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Suboxem Withdrawl after 7 years

I've been on suboxem for 7 years (16 mg day). My Dr lowered dose to 8 mg day for one month then 6 mg day but would not listen to me when I told her how awful and anxious that I was feeling-everyone is different. I got Valium on my own and it really did help (I know not the smartest thing to do but I was desperate). I received a letter from my Dr to tell me that she will no longer treat me due to positive benzo on drug test.  Now, what should I do? I have all of the withdrawl symptions-weak, restless legs, insomnia, chills & sweats--the list goes on.  Should I find another Dr. and tell my story? Ready to use just to stop feeling this bad!
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I'd find someone else, and be up front. Subs are a bear to kick, despite the literature. I'm on 4 mg. and maybe undermedicated. But an 8 mg at once drop is huge. Even 6 mg. is like dropping from over 200 mg. morphine. It's a very strong drug.

Others may have different opinions, and I'm not a good judge. I'm struggling with subs myself.

I just don't think I'd try to come off that amount on my own.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
HI there!

Yes, unfortunately you didn't handle this properly, as you know.  Most sub docs do not permit the use of benzos at ALL with sub, due to a contraindication, but even if they did, yours was obviously not prescribed.  They were totally justified discharging you unfortunately.

You could try to find a new clinic who would be willing to take you on as a patient, and yes, you should be honest with them.  A sub taper should be done slowly and gradually, and there can be some w/d symptoms, being that your dose is on the higher side, and you were still on a pretty reasonable dose, you shouldn't have had but a few days of some mild symptoms.  And you're right, everyone is different.  Your doc should have listened to your input and slowed the taper down.

It's really not a good idea to try to come off at your current dose, w/ds will likely be pretty awful.  The Suboxone clinic I worked at recommended people taper down to AT LEAST 0.5mg before stopping completely, and even at that dose, there usually is some level of w/d.

Using isn't an option, try to get yourself back on track, and if you can find a new doc, you need to be compliant with the clinic's rules, which includes not using any other substances they don't know about and are okay with (and can verify through a valid script).  Consider that a lesson learned!

You can find another doc in your area by going to:

www.suboxone.com

Good luck, let us know how you're doing!
Helpful - 0
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