finally to my question. Has anyone heard of any methadone side affects that sounds like this or any side affects?  What can I do? I have two children that depend on me so any help I can get would help me. Thank you, Tony

ANSWER: Hi Tony,

It is possible to have both psychosomatic and physical responses to the ingestion of any kind of substance.  The physical reactions to medication can often be related to an allergy (called anaphylaxis) but this is quite an extreme response like people have to peanuts and other allergies.  The other possibility is that this is panic related as you said.  Panic attacks are not uncommon and once 'paired' with an activity, can be difficult to shake.  One of the most common examples is when people have a phobia and react to a particular animal or situation.  

So as to totally exclude the possibility that this is an allergic reaction I would suggest that you seek some medical advice and get checked out.  If it isn't physical and instead is related to panic, there are good treatment options through a process of psychotherapy.  Seeking that kind of treatment doesn't mean you are crazy or weak ... panic attacks are quite common.  They can feel like an adreneline rush (in fact they are a physical 'fight or flight' response), and you often end up with fast pulse, sweaty, "white noise" feeling (your eyesight goes funny and you get a cold 'woosh'), feeling faint.

What I have noticed from your message is that you seem very down on yourself ... referring to yourself as an "addict".  You are a person who has had a drug dependency which is very common in society (and has been for many years).  It sounds like you have done remarkably well, so be proud of yourself!  

As far as the methadone goes, don't rush it.  Slowly is much better!!!  I do want to raise the possibility though that if you get treatment for your problem and the 'rush' goes away you might be tempted to use again.  Keep this in mind, and if you do seek out psychotherapy, you might want to discuss some relapse prevention with the therapist.

Good luck!!!

Jacqui

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jacqui you’re a wise person. You thought of the fact if I get treatment for my problem and the 'rush' goes away I might be tempted to use again. That is a scary possibility that can do damage to my life. Thanks for bring it to my attention because I probably would have thought about it after I was using instead of before.
You wrote
So as to totally exclude the possibility that this is an allergic reaction I would suggest that you seek some medical advice and get checked out.

So you think methadone has nothing to do wit it? What type of doctor do I ask for help?
Thank you again, Tony


Answer
Hi Tony,

I am glad my message was helpful!  I assume that you are in the US so access to cheap, good healthcare might be an issue.  However, excluding an allergic reaction could be something done by any General Practitioner (and you have Physician's Assistants there too don't you?)  It doesn't necessarily sound like you are having an allergic reaction but I am not a medical practitioner so can't give a definitive answer.  If you are worried about telling a doctor about your drug use, you could just mention the sinus medication and other legal drugs.  When it happened with the doctor giving you the sinus medication, did you say anything then?  

Let me know if I can help with any further info.  I definately don't think this is the methadone though.

Good Luck!!
Jacqui