Drug interactions with Methadone

[wolfaleena]

hello everyone:
I was just switched from oxy to methadone for pain management. i take 5 mg four times a day of methadone. I also have been taking Ativan 2 mg. for years. Doc did not take me off of ativan. I was reading some of the literature (u know all the scary warnings that come with the drug inserts!)
I was wondering if any of you have been on step 2 opiates like methadone or any other step 2 opiates and were taking a benzo like Ativan at the same time . I take Ativan 2 mg at night once a day!
I am getting better pain relief from Methadone in comparison to Oxy! Praise the Lord!!!
but would appreciate anyone that are taking step 2 opiates and ativan generic lorazepam... to let me know if they are tolerant of the two together. of course, i will be checking with me doc, but in the meantime just wondering... thanks

[mlzippy7]

I have taken both in the past but only after asking my dr.
No problems at all back then.
Good luck...Glad to hear the meth is helping better!

[Sally939]

Not trying to cause problems or a debate but I would not do it with out asking the doc. Try calling them tomorrow. My friends brother died of an OD. I was told he took xanex, benedryl, and methadone. I heard that combination was lethal to anybody. I heard all of this from my friend and not a doctor, but she has no reason to lie to me. I do not know how much he took and the drugs were not prescribed. I know yours are. I just think you need to ask to be on the safe side. I am glad you are getting good pain relief.

[Claredale]

I was just reading that too. Even the Benedryl with Methadone. I know my doctor has patients on Methadone and one of them is a friend of mine and she stopped her valium. I don't know what else she was on.

Definitely talk to your doctor. But your pharmacist can answer your questions too. I know I read a leaflet on a med I was taking that was new and one of the first things I read was not to take one of the meds I just had filled. I walked back to the pharmacy counter and she said that it was fine that my mgs were nearly high enough. She said they watch that stuff which is why I stay at the same pharmacy. She knows everything about me and my IC.

[mlzippy7]

Yes...PLEASE TALK WITH YOUR DR BEFORE DOING ANYTHING!!
I was just stating in the past I was ok..BUT WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT and our drs know our cases the best!

[ICNDonna]

Absolutely talk with your physician before combining medications!!!!!!

Donna

[wolfaleena]

Thanks for all of your replies...
I just assumed that because the doctor went over all of my medication list before he prescribed the drug that it was okay.. he did name a few of the drugs not to take with the methadone ... and Ativan was not one of them. But like all of you seemed to say, BE ON THE SAFE SIDE.... ask.....
A lesson to be learned by all of us, i suupose,,,, IF YOU HAVE A DOUBT... FOLLOW YOUR GUT AND JUST ASK... It doesn't cost anything but a few minutes of your time!!
Thanks for letting me talk to you guys about this and use you all as a sounding board...
Great, Support!! This is a perfect example of how you all are so supportive .....
Yeh, how about the Methadone working on my pain!!!
It is a true blessing ....
Thanks again for the great support guys!