Methadone 54/142 Tablet Efficacy

Updated

I'm used to taking 10 mg of methadone with an M on it. Now I've been given a round white pill with 54/142 ASC. I am sleepy, nauseous, and have no energy. I've never felt this way before, in fact the M's give me energy. Why is this happening?

13 Replies

Earliest Newest Votes
1

I imagine you're getting a generic version.. How do they get away with this? Do the pharmacies benefit by automatically changing this over possibly making more money with a generic? I've experienced this with other drugs and since there is no way of knowing if the generic version is up to the standard of the original, who knows if you're getting the maximum benifit that you're meant to get?

Was this helpful? 1
2

I can tell you without a doubt that they are generic. I get the same pills but with different results. After they quit giving out the 40 milligram discs, my doctor started giving me these. I take 80 milligrams a day without any side effects. Sorry you are having problems, hope you get it straightened out Good luck.........

Was this helpful? 1
3

Every month the tablet is a didn't shape and the last two times, they've been in these packets. The pill breaks who I've had to cut the hole and put in an old pill bottle. Who wants to carry around these packets in their purse. Crazy! TY

Was this helpful? 0
4

TY. This may sound gross but I can tell there's less medicine bc I don't get constipated. Tell, tell sign. This is a small hometown pharmacy and he knows me well and knows how upset I am. It sucks having to wait two was for him to order something different. TY for ur reply.

Was this helpful? 1
5

I believe it is an age problem. When I reached 65 my Ambien, and Hydroxyzine prescriptions was change by my doctor. From 10m to 5m, and drop my dosage on hydroxyzine by half. My insurance only allows me 3 months of assistance on the ambien, then I pay full price for the generic. I want to be in control of my health and meds, Not the government and the pharmaceutical companies. No one is consistent, one dr. will give you what has been prescribed previously, another dr. will change dosage, mg., in the name of keeping me safe, It is a struggle, and really, it doesn't have to be.

Was this helpful? 0
6

For sure they benefit, you have so many different reps selling their products at a cheaper price regardless of the consistency of the more profitable generic drug. After all they are a business and profit comes first, I get a different brand of all my meds and some are always different strength, even when methadone is in liquid form some chemists have different strengths than others. Take care.

Was this helpful? 1
7

Dont think for one second that it doesn't have to be! Now that the government has their foot in the door they have our doctors dropping at their feet and we are the ones who are paying an outrageous price by not being able to do anything because of pain and withdrawal symptoms!

Do they really wonder why were killing ourselves?

Was this helpful? 1
8

@Rosebud,

If you have the time I would definitely make an effort to compare and pinpoint any notable differences within the list of inactive ingredients in order to really find out what's hindering their efficacy...

Perhaps you can also see if your doctor is willing to specify a particular manufacturer on the prescription itself. This way the pharmacist will feel obligated to fill the script according to the doctor's orders and nothing less. I've read comments from other individuals on this site that have had success in this manner, so hopefully that works out for you as well! Just good to know for future reference I suppose.

Was this helpful? 1
9

According to the FDA, they have given pharmaceutical companies the right to decrease generic medication efficiency by 25% and use more fillers. I always thought I was crazy or didn't absorb medication properly but it wasn't me at all. That is an insane amount of medication allowed to be decreased. And now Drs are counting our Morphine Milligram Equavilents per day which in actually is incorrect. I'm not even sure if Drs are aware of this fact, most pharmacists are not.

I had a pharmacist before who was so great. I was so embarrassed at being on pain medication in the first place. This pharmacist never made me feel judged or uncomfortable. I went to her to let her know what manufacturers worked better for me and she would order from them. However their are some pharmacies like the chain ones who have to order from manufacturers that the company requires them to. That being said it doesn't hurt to ask the pharmacist specifically not the tech.

I wish I could afford brand name meds or better yet have the FDA approve generic medications that are 100% as effective as brand name. Now we know why generic is so much cheaper then brand name.

What sucks is no politian who makes these horrible health insurance deals has to deal with getting a weaker medication because our tax dollars go to them getting the absolute best health care. Total BS!

Was this helpful? 4
10

I just read an article today that was dated May 2017 that said the FDA requires generic to be the same equivilent in dosage, strength, and safety. Does anyone know of an article that says differently? I'm not saying that you are wrong, I'd just like to read the article that backs up your claim.

Was this helpful? 2
11

Scott L. I too have run into this problem. I am 59 yrs. old and over the years have had many surgeries. I require a 'maintenance' dose of a opiate medicine that allows me to function with minimal amount of pain, the 'major player' in my daily pain is due to 3 necessary surgeries on my lower back and cervical area. I have been on this daily dosage since 2006 and have NEVER asked for a dodge increase as I am aware I will never eliminate the pain totally, I live with the little amount of pain daily. I had to make a move from Pa. to Tn. in October of 2016 and had severe concern with finding a Pain Specialist in Tn. that would continue my needed medication. The opiate laws are very strict in Tn. I did manage to find a compassionate Pain Spec. that after substantiating my need through MRI'S, exams and conferring with my Pa. Physician's agreed with my needs and the dosage was 2 / 10 mg percocet every 8 hrs., I have never been 'redlined' or showed a dirty U/A's throughout the years of being on these meds. He did explain that Tn. guidelines would not allow this amt. to be continued, so he changed my dosage and assured me that after being 'established' and clean U/A's without dependence issues there were other options he could and def. would do without question from the State of Tn. The abuse rate and addiction and resale of opiates in Tn. is out of control and it is those with a true medical need who are suffering due to these guidelines.

