Expert: Jacqui - 3/11/2009

Question
My son is on a methadone reduction programme and is doing extremely well He has been clean for nearly three years and is now on a very low dose. What sort of effects are there likely to be? He works part=time and has a family. He is constantly tired and has little energy. I need to know more about what might be the effect of reduction. He is determined and I am so very proud of him and want to support him in the best way I can

Answer
Hey Deen,

Great to hear from you!  I am glad your son is having a good experience with methadone.  The best way to come off it is to do it slowely, and if the side effects get to much, stop for a bit.  When I say slowly I actually think that even as slowly as one mg a week!  I know it will sound like forever, but it will be easier.  In some places they will also "blind" dose people, meaning you don't know what you are getting (ie: when the reductions occur), so the psychosomatic effect has less impact.

As far as supporting your son, it sounds that you are doing great.  The best thing is that you don't judge him.  It sounds unlikely that he is going to relapse, but if this does happen, then it is important not to get angry as he will be feeling rotten about himself as well - and I am sure he respects you greatly.

The lack of energy can be from the reduction and the fact that sometimes people's appetite is reduced.  When coming of methadone it is important to get a really good nutricious diet, regular sleep and some moderate exercise.  It is important he gets enough vegetables and fruits in his diet as well as enough protein.  If the fatigue continues for a long time after he finishes with the methadone, then a general medical check up might be worthwhile (drug users have general health problems too! - it might be unrelated).

Best of luck and if there is anything else you would like to know, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacqui