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Advise Please: SUBOXONE: when to start? please help!
Hi everybody,
I am going on subs for the first time. I had my doc appt today and I sitting here jonesing and waiting for my bf to get home with them. I was taking oc 30 mg every day in massive amounts, and was out of them yesterday at 4 pm. Since then, Ive been taking perks to cope with the wd's and they only help minimally. I took 2 perks at 2 pm today. And I feel like I am dying and it's only 6 pm. I am ready to tackle my bf when he gets home for the subs but i am terrified of getting sicker by taking too early. According to the cows test the physician gave me, I am at an 8 but i also feel i am a wimp. Please help! Can I start my sub today??? and if so, what time? Since the bigger doses 30 mg oc ended yesterday. But I have been taking some perks to cope since then. God I hope this rambling makes sense, as i feel like im dying.
I am going on subs for the first time. I had my doc appt today and I sitting here jonesing and waiting for my bf to get home with them. I was taking oc 30 mg every day in massive amounts, and was out of them yesterday at 4 pm. Since then, Ive been taking perks to cope with the wd's and they only help minimally. I took 2 perks at 2 pm today. And I feel like I am dying and it's only 6 pm. I am ready to tackle my bf when he gets home for the subs but i am terrified of getting sicker by taking too early. According to the cows test the physician gave me, I am at an 8 but i also feel i am a wimp. Please help! Can I start my sub today??? and if so, what time? Since the bigger doses 30 mg oc ended yesterday. But I have been taking some perks to cope since then. God I hope this rambling makes sense, as i feel like im dying.
Hi all,
STILL free of OXY, DAY 35!! I am proof it is possible, even though I have fought with some depression and still am daily. Thanks to all of you that listened and replied to my post with love and advice. I swear ya'll are far better than my sub doc!! I posted a new thread regarding some sub questions I have... numbness, etc. If you have opportunity to take a glance, thank you.... LOVE to YOU ALL!
STILL free of OXY, DAY 35!! I am proof it is possible, even though I have fought with some depression and still am daily. Thanks to all of you that listened and replied to my post with love and advice. I swear ya'll are far better than my sub doc!! I posted a new thread regarding some sub questions I have... numbness, etc. If you have opportunity to take a glance, thank you.... LOVE to YOU ALL!
Even if money is an issue, there's still NA/AA; they're free. I agree it's time to listen to those who've gone through this and maintained sobriety. I'm a slow learner too!!! I think suboxone is fine as long as you're educated. For some people, that's how they have to go. I'm just afraid. I'm tapering (and it's not easy.) But I don't have to battle cravings. But the physical part is hard!!
It's disappointing that your sub doctor doesn't seem to be doing his job. I don't know if it's possible for you to find a different one? Or call him out on the carpet that he's not doing what he's supposed to.
Vicki's right about getting a plan for your taper. I've read varying time frames in order to avoid withdrawals from subs, from 3 weeks to a couple of months. My guess is probably it varies from person to person as we're all different. I know if it was me, I'd get off asap, but you also have to make sure you don't get off so soon that you'll go back to pills.
Definitely try the Valerian root and melatonin. I just got Alteril that Vicki talked about. It's all natural and has a bunch of stuff in it and I used it last night and it worked well. I actually slept through the night for the first time in months (though I didn't get to bed until late.) It was nice to sleep solid!! I had a hard time finding it but I found it at a Rite Aid nearly by accident.
Keep posting on how you're doing ... you've got a lot of people rooting for you!
It's disappointing that your sub doctor doesn't seem to be doing his job. I don't know if it's possible for you to find a different one? Or call him out on the carpet that he's not doing what he's supposed to.
Vicki's right about getting a plan for your taper. I've read varying time frames in order to avoid withdrawals from subs, from 3 weeks to a couple of months. My guess is probably it varies from person to person as we're all different. I know if it was me, I'd get off asap, but you also have to make sure you don't get off so soon that you'll go back to pills.
Definitely try the Valerian root and melatonin. I just got Alteril that Vicki talked about. It's all natural and has a bunch of stuff in it and I used it last night and it worked well. I actually slept through the night for the first time in months (though I didn't get to bed until late.) It was nice to sleep solid!! I had a hard time finding it but I found it at a Rite Aid nearly by accident.
Keep posting on how you're doing ... you've got a lot of people rooting for you!
That doctor that you've paid? He's supposed to set up a treatment plan for you and that includes recovery care. People I have spoken with or have worked with, pretty much say the same thing: Dont stay on it more than 5 weeks...so, you'll need to decide and ask the doctor about tapering down from the 32mg. Or see what he wants you to do...
Hi Mellie, Gnarly, Vicki and ALL! I just want to thank you again for your kindness! It's Saturday and I just wanted to post an update. Soooo the last time I took anything was those 2 perks at 2 pm Wednesday. WOW what a huge accomplishment. HAHA. I can't help but be sarcastic, LOL. It's just funny that almost 72 hours later and it feels like some kind of false accomplishment, but nevertheless a marathon indeed.
First day I took 32 mg of sub, yesterday I was able to do 24 mg. I am going to continue to shoot for lower numbers. Most likely I will be talking to the DOC on Monday,
I currently have no aftercare plan, Mellie, but I know I need to get one together soon! I don't have any insurance and money is definitely an issue, otherwise I would get counselors galore, lol. Oh, I wanted to tell you Mellie that I don't blame you one bit for being afraid of the sub. But I was feeling to chained to my oxy dependency that I HAD to give it a try, and despite the HELL that I went through... it IS worth it. For what it's worth... I know we all have different experiences. It is such a leap of faith waiting and suffering to hope it works, but IT REALLY DOES. Most people find it works. Not to sound like a sub pusher!
I have been keeping the xanax levels no higher than 1 mg daily, but I will get some Valerian root and melatonin? for sleep to help. I am finally ready to bow my head in humility and listen to you guys. I wasn't ready before but I am thankful to be ready now. I remember reading this forum before sooo many times about ARE YOU REALLY READY or just scared to go without your pills. I finally get the difference.
I wonder why I have ALWAYS had to learn things the hard way instead of listening to people who have LIVED it already. Something to work on!! I woke up today, so grateful to be alive, and read about Amy Whinehouse overdosing. It's so sad. Another affirmation of doing the right thing. In the end, it's all the same story.
Sorry to get all mushy or analytic- it's my damn brain that just doesn't stop. :)
Wishing you all a happy and healthy weekend...
Love, T
First day I took 32 mg of sub, yesterday I was able to do 24 mg. I am going to continue to shoot for lower numbers. Most likely I will be talking to the DOC on Monday,
I currently have no aftercare plan, Mellie, but I know I need to get one together soon! I don't have any insurance and money is definitely an issue, otherwise I would get counselors galore, lol. Oh, I wanted to tell you Mellie that I don't blame you one bit for being afraid of the sub. But I was feeling to chained to my oxy dependency that I HAD to give it a try, and despite the HELL that I went through... it IS worth it. For what it's worth... I know we all have different experiences. It is such a leap of faith waiting and suffering to hope it works, but IT REALLY DOES. Most people find it works. Not to sound like a sub pusher!
I have been keeping the xanax levels no higher than 1 mg daily, but I will get some Valerian root and melatonin? for sleep to help. I am finally ready to bow my head in humility and listen to you guys. I wasn't ready before but I am thankful to be ready now. I remember reading this forum before sooo many times about ARE YOU REALLY READY or just scared to go without your pills. I finally get the difference.
I wonder why I have ALWAYS had to learn things the hard way instead of listening to people who have LIVED it already. Something to work on!! I woke up today, so grateful to be alive, and read about Amy Whinehouse overdosing. It's so sad. Another affirmation of doing the right thing. In the end, it's all the same story.
Sorry to get all mushy or analytic- it's my damn brain that just doesn't stop. :)
Wishing you all a happy and healthy weekend...
Love, T
I don't know the answer for you. I've done a fair amount of research on suboxone and there seems to be conflicting answers for how long to stay on. I think a lot of it depends on the person and how long you NEED it. Whatever you do, do as much research as you can so you know what to expect. I've thought of it as I want of the meds I have for pain. But I don't abuse them and I'm sort of afraid of the sub. (But I'm afraid of everything :) A friend who's an NP who recommends it in her practice swears by it, but I've read so many conflicting things.
I'm sort of surprised your still feeling withdrawal. From a lot of accounts, people feel better pretty instantly and have no withdrawal. I did have a friend who was given subutex in a detox setting. It seemed to stop their withdrawal instantly (other than the sleeping trouble.) they were only given it for about 3 days, though.
I think the answer is it's probably different for everyone. Congratulations on the 48 hours off the opiates. It was clear how much you were suffering and I'm glad you got some relief. Other than your visits to the sub doctor, what's your aftercare plan?
As for the Xanax, I never took that but I know it can be very addicting. I took Ativan for a long time (though never as much as prescribed.) I stopped it all at once, not knowing you should taper and was lucky and had no problems. I have tried Valerian root for anxiety (which I have loads of) and found it more helpful than the Ativan and it's all natural (thanks to reading here.) It smells awful but doesn't have a taste. Give it a try; it's not expensive.
Keep up the hard work!!! And listen to the long-timers here who give so much of their time. They KNOW what they're talking about.
I'm sort of surprised your still feeling withdrawal. From a lot of accounts, people feel better pretty instantly and have no withdrawal. I did have a friend who was given subutex in a detox setting. It seemed to stop their withdrawal instantly (other than the sleeping trouble.) they were only given it for about 3 days, though.
I think the answer is it's probably different for everyone. Congratulations on the 48 hours off the opiates. It was clear how much you were suffering and I'm glad you got some relief. Other than your visits to the sub doctor, what's your aftercare plan?
As for the Xanax, I never took that but I know it can be very addicting. I took Ativan for a long time (though never as much as prescribed.) I stopped it all at once, not knowing you should taper and was lucky and had no problems. I have tried Valerian root for anxiety (which I have loads of) and found it more helpful than the Ativan and it's all natural (thanks to reading here.) It smells awful but doesn't have a taste. Give it a try; it's not expensive.
Keep up the hard work!!! And listen to the long-timers here who give so much of their time. They KNOW what they're talking about.
Hi y'all. I am 48 hours clean off opiates... or am I allowed to say that while on sub? I feel a bit better, I think this is because I have taken 12 mg of sub so far today. I have already paid the doc $200 (of $400 total) for first office visit, and it's $150 per visit after that. I still have SOME withdrawals, no energy, agitated and edgy and anxiety. I am curious what you guys would recommend for how long I should be on sub. I don't want to get addicted to something new!
I have also been taking 1 mg of xanax a day to help, and don't want to rely too much on that either... thank you guys!
I have also been taking 1 mg of xanax a day to help, and don't want to rely too much on that either... thank you guys!
Again, great advice from Vicki, and I second it. You should not be trying to figure this out on your own. Your doctor should have already gone over the plan with you. It makes me nervous in the way he's handling it. You are paying him. He needs to do his job. Get in touch with him today, let him know how you're feeling, and get some concrete plans in place. Sub isn't a quick-fix and it's nothing to play around with. If you don't get proper care for him, start calling around to see if you can find another doctor who will take over your care. This is too important!!!!
Oh boy!! Why oh why do you not know this from the doctor who gave you the Suboxone???
Proper treatment with Suboxone therapy includes an entire care plan of medication coupled with therapy and meetings and office visits!! You've been left with very little here. It's not your fault but Sub is some pretty serious medicine and you need to at least know what dose you should be taking daily. This should not be a guessing game!! Write down all your questions and go to his office and ask him. I'm sure you paid him enough money!!!
At least call the guy now so you know what your next step is!!
In what way are you feeling awful?
Proper treatment with Suboxone therapy includes an entire care plan of medication coupled with therapy and meetings and office visits!! You've been left with very little here. It's not your fault but Sub is some pretty serious medicine and you need to at least know what dose you should be taking daily. This should not be a guessing game!! Write down all your questions and go to his office and ask him. I'm sure you paid him enough money!!!
At least call the guy now so you know what your next step is!!
In what way are you feeling awful?
