Now getting off the Suboxone

[Boxster]

Hi,

I am new to this board. I just got out of detox treatment for opiates .... was up to as many as 80 tabs 7.5 mg of vic a day (if available to me). Also, had a problem with the percs/oxycodone. I detoxed for 4 days and the subaxone (sp?) was only given to me for 3 days. I felt so great in there when I went on the suboxone that I asked the doc to leave the detox center on the 4th day and he even said I was probably ready to leave. Here I am 2 days later having massive stomach cramps, chills, hot sweats and complete weakness ..... weakness to the point that I had trouble coming to the computer to talk to you guys. Does anyone recommend anything as I usually have a strong tolerance level for pain but I'm starting to throw fits in with my constant crying spells (I know I know, a common side effect) and the anger is the least of my concerns; my poor wife has been so supportive of my addiction and recovery. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

I guess the reason I responded to this thread was mainly to tell you that if you're only taking 7 vics a day, things could be a lot worse..... and I thought I would encourage you with the amount that I was/am addicted to; I am not using right now but am having severe w/drawal symptoms at the moment and you'll learn more as you read on. There was no way I could get off the dosage I was on and I was headed for big trouble ..... luckily, I only lost my job throughout this but again, I could have lost family and my wife as bad as it was getting. She has been so supportive through this whole thing but I still feel so embarrassed about all of this that I LET IT GET TO THIS POINT.

Upon leaving, the Doc only prescribed a sleeping agent (trazodone I believe?), phenobarbital, vistaril (for the anxiety), parafon (muscle relaxer ... helps cramping) and .... well, I guess that's about it. Unfortunately, none of these are helping me with my w/d symptoms. Any recommendations are welcomed. I have a bottle of dilantin in the med cab as well as indomethacin (whatever that is) as I wanted to see if either of these would help w/ my w/d symptoms.... and also to find out if they are addictive. I have not taken any yet.

By the way, what are the "subs" you guys are all talking about? Are they for cravings and are they addictive? All I want is something that keeps the cravings 'in check' and that helps me with these withdrawal symptoms. Does anyone have a guess as to how long these w/d symptoms are going to continue? And, am I a good candidate for these subs?

God bless you all and thank you for any response(s). After these physical symptoms subside I will be doing a program mixed in with NA meetings.

Talk soon,

MR

[dschne]

Subs are the The suboxone you were on for only 3 days you said when I started them I was as 40+ lortabs 10 a day now been in the suboxone for 2 weeks and am taking half what the doc told me too and feel great I am weaning off them I want off everything . All I know is I also did a rapid detox in beverly hills I live in texas and that didnt last 6 days home and was back on the hydro but I dont think I was ready to quite yet.But this time I am dont want them and this Sub works at least for me and from what I can read hear you can either continue this way and it will end just keep remebering how much those pills stole from you or due the sub-way (THATS WHAT I CALL IT) or the worst life ending.Man I really feel for you right now and know how you feel I will say a prayer for you and I am hear for a while so if you need to talk will be glad to......Dan

[John 3:16]

Hi MR,

The "sub" you are asking about is the suboxene they gave you in the hospital and the reason you felt great there was that suboxene is an opiate and binds to the same receptors in your brain that the hydros did. The reason you are feeling so bad now, is that the suboxene is more than likely out of your system now and you are experiencing withdrawals.

I was on the sub and the withdrawals from it was worse (to me) than withdrawals from the hydros or should I say they are not quite as intense but last much longer and are harder to "overcome." Especially if you "have alot on your plate" as I did/do.

The sub (suboxene/subutex) is a long-lasting opiate (usually stays in your system about 36 hrs) and is used as it was with you- for a short term detox type setting or for a long period, if not lifetime, maintenance. If one is on it longer than two weeks, he or she will experience withdrawals when coming off of it- they are plenty of people on this board who can vouche for that, so, you have to decide if you can stop the abuse without the aide of this drug or if you feel like you can not stop abusing these drugs, the sub may be an answer for you. But, if that was the case, I would plan on using it for a good while. Using it for just a few weeks and trying to come off (as I did) was AWFUL!!! If I had it to do over, I would have never used it or planned to use it a long period of time so that I could "get myself adjusted."

I am not sure what drugs you are speaking of that you have in your med cabinet, but, if you want to taper or cold-turkey, get your hands on some of the following non-prescription drugs:

- Immodium for tummy problems
- Benedryl for runny nose and water eyes and may help with sleep
- Advil or Tylenol for leg pain, muscle aches
- L-Tyrosine for energy (a vitamin/mineral)

And if possible, get your hands on ONE WEEKS WORTH ONLY of the following prescription drugs:

- Valium or Xanax for shakes, skin crawling, etc, and may help with sleep
- Bentyl for tummy problems and cramps
- Some type of muscle relaxant (Soma, Skelaxin, etc)

Drink plenty of water/gatorade and take lots of hot baths in epson salt and PLEASE try to exercise as much as you can!

I would definately try this route (one more time) before getting on the sub, because the sub is an opiate and you will one day (maybe) have to come off of it. Granted, it has saved lives of certain people on this board and if you just can't stay clean, well, then look into it.

Good luck and God bless,
M

[spark-o-cet]

box dude the only thing that will help you is time so save your money the other stuff doesnt do much at all.you will not feel better at all until about two weeks of coplete clean time is logged by you.80hydros a day is way to much apap need to get the ole liver checked out asap and i wish yu luck my friend-spark

[John 3:16]

SPARK!!!!!!

How goes it with you???? Fill me in your situation- hope it is prettier than mine! LOL! I can laugh because I have an appointment with an addictionologist next week- so- a little light there at the end of the tunnel! And it helps to try to keep some sense of humor, huh?

Really, what is going on with you now?

Waiting................

miche