oxy question - now on suboxone

[yalmeewuh]

i was on oxys for about a year and have now been on suboxone for about 3 weeks.  i was taking 8 mg. in the AM and 4-8mg in the PM.  yesterday was the first day that i took only 8mg and today is the first day i only took 4 mg.  the reason i'm doing this is because i was sick of feeling "medicated" and not like myself.  i'm just wondering if i'm still feeling crappy and irritable and non-motivated because i'm still technically "withdrawing" from the oxys (it's been 3 weeks since i took any) or because the suboxone is making me feel funny.  i'm so sick of not feeling like myself.  i want to be off all meds and just return to my normal life.  i have a 15 month old son and as bad as it sounds, everyday i'm just dreading to care for him because it's so hard and i was once a very outgoing, social mom and now ... i just feel really hopeless.  i try and get out of the house and surround myself with friends and family, but oftentimes i just dont have the motivation to get out and do things.  the oxys used to help me do that .. but obviously now i don't have that help.  does anyone know why i'm still feeling this way?  

[ochooked]

Gee LB5060,  You must have been on a very high dose of opiates - --  I have never heard of such high a dose of Sub - - neigher have I heard of using Sub for life ----   I suppose it's possible but in 12 years of pharmacy, I have never encountered that one yet.   So many opinions so many different ones -  I recommend you read the past posts from addicts who have used these products - --  or you can simply listen to the manufacturer and/or doctors who are paid to write prescriptions for it --- don't think it happens?? - - need to educate yourself a little --- it goes on all the time.   Now, remember that mine is only one of many many opionions offered on this site and one only has to research back several to see the comments of users.  Yalmeewuh was having trouble with the sub - -  I have experienced it too as well as others - sweats, etc etc - -- many unpleasant things - --  I would think that any sane person with side effects like these would never consider staying on this stuff for life - ---  it is a powerful narcotic and will kick you butt----- any doctor or manufacturer who does not acknowledge that should listen to some of the people on this site or listen to an accurate study - one not designed to keep addicts hooked on a new DOC for the rest of their lives.   I will say again - - as only my opinion that Sub is great for a shout term use to help get one off of opiates - -- Ideally, the goal should be no longer that 21 days on sub - - some by necessity must stay on it longer but must remember the longer one stays, the greater the chance that they will have a very hard time getting free of it.   Just check the ones on this site.   Now, as long as one doesn't have these hiddeous side effects, then go for it and stay on it for the rest of you life - - if you want to feel like Yalmeewuu was describing.   One thing I really like about posting on here you get lots of different opinions as long as one person doesn't think his is the only one that matters---  wish some others would chime in here about their experiences with sub - how long they stayed on it  - what their side effects were - how hard was it to kick, etc.  I think it may be very enlightening ---    So, it comes down to are you going to listen to a doctor who is getting paid mega bucks for every script he writes for Sub or will people listen to those who are actually taking it.   I will have been on and off it with in 15 days - -- after taking 140 mg oxy for 10 years (every day) --   After my 15 day dance with sub, I will be down to 1/2 mg per day and say 'goodby' lady -- - I am clean.  I wish everyone the best with the trouble they have to get and stay clean - ---  the point is we should never just shoot another idea down - if it says something you don't  agree with. Keep posting - always be respectful of the other guys/gals ideas comments.

[LB5060]

I have been on Suboxone for about 21 days now.  My doctor told me that the key to being successful with this program is to make sure you are getting ENOUGH Suboxone each day. You should never begin to feel any withdrawl symptoms because it is at those times when people relapse. The dosage may have to be experimented with for awhile until you find the least amount that will still keep you comfortable.  Please be good to yourself and when you start feeling that way, take 1/4 or 1/2  a tablet and you can do this every two hours. Depending on your dependence, you can safely take up to 32 mg. a day.  I take 8 mg in the morning, afternoon and another 8 mg at night. Sometimes I take the middle dosage and break it in half and do two dosages  Right now I am working on getting my mind strong enough to wean off theSuboxone completely but my doctor has told me not to expect that for 4-6 months.  He also told me that some people may find that they will need Suboxone for the rest of their lives.  If it keeps me from ever taking another pain pill I will just accept that this is a lifelong illness and take it the rest of my life. Good luck and I am here if you need anything!

[ochooked]

I don't know how high a dose of opiates you were on previously but it sounds like you are on too high of a dose of Sub.   I am taking Sub and have been now for 11 days - --  I was at 140 mg per day of Oxy - then I tapered to about 70 mg/day - -- then went into W/D's for a few hours and then started on Sub - at about 3 mg am and 3 mg pm -- --  I have cut down to less than 2 mg per day (1 mg am and 1 mg pm) and it seems to be working fine for me.   I can't wait to be able to get totally clear of this drug though - -   It is a lifesaver in getting me clear of Oxy but it will become another major problem if I don't get off of it soon.    Also suggest you try cutting back and doing a taper more quickly  --  the 'half life' of Sub is very long so it stays in the body a long time.   My own opinion is that most people start on too high a dose.  I wish you the best as you get clear of all of this stuff - -- I know what you mean about the feelings you get from Sub.   Good luck