Thank you guys so much. I am feeling pretty run over by a truck at the moment, and my boyfriend is preparing our move while I lay in bed. Guilt. I want to do this right this time- aftercare, therapy and get off the sub fast enough to minimize withdrawal but not too fast to relapse again. Does anyone know how long that time frame looks like?
I took a total of 8 mg this morning and went back to sleep until now. Not sure what my dose should be, but I am feeling pretty awful at the moment. I was terrified enough of full blown w/d that i waited, with the assistance of you guys and my honey. Without you guys I don't think I could have done it. What are the proper steps to get myself in the clean zone with therapy and....?
I took a total of 8 mg this morning and went back to sleep until now. Not sure what my dose should be, but I am feeling pretty awful at the moment. I was terrified enough of full blown w/d that i waited, with the assistance of you guys and my honey. Without you guys I don't think I could have done it. What are the proper steps to get myself in the clean zone with therapy and....?
Very happy for you. You've got some work ahead of you now...therapy,recovery care; you don't want to go through this again!!
I want you to scroll up to the Medhelp health pages and read about Suboxone. There are some very good articles there. You don't want to be on this drug for a long time...it has it's own issues with withdrawal.
I'll tell you this: if you ever begin to think that you can take an opiate again just once or twice a month, you've got more work to do!!!
Good luck!
I want you to scroll up to the Medhelp health pages and read about Suboxone. There are some very good articles there. You don't want to be on this drug for a long time...it has it's own issues with withdrawal.
I'll tell you this: if you ever begin to think that you can take an opiate again just once or twice a month, you've got more work to do!!!
Good luck!
So glad to hear you waited it out and are now feeling okay. I was really nervous for you. I can't imagine what precipitated withdrawals are like. Regular withdrawals are horrific for me. You must have a huge sense of relief!! So, now it's just making sure you have the proper aftercare. I'm sure you never want to go through this again!!! Thanks for posting and letting s know how it all worked out. You had a lot of people rooting for you. Best of luck.
You guys are my heroes! I can't thank you enjough for your support yesterday.
Well, I can't believe it!!!!! That crazy little pill actually worked for me, and I am so grateful today. I want to seek out the creator of this miracle drug and give them a hug LOL. I made it until 1 am and am so proud of myself. I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of my boyfriend and mother, although she did not know what was so wrong with me, and I kept insisting it was the flu.
So, I took a half of the 8mg Sub as directed at 1am and it seemed to work immediately. I was in shock. And I literally passed out after that and didn't take anything else.
Right now it's 626 pacific and I woke with some soreness and back pain, no doubt from kicking about like a loonie, and a headache. I just took another half of an 8 mg sub and plan to call the doc after 9am. THANK the LORD I took the week off work. The only thing I have to do this week is MOVE, as in to another location!! Haha. Just want to say it is possible to make it off those evil pills. It's only day 1, but I have hope for the first time in a long time. I have been on this crap since Oct 2008 and finally did something about it.
We don't have to be held hostage. Love to you all, you guys were my angels yesterday. I will post more later...
Sincerely, T
Well, I can't believe it!!!!! That crazy little pill actually worked for me, and I am so grateful today. I want to seek out the creator of this miracle drug and give them a hug LOL. I made it until 1 am and am so proud of myself. I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of my boyfriend and mother, although she did not know what was so wrong with me, and I kept insisting it was the flu.
So, I took a half of the 8mg Sub as directed at 1am and it seemed to work immediately. I was in shock. And I literally passed out after that and didn't take anything else.
Right now it's 626 pacific and I woke with some soreness and back pain, no doubt from kicking about like a loonie, and a headache. I just took another half of an 8 mg sub and plan to call the doc after 9am. THANK the LORD I took the week off work. The only thing I have to do this week is MOVE, as in to another location!! Haha. Just want to say it is possible to make it off those evil pills. It's only day 1, but I have hope for the first time in a long time. I have been on this crap since Oct 2008 and finally did something about it.
We don't have to be held hostage. Love to you all, you guys were my angels yesterday. I will post more later...
Sincerely, T
You can hang in there. Do what Gnarly said ... minute by minute if you have to. Go back in the shower if you have to. You don't want to go through 12 hours of precipitated withdrawals. Keep pushing the fluids.
