Need help detoxing off heroin with suboxone

Question

Just started suboxone to detox off of heroin.  This is my first time and I followed the dr.s instructions the best I could.  I was almost 18 hours into my withdrawal when I took my first dose of suboxone.  I took 4mgs (half of the 8mg film) and then a half hour later took another half.  I waited a bit but the withdrawal was so intense I couldnt take it anymore and wound up running out to get a back of heroin.  I feel perfectly fine now except completely dissapointed in myself.  I was wondering if I will have to wait another 18 hours before taking another suboxone?  I am trying to avoid precip withdrawal but the worst the withdrawal gets the more I want to run and get a bag. Please Help!

marycarmel · Answer

Remember, it's a guide. I hope it works better this time. Does your sub doc have a program that goes along with subs? It's not just about the pills. For it to be successful, you need more than just the pills. There are some very knowledgeable people here and hopefully they'llmhave more information for you, but it can be a bit quiet on the weekends.

dreleo · Answer

Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I don't think I went into precip withdrawal.  I was withdrawing pretty bad before I took it but the suboxone did not take the heroin withdrawal symptoms away.  He did not go over the COWS scale with me but did give me guidelines on when to take my first dose.  I will definitely google the COWS scale and maybe this time it will work.

marycarmel · Answer

I don't have any personal experience with either suboxone or heroin.  I did a lot of research when a friend was going to go on suboxone.   Ideally, the doctor should start the induction of suboxone with you in his office.  I think you will have to wait for a while before you can take the sub again.  You are supposed to be in moderate withdrawal before starting.  Precipitated withdrawals are pretty scary sounding.  Do you think you went into precipitated withdrawals when you took it?  Did the doctor talk to you about the COWS scale? You can google it if he didn't.  It gives you an idea of the withdrawal symptoms you should be having  and to what degree.  Eighteen hours sounds like a long time but maybe it wasn't enough time for you.  You could call your doctor and tell him what happened and at least he could guide you through this.  Good luck.