In Pa. I was receiving 'true and brand percocet', not generic. My new insurance here in Tn. will not cover brand, only generic! I was given/tried 3 different brands of generic brand and ALL were of little or no relief to my level of daily pain, they helped very little. He was very aware and since being established within the state of Tn. with all required monthly U/A's I had no issues where the state would give him a problem in prescribing Brand 15mg. of oxycodone I.R. (immediate release)! A very powerful and extremely limited medication med. to whom it may be prescribed, it is a very hard medication to receive or a Dr. to even prescribe. It's a choice med in the junkie world! Through a lot of paperwork with both the state and my ins company he has managed to do this for me. A 1st for me to actually see the huge difference within generic medicines! Anyone who may be reading this I can verify there is a huge diff. and it should not be allowed. It is about time that whoever has control over the manufacturing of the generic brands not allow this to happen! It is extremely embarrassing and not fair in any manner for the truly disabled and those who need the 'true' dosage to suffer for reasons of profit; the pricing of medicine is extremely out of control as the average person on a limited income cannot afford this, both price-wise and medically.

Just getting tired of going broke and suffering due to the junkie and habit of others genuine and legitimate needs! The amount of money we the legitimate pay monthly for our ins. should not be able to be governed as to our choice of brand or generic!! Without my Dr. establishing my needs for 'Brand', I would be paying in excess of 300.00 per month compared to the now 8.00 co-pay I was granted after much paperwork and time from my Pain Specialist! Wish I and others would have an actual address to start fighting for our rights! I gave 8 yrs. of my life to the military and receive all my meds through the V.A. for 1.00 per script. but they will not pay for any sch. 1 narcotic beyond 3 months. ALL who are legitimate should take the time to write a short letter of concern. I will be following this post and if anyone does know the correct address to do so please give it to me / us. REMEMBER everyone that takes the time in doing so, the more that do, the better we will all be in the future. It is WORTH IT! We are not getting any younger and lets all try and change these laws NOW! It can be done, fight for our rights!!

Was this helpful? 1
12

I've been on 54/142s for years. Actually 1st ones I took were in fact 54/142s. I've never been able 2 eat my nite time dose right b4 bed, because the they keep me awake!!!

I think it's due to "expecting change," so I no that i am more aware of my own response 2 meds, after i have a change,(due to watching for one)which everyone reacts different ! (I've had pill tablet & "coffin type" shape , liquid is definitely faster release 2 system, but I notice -no other difference !!! 20 some years in, best pain med ever, longest lasting!!!

Hope this was some help, if you look hard enough, it makes your hair grow faster too!!! Lol!! Name brand just "always" seems better!!!
It costs more so it's Better -right?

Was this helpful? 0
13

I have been prescribed methadone 10mg. 54 142 is the number on the pill. I am supposed to take it twice a day, but on the directions, it doesn't tell me to just swallow the pill or put it under my tongue. Please help.

Was this helpful? 0

More Discussions:

methadone tablet 54142

small round white pill 54 over 142 on one side, plain (scored) on the other ## This is Methadone 10 mg. Here is an image...

6 REPLIES
methadone tablets with the corners cut off

THERE ARE 2 OR 3 PILL FORMS OF METHODONE; 1 IS ROUND,1 IS OBLONG AND ARE MADE BY MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS..WHAT MARKINGS AR...

1 REPLY
Methadone 10mg Tablet

is there any difference; longer lasting, stronger, etc. in the 54 142 and the 57 71 10mg methadone ## Both of these pill...

15 REPLIES
methadone 10mg tablets

Need a doctor to prescribe, not a methadone clinic. I currently exhausted all in the surrounding areas. Very important. ...

5 REPLIES
is this a methadone tablet?

it is a small, round, white tablet. one side is scored, and the other side is marked with 108. what is this tablet? i wa...

2 REPLIES
what 10mg. methadone tablet looks like

it is a orange round tablet with 5660 on one side the other side has dav or dan initials is this methadone 10mg. ## IT I...

3 REPLIES
can i take methadone 10mg tablets if I am on suboxone daily

I am on 6 mg of suboxone and have been dosing for five years.. I have come across some 10 mg methadone tablets and am wo...

12 REPLIES
I am on 60mg methadone (10mg tablets) NEED SOME ANSWERS...HELP!!!

I have moved from Mass.to Florida(central florida), Problem is in Mass my primary care Dr.prescribed my methadone(60mg d...

4 REPLIES
doctors that can and will refill methadone tablets

i moved to bristol,va and cant find anbody that will refill my meds ## Hello, Bob! How are you? If you are taking it for...

1 REPLY
on methadone maint. S.W. Florida need private DR who will prescribe 40 mg tablets methadone for severe pain, crushed pelvis

Like to find private Dr in Southwest Florida to prescribe 40 mg tabs..Needs 100 mgs daily so far my need increase,and is...

6 REPLIES