Clonidine & Suboxone W/D

[Sam113]

Ok, so I'm slowly tappering off suboxones. I've heard of many on here talk about using a clonidine transdermal patch to help with w/d's. So I was able to obtain a descent amount of this - - only in tablet form, from a relative - - catapres O.2mg tabs. I have a medical backround and I'm fully aware of the negative and life threatening side effects of taking this medication, and I'm aware of how much to take and when and ect, but I just wondering if anyone had success with this - Clonidine in pill form. (I really don't think it makes much difference what the form is?)  Also I've heard of people taking phenergan for w/d's?? Just want some feedback. I just want to be prepared when I jump into the pit of fire again. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
-Samantha

[fordfanatic]

Clonidine is amazing for withdrawal. Taking .2 mg is extremely hard to stay awake on for the first hour.

[TheAnonEMouse]

Doh! (I think i replied, to one of the replies!)
Anyway, here's what I wrote:

Sam113 - Hi! Very similar situation for me (to yours).
I found Phenergan (25mg) very helpful because I struggle with sleeping and 2 tablets put me to sleep,
I believe it also helps me with the fluish symptoms that come with withdrawals...(all the nose/sneezing stuff)
(I try not to use them, or the Catapres/Clonidine unless I'm feeling bad.)

[TheAnonEMouse]

Sam113 - Very similar situation for me (to yours).
I found Phenergan (25mg) very helpful because I struggle with sleeping and 2 tablets put me to sleep,
I believe it also helps me with the fluish symptoms that come with withdrawals...(all the nose/sneezing stuff)
(I try not to use them, or the Catapres/Clonidine unless I'm feeling bad.)

[steveo30]

i agree with all of the responses,last year it did wonders for me.wannabefree330 is right about taking the pills instead of the patch for the exact reasons she stated.it really helped me with the heart pounding,just watch your blood pressure,you dont want it getting to low

[Sithtiger]

I love Clonidine for w/d's, but I've experienced one nasty side effect from it and that's blurred vision.  By that I mean your eyes can't focus.  It's like having a camera with a fixed lens and can't zoom or go to wide angle.  Despite the blurred vision, I'd still recommend it because I'd rather take blurred vision over the full brunt of withdrawals!

[wannabefree330]

The clonidine worked wonders for my chills, sweating, heart palpitations and even my anxiety.  I took it round the clock every 6 hours the first 3 days then just went to PRN after that.  I think the pills are better because if your BP is too low you just don't take another pill, whereas if you have the patch on, even if you take it off you still have the long acting drug working.  I didn't need much phenergan as I really didnt have a problem with nausea as much as loss of appetite.  I guess you could use it to help yourself sleep?  But, I didn't need phenergan.  I used clonidine, and about 4 xanax pills total ......and lots of immodium!!

[ochooked]

Yes Samantha,  The clodine and other meds will really help with W/D's  --- Sounds like you have done your homework and know what to expect.  Hope you will also visit the Health Pages and see the post on "Members Experiences Coming Off of Suboxone"  --- The shorter you stay on Sub and the less amount you take, the better.  I stayed on Sub for 21 days starting at 2 mg and then tapered to where I was only at a crumb at the end -- still had horrible withdrawals for almost 2 months.  But the good news is that I am now free of opiates and have my energy level back.  I was also prepared for the inevitable depression that follows so I rode that out and am fine now -- it's been almost 4 months now.  Please continue to stay on the site and post your own experience and read the others -- it helps.  All the best.