Has ne1 gone from methadone to suboxone the next day

[ang_811]

I've been on methadone clinic for 2 years now and have tappering down. Last week I got to 10 found it really difficult and decided to up to 20. My counselor thought it would b a good idea for me to b put on suboxone. Next friday I have the appt with my dr to be put on sub. They said they will start me on it that day. I've been hearing people in here saying that will cause parciptated w/ds. No one has mentioned nething about that at my clinic. Just wondering if ne1 out there has done what I'm going to do w/out getting sick? They said I was on a low enough dose to go to suboxone. Just curious. Thank u

[GA Guy]

Here's the information directly from the Suboxone Physician's Guide..

Normal Transfer (from methadone-equivalent dose ≤30 mg):

At least 24 hours should elapse after the last long-acting opioid dose. The initial dose of SUBOXONE or SUBUTEX should be administered when moderate signs (see COWS) of withdrawal are evident.

    * High-dose transfer (from methadone-equivalent doses ranging from 30 to 60 mg):
    * No SUBOXONE or SUBUTEX sublingual tablets should be given after the last methadone or long-acting opioid dose until the patient experiences maximal withdrawal discomfort (at least 48-96 hours after last dose). Earlier dosing with SUBOXONE or SUBUTEX is highly likely to precipitate withdrawal.
    * Be prepared to administer limited amounts of withdrawal medication (eg, clonidine, loperamide, sleep aid, NSAID, etc) for symptomatic relief.
    * High-dose transfer patients need careful monitoring and dose titration according to the response of the patient. If withdrawal symptoms have not worsened or have improved within 2 to 4 hours after the first dose of SUBOXONE or SUBUTEX, an additional 4-mg dose of SUBOXONE or SUBUTEX is recommended. Clinicians have reported prescribing a third dose (2-4 mg) to be taken later in the evening if needed for withdrawal symptoms.

[ang_811]

I defintly agree about the pain.  So my dr appt is frid to get on the sub. Should I not go Thursday to the clinic?  Or should I lower my dose a couple mgs so I'm n a mild w- d? I already start to w/d at night and wake up feeling pretty badly (aches, chills, feeling crappy) I'm on 20 mgs now. If u were in my situation what would u do? I appreciate ur help and advice. Ty

[OIFMc09]

Let me just start by saying that going from anything to sub is not the most comfortable thing, but it doesn't have to be too bad.  I've gone from methadone to sub. and it was a nightmare.  I didn't wait long enough...and I have not waited long enough with oxy's as well.  The point is, you need to be in at least mild to mod. withdrawal for it to work out the best.  That day that I went from methadone to sub was a painful lesson so just wait as long as you can before you try to get on it.  The last thing we need is more pain right?  My whole experience with opiates - and I'm sure you can agree - has been absolute hell.  

[ang_811]

Well thank u. My plan is to not be on suboxone that long, just long enough for the methadone to get out of my body and tapper off the sub. And yes if u can give me  info on more of those detox I would really appreciate it. U have been very helpful I hope u don't mind if I add u as a freind. Do u have ne thoughts on what I should talk to my doctor about b4 I get on sub? Thanks

[mr.lucky66]

No ang, I never was on sub but was on methadone many times. There are some out pt. detox clinics (and inpatient detoxes) that specialize in this without suffering. They use several drugs after the last dose of methadone, and then put you on sub. If you have been on methadone a long time (years), they might have you on sub for 6 weeks, 2 months max. It doesn't make any sense to put switch somebody from methadone to sub in most cases. If you want, I can give more ifo on these detoxes. all the best

[ang_811]

Have u been thru this? I beleive everything u r telling me but y r my nurses and counselor telling me that, that won't happen 2 me since I'm on a low dose of methadone? I'm a lil nervous about that. I guess I'll find out when I go c my doctor. Ty u for ur help . It's very appreciated.

[ang_811]

Ur thefirst person that has told me that. The nurses and my counselor gave both told me that I'm on a low enough dose to switch to suboxone. I ask them today. But I'm still nervous about it bc of everyone elses opinion on it. Did u personally go thru that ? Ty forte feedback

[GA Guy]

Yeah, you need to be in pretty heavy withdrawal for a few days to make the transition without precipitated withdrawals. If the Sub doctor tries to induct you without asking when your last dose was..or tells you about waiting until you get into withdrawals..then run..don;t walk..away from that doctor and find another one. It's up to your doctor to tell you the exact time...but methadone's long half life makes it imperative that you be in withdrawals for a while before induction.

[mr.lucky66]

it isn't too hard (at low doses like you are on) and some outpatient clinics specialize in putting people on methadone on sub to drug free. The problem is that some people end up staying on sub and it's just about the same to get off long term sub as methadone. It can be a good step down from methadone as long as you have someone who knows what they are doing . If you are going to stay on a replacement drug, I think methadone is better than sub.

[ang_811]

I'm gonna talk to the nurse tomorrow about it. We will just see then. Ty for getting back to me. I appreciate it

[vicki595]

Hi~  Hang on...there are many on the forum who have much experience with Sub.
Did you pose this question at the clinic?  Can you call them?
Others will post,I'm sure.
Vicki