HANG IN THERE you can make it till 2 just buy your time if by the minute or hr but when you do induce it will all go away in 1/2 hr if your earlly you got 10 to 12 hr of hell to go threw with no way out where all pulling for you.........Gnarly
hi everyone,
still haven't taken anything, i am trying for shower now. WDs are as i imagined. Failing about like a crazy person. Not intended the way to live.I am gonna hold out as long as i can - shower i am praying will help. covered in sweat. thanks to you all
still haven't taken anything, i am trying for shower now. WDs are as i imagined. Failing about like a crazy person. Not intended the way to live.I am gonna hold out as long as i can - shower i am praying will help. covered in sweat. thanks to you all
Hey sunshine.... try a shower.... it doesn't work as well as a hot bath but it will help. I just went through the acute wds and it was no picnic. Hold out as long as you can babe... the longer you make it, the better your chances of feeling relief.
HI this is a real mess here folks she has used a narcotic at 2 today this is not long enough to induce sub if you do it early you will go to the 7th level of hell with precipitated withdrawals
I wouldent even think of it b/4 2am at least 12 hr and thats pushing it this is nothing to mess with I no it su cks but if you where to C/T you would be going threw this anyway so it is doable btw your doctor ***** he should have told you to come back tomorrow the first dose of sub is suppose to be given by the doctor to see how you react that way he can adjust the dose up if necessary PLEASE wait till 2am for your own sake we have seen to many precipitated withdrawals on this forum good luck and God bless.......Gnarly
I wouldent even think of it b/4 2am at least 12 hr and thats pushing it this is nothing to mess with I no it su cks but if you where to C/T you would be going threw this anyway so it is doable btw your doctor ***** he should have told you to come back tomorrow the first dose of sub is suppose to be given by the doctor to see how you react that way he can adjust the dose up if necessary PLEASE wait till 2am for your own sake we have seen to many precipitated withdrawals on this forum good luck and God bless.......Gnarly
Mellie!! I knew you'd worry!! I've never heard of a thing that takes care of precipitated withdrawal! Taking an opiate sure doesn't help...they don't work once the Sub is on board!
So...do you have that 4mg in now? We'll go to bed once we know you're okay!
So...do you have that 4mg in now? We'll go to bed once we know you're okay!
I'm with Vicki. It's really important to try to get fluids in. I know it's hard but being dehydrated makes every so much worse. Have you tried any more watermelon? Or even some ice chips will help. And, again, the bath WILL make you feel better in a lot of ways. The withdrawals will feel less intense once you get in the tub. (And if you have Epsom salts, even better.) I know you probably feel like you can't even make it into the tub, but just do it and you'll be amazed at how much it helps Stay in as long as you can ... keep adding hot water. (And it will kill some time while you're waiting.) I'm sure your BF is worried and I would be too. You want it to work, which means you have to take it at the right time. And a friend of mine who took it said it was amazing as far as how quickly the sub took her withdrawals away. You can do this.
He's being prudent but honestly, I figured you would have already taken it! You may really do okay on that 4mg. You'll see.
Get something to drink. I'm serious here...you HAVE to drink!
A lot of withdrawal is mental...it just is. i don't mean to make light of it or diminish how you're feeling...It's hard and we don't like withdrawal and we don't like pain. Just know that in a little while you're going to feel better. The Sub works well!
Did you take that bath?
Get something to drink. I'm serious here...you HAVE to drink!
A lot of withdrawal is mental...it just is. i don't mean to make light of it or diminish how you're feeling...It's hard and we don't like withdrawal and we don't like pain. Just know that in a little while you're going to feel better. The Sub works well!
Did you take that bath?
that xanax made me a little more chill - but I am sweating hard. 8 hours is what we have decided on, which is at 10 pm - but it is a full 6 hrs. GOD i hope i am doing the right thing. Sorry I was MIA for a few - trying to relax - hahahah joke
he said start with 1/2 of an 8 mg pill and wait an hour to see how I feel - please guys I can't wait til 2 am. i am ready now but bf read this thread and won't gimme!!
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