Can you change to hydro from suboxone

[lene54]

I took hydrocodone for 3 yrs for back pain.  Then I was changed to methadone, morphine and fentenyl patches within a short time.  Now I've been on suboxone less than 3 weeks.  I can not function on it.   I do not want to stay on it a yr or more as the doctor said.  Can I go back to hydrocodone and tamper off it??  

[IBKleen]

Hi,

I don't know why you would want to go back on the Hydrocodone? If you have been on Suboxone for three weeks then you are through the withdrawal of the original substance. At this point you may want to consider tapering off of the Suboxone and be done with everything. It becomes a merry-go-round and I would hate to see you stuck on it.

[lene54]

My doctor is talking about me staying on suboxone a yr or longer.  I can't afford it nor do I like how it makes me feel.  I tried tapering the suboxone myself and can not function.  He said I needed to stay on it and suggested I take two 8 mg. films.  I don't want to take that much.  I don't feel right on this medicine. I only take one film now.  I was down to a half and was in really bad shape.  I need something for my chronic back pain after 2 back surgeries.  I would rather it be hydrocodone.  Then I wouldn't have to pay so much and I would hopefully feel better.  

[vicki595]

I understand what you're saying...

So, are you down to 8mg now?  That's half your original dose of 16 mg. It's too much to cut all at once.

Now, YOU are in control of your health care, not the doctor. TELL him you want to taper off properly. It's your right not to take a medicine you don't want to take! Many people go on Sub and taper off within 21 days; sometimes 7 days. The best tapers are slow and steady, cutting a small amount each time.

Tapering off Sub is nearly the same as tapering off hydro. Just think it over.
Stay in touch!

[lene54]

My doctor never talked like that.  He knew I had to go on it because of the pain patches that were too much for me. I have never used more than prescribed by my doctors.  They have just been giving medicines my body could not handle, methadone, morphine, pain patches.  All these changes within a 6 mo time period.  Before that I took 1 to 2  7.5/500 hydro for back pain.  Now he is wanting me to stay on sub.  It really helps talking to you guys. Thanks  

[LeaAnn807]

HI!  You can definitely stop the suboxone thru a taper fairly quickly no longer than you have been on it.  After a year......it would take a much longer time than it will if you quit now.  You can do a taper without the doc helping by just cutting the dose each week until you are down pretty low.  Just remember......the longer you take it, the harder it is to stop and the longer it takes to taper.  

Don't go back on the pain pills.  That would be a mistake at this point.  You should talk to your doc and ask for a taper plan.  Tell him that you cannot afford it and want to stop it ASAP.  If your doc is a good one and is looking out for your well being, he should do this without question!

Hope this helps!

[lene54]

If I'm through with the withdrawals, why is it so hard to tamper off suboxone?

[ImDONENoMore]

Because suboxone is an opiate and now you're going through withdrawal  from that.

[lene54]

I'm down to 4mg of suboxone.  I have tapered 25% ea time waiting 4 days between.  The problem is, I wake up every morning sick.  I guess I will stay at 4mg longer.  It is so hard to continue tapering when you wake up this way every morning.  What's going on and what do I need to do at this point?  I really want to tapered off this as soon as possible.  

[ImDONENoMore]

Remember lene - even with tapering you're going to go through withdrawal.  Tapering is supposed to be a bit easier on the body than cold turkey, but no matter which way you go, going through some kind of withdrawal is part of this process.

Is your Dr. aware yet about what you're doing?

[lene54]

No.  He wanted me to be on 16 mg up to 2 yrs, so I can't talk to him.  I feel so trapped on this medicine.  I don't know how to function without it because I'm so sick in the morning.  I have to take some and something for the sickness.  I want to continue to taper but it's like I can't now.  If I stay at 4 mg will the morning sickness eventually get better so I can taper more? I'm also having an awful time with anxiety.  How long should it take me to get to 0mg from 4mg?  Any good suggestions on what to do, will be welcomed.