Can Methadone Maintenance Therapy Get Me Off of Roxicodone?

Roxicodone is a pain relieving medication that falls under the category of opioid analgesic drugs. It is effective in treating painful ailments when used as prescribed by a doctor, but like other opioid type drugs, it can be addictive. Roxicodone contains oxycodone hydrochloride, the main active ingredient. As with other medications that contain oxycodone, users can easily build tolerance and develop dependence. Most users that develop severe addiction to it end up requiring methadone maintenance therapy.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medications (such as methadone) that have been developed to treat opioid addictions work through the same receptors as the addictive drug, but are safer and pose less risk for developing addiction. Methadone, a popular treatment option for opioid type drugs –like Roxicodone- has been proven successful since the 1960s.

How Can Methadone Maintenance Therapy Help Me Get Off of Roxicodone?

Methadone acts as a substitute for the opioid drugs that individuals become addicted to, in this case it would replace the Roxicodone you are using. You begin to take it daily and gradually reduce the dose until it is not needed anymore and you are no longer experiencing the effects of Roxicodone.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication that can prevent withdrawal symptoms, reduce craving in opioid-addicted individuals, and can also block the effects of illicit opioids.

Individuals that have become addicted to Roxicodone and try to get off of the drug may experience extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. By getting methadone maintenance therapy through a treatment clinic, you can avoid the painful effects of withdrawal and safely get off Roxicodone. Some of the symptoms that methadone can help with include:

• Methadone can help prevent the physical discomfort often felt from withdrawal
• Reduce the cravings often felt from stopping use of the drug
• It also helps by blocking the euphoric effects that many opioid drugs (like Roxicodone) tend to produce on users
• It does not make you feel drowsy or high so it makes it possible for you to continue with the responsibilities of work or school and carry on a normal life
• A dose can last for about 24 hours in your system, therefore you can benefit from taking it just once a day

In addition to the many benefits of using methadone to help you safely get off of Roxicodone, methadone is an affordable medication which makes it easier for someone that may not have insurance and has a limited source of income.

How Long Will I Stay on Methadone Maintenance Therapy?

Methadone can help you get off of Roxicodone safely!

How long therapy last can depend on the individual. Everyone is different and the time you will need to stay on therapy depends on many factors. Typically you will be visiting a clinic daily to get the methadone dose. Some doctors may prescribe it so you take it on your own. Your dosage size will gradually decrease until no more is needed. Some users have been on methadone treatment for a few months, others can be receiving therapy for up to a year or much longer.

Can Methadone Cause Side Effects?

As with many other medications, some side effects may develop, but are often very minimal. Unlike the effects that some drugs have, such as Roxicodone, the side effects are rarely dangerous, and with time they usually subside.

If you want to stop using Roxicodone, but are worried about the withdrawal symptoms getting in the way, then talk to a medical professional or addiction specialist about methadone maintenance therapy to get off of Roxicodone.