Methadone to subutex detox insomnia

[weaver71]

I went from 100-200mg street methadone a day for about 4 years to subutex. I thought I took subs for 16 days, but realized it was 20 days. I am now 38 days no methadone and 11 days no subutex, which I jumped off at .5mg. I don't think I am feeling the sub, but insomnia from methadone PAWS is my remaining symptom. A friend suggested taking 1 or 2mg of sub every week to catch up on sleep. I really don't want to go there. I can't concentrate, even though my energy seems to have returned. No craving, no aches, nothing but insomnia delirium. Sleep aids, natural or OTC, have little to no effect, other than hangover. I have vitamins, minerals, aminos, and a natural diet.I have no fear of relapse, due to fear of methadone and a strong aftercare program, but I can barely function on so little sleep, about 3 hours if any per night. I swim and work and walk everyday, is there anything more I can do? I just need to ride this wave out right?

[clean_in_ks]

Thanks for your sleep status update!!  I'm clean 65 days, off sub 37 days and still dealing w/the insomnia issue.  I, too, have vit, aminos, melatonin, benedryl, nothing much puts a dent in it.  I am a sleeper....once I get there.  Never in my whole life have I had trouble sleeping.  I actually had a few "tired" feelings last night, but was still awake at 3:30 a.m. back up at 9am
Your post tells me my brain just isn't healed in the right spots just yet, ha!
Thanks again!

[Brightfutureahead]

That is so encouraging weaver...because I am going through the same thing....the worst part is - i've NEVER (ie- even b4 my pill addiction) been a good sleeper...so this no-sleep thing is intimidating to me...anyway...glad to read this post

[weaver71]

I started this post 20 days ago and am sleeping fine. I used OTC every three days to stay sane. I have slept great for the last week with nothing. I'm glad I didn't try to speed up the process, because my brain seems to be doing fine as long as I leave it alone. Thank everyone.

[IBKleen]

Bendzos? What the heck is that?

Anyway, be careful with getting prescribed a sleeping medication. It may help you sleep but it will also halt your natural sleep rythm so it is essentially a band aid and can become habit forming.

You are doing so good--keep on track and keep going forward!!

[ribs2k]

I agree. A short length of time on Bendzos might help get you back in your routine.

[Elmijack15]

Agree 100%, you've come a long way!! That's one heck of an achievement, stay the course!

[weaver71]

Yeah, thanks. Sometimes someone else has to say it for it sound right. It is catching up with me, but it's still better than any day of active addiction.

[Elmijack15]

Hey there, Congrats on your clean time that is awesome!!! but I agree with you, don't go back on subs to help you sleep. I know you're trying to go all natural, but maybe talk to your doctor about a prescription for sleep meds to help you for a while. Just a suggestion, as it seems you've exhausted all the natural remedies out there and getting 3 hours is going to catch up with you if it hasn't already. Good luck to you.