Steve,

I was on 2-75 mg patches for weeks. I extended them to 5 days, down to 1-50 and 1-75 for 5, 2-50, 2-25, 1-25 and continued for 7 days. I had no adverse effects. With methadone the guidelines are 20% or less reduction to avoid violent withdrawal symptoms.

For adverse withdrawal benzodiazepines are sometimes given although atavan or Valium would take the edge off. Probably the most important thing to add in is increased water consumption, healthy diet and as much exercise as you can physically tolerate. Aerobic will clear the narcotics faster as well liver healthy foods. High protein, low-fat, bland vegetables.