Has anyone taken Suboxone to get off Tramadol?

[Secrets-Lies]

Hey guys,  I saw a Therapist today who suggested I start Suboxone to help me detox and come off of Tramadol. I've been using 300mg a day (I've tapered down from 1000mg a day).   My question is...I have read online that you have to be in full withdrawl before you can start the treatment.  Having said that, My appointment is on June 8th w the doc.  At what point do I have to go Cold Turkey before the appointment or do I even need to do that.  My fear with coming off tramadol is siezures along with the other horrible withdrawl symptons. I have to make a plan for this.  If anuone has experience with this, and could tell be a bit more that would be awesome!

[ImDONENoMore]

I have no personal experience with suboxene I'm sure others members who do can offer more insight.  But IMHO I still think getting a good taper plan with the tramadol alone is your best bet as I have read a ton of stories about how horrible the sub withdrawal can be so you'll still have to go through the withdrawals either way.  Good luck to you whatever you choose!  There is life after tramadol I can promise you that!!  :)

[Secrets-Lies]

No, I hear ya and I know exactly what ur saying. Here's my thought process. Oh and no not for pain, for a high and escape, which even at 20 pills a day I wasn't getting anymore. Ok, I guess I don't know that much about Sub, but I guess I didn't think it gave u a great high. Or does it? I've taken vicodine and oxy's whenever I could get my hand on them to help me w withdrawals from other times when I've gotten off Tramadol. I'm not into those like I am tramadol, in fact I really don't like the way they make me feel. Its not a cool high that I want or like or could get hooked on and I guess I kinda thought Subs would be the same way. Only this time I'm gonna hv Therapy and a Doc. What do ya think?

[IBKleen]

Hi,

I did a Suboxone program some years back and "YES" I had to be in withdrawal in order to start the program. That being said, I know very little, if not nothing, about taking it for Tramadol withdrawal.

If you stay on it 7-10 days, that is great. And please---do not mistake what I am asking you---if you suddenly believe that you can control your Suboxone use after 7 to 10 days, then why can't you control your Tramadol use? I hate having to type this here as so much is lost in translation, but do you get where I am going? Suboxone is tricky and should be used as a means of simply detoxing from another substance in most circumstances. It is a program and needs to be followed with outside support and other things.

Also, are you taking them for pleasure or pain? If for pain then do you have an alternative plan in place for that pain?

[Secrets-Lies]

Well, I just met with the Therapist and like I said, I meet with the Doc on June 8th and that's when I'm supposed to start Sub.   I guess I'm not entirely sure the reason for it.  My entire reason for staying on Tram is fear of withdrawl, Super Fear! I'm not sure if I can stick to the taper and I have no one to help me taper and watch out for me. I get the pills on line, so there's that and I only plan on taking the Suboxone for like a week or 2 at most and I will inform the doctor of this plan so she will only give me enough for that plan.  I DONOT want to trade one drug for the other and have Sub WD's  I think with the 7-10 days on the Sub and the weekly therapy I will really be able to conquer this, this time.  I've been trying to get clean for damn near 10 years and this is the final straw.  I guess that's why such drastic measures.  Again, I was wondering about being "in withdrawal" before starting Sub?  Any knowledge regarding that?

[ImDONENoMore]

Starting suboxone seems like a really drastic measure to get off the tramadol.  You're better off coming up with a taper plan with your Dr. and slowly wean off of them.  I quit tramadol cold turkey so I can't offer any experience with tapering.  What does the Dr. who prescribed the tramadol think?