How to Wean Off Kadian
- 1). Talk to your doctor about a schedule to gradually wean off Kadian. Do not attempt to stop using Kadian without consulting your doctor first.
- 2). Taper off the dosage gradually so you don't experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You may need to cut back from 100 mg, for instance, to 80 mg to 60 mg gradually all the way down to 10 mg over several weeks. Manufacturer Alpharma makes many different dosages, so you can easily taper off from the drug. Your doctor may recommend taking half of a 10 mg capsule for a few days at the end of the discontinuation period as further prevention against withdrawal. These capsules can be opened and half the medication sprinkled on a small amount of soft food, but the medication must be swallowed all at once and not chewed, or too much can be released at one time.
- 3). Make sure you have enough Kadian so you do not run out during the weaning-off phase.
- 4). Talk to your doctor about handling withdrawal symptoms, although they are unlikely when you wean off Kadian properly. Symptoms can include restlessness, anxiety, chills, nausea, muscle or joint pain, weakness, insomnia and rapid heart rate. Never increase your Kadian dosage by any amount in an attempt to stop withdrawal symptoms. Even a small increase during the weaning-off period can lead to an overdose that may be life threatening. Never start taking another opioid medication to counteract withdrawal symptoms because, again, this can result in an overdose.
Source...