Have been off Subs for 2 weeks

Hi,
   Well I decided after 5 years of being on pain killers from major back problems 2 surgeries to try suboxone and did not like it.  I was on it for about 2 months and weaned myself down to just a little piece for the last 2 weeks.  after the first 2 days off of suboxone the withdrawals were worse from the subs then the other pain medications I was taking before.  So for the next 4 days i took kolonopins which really helped me with the symptoms.  But around the 10th day the withdrawal symptoms have gotten worse restless legs,can't sleep,lack of energy, chills,and stomach pain.  I am definitely a lot better then what I was these symptoms are manageable for me because I have been through worse then this.  Is this normal for the symptoms to come back like this but not nearly as strong?  and if anyone has any suggestions to help with upset stomach and stomach pain from the withdrawals I would appreciate hearing them.

thanks,
Rick

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

Suboxone withdrawals are often worse than pure agonist opiate withdrawals as you well know by now. Symptoms usually start around 36 hours after stopping the drug since it is so long acting and binds receptors so strongly. Those acute withdrawals can last up to several weeks.  The residual depression, insomnia and weakness may persist for months. A physician may be able to prescribe you some Requip for the restless leg syndrome, Neurontin for agitation and malaise, and possibly something like Seroquel low dose for the insomnia. OTC you might try Valerian for sedation and sleep and chelated magnesium for muscle relaxation. I promise you will be feeling better and better every day.  It may take months to actually feel great again.
Once you get through the rest of withdrawals, the only thing you should keep in mind is as people start to feel really good after a few months out; they forget how bad the withdrawal really was and think they can start using again.  Just once or twice....  and they get caught up yet again.  Please try to remember how bad it is right now and stay far away from all drugs in the future. You have too much at stake.  It is just not worth it.
Good luck to you and my best wishes.