subutex

[zombie_sarah]

I was wondering how long does the withdraws of subutex last?  I was on 20 mgs of suboxone for 1 year and then I tapered down to 2 mgs with all intentions of quiting I had to idea it was so addictive my doc said it was like coming of hydros (but he was wrong).  Anyway Im on subutex he said it was easier to come off of.  I kinda feel stuck.  I just want off but being a single mother and working a full time job I dont really have time just to lay down and tough it out.  So how long does it take and is there anything I can do to ease off the withdraws so I can go on with a normal life?

[WinteryRachel]

     I was on Suboxone, and then Subutex for almost 8 years. For most of this time, I was taking 8mg, 3 times a day. I weaned down to one 8mg pill a day, and quit. I had a variety of reasons for this: my prescribing doctor was shut down by the DEA, the cost was becoming more than I could afford, and I would like to get pregnant soon (believe it or not, my doctor told me Subutex was safe while pregnant-- I suppose this is true if you want your baby to go through withdrawal for the first several weeks of his/her life). I am now three weeks out, and I am still feeling the effects of the withdrawal. The first two weeks were very similar to any opiate withdrawal, except for the time period it lasts. In addition to the normal cold sweats, loss of appetite, extreme nausea, and diarrhea, I have continued to experience insomnia and body shudders (mostly my chest shuddering). I am now through with all the basic withdrawals, but after three weeks, I am still experiencing diarrhea, and extreme difficulty sleeping (this has not abated with the use of sleeping aids, like ambien and xanax).
     I have not abused opiates in the the time I have been on Sub., so I was surprised that once the physical withdrawal ended, I am now having dope dreams, nightly, and experiencing that uncomfortable in your own skin/ I don't know what to do with myself feeling. I have faith that this too will go away, but in the meantime, I have begin attending NA meetings again (something I highly recommend).
     All this being said, I would take Sub. again. It was the only thing that got me clean-- it completely took away my desire for opiates and gave me my life back. However, I would not recommend going off Subutex in the manner that I did. It was a rather drastic step, but I feel proud that I was able to do it.
     Finally, everyone is different. My fiance has weaned down to only two 8 mg pills a week, and when he went 24 hours without Subutex, he began experiencing withdrawal. He was unable to take it, and refilled his scrip. He is still maintaining on two 8mg pills a week, and has no plans to stop. It has virtually cured his crones symptoms, so we both think it is best for him to stay on. Remember, how and when you go off this drug is a personal choice, but I recommend a good support group and a good doctor's care.
Thank you for reading and feel free to private message me if you want to talk about this further,
Rachel

[refusingbondage]

You should definitely start the amino acid protocol before jumping off sub.  You should also not quit sub at 2mgs.  You should get down much lower than that.  Taper down to .5 or even smaller (.25).  The most successful sub withdrawal stories are from those who quit at very tiny amounts.. literaly slivers or crumbs of sub.  They can be cut in half, quarters and shaved down with a razor.

Like sara said - though sub withdrawal is really tough - aftercare is key.  You, through your doctor, should have a plan in place to prepare you for life post sub.  NA or AA Meetings and therapy will be a lifesaver (or relapse preventer if you like that term better!)

Good luck - you can get through. I came off sub. Though it wasnt easy, I made it.  Keep us posted- God Bless.

[dominosarah]

There are articles in the Health Pages here that you can read up on.  Check out the amino acid protocol.  You can also ask your pharmacists for ideas too.  Mentally preparing yourself is important.  Are you in any type of recovery care right now?  That will be a real big plus........Just know that you can and will get thru this.      sara