Suboxone.... How long do I need to take this?

[tisto]

I was addicted to percocet, tapered down to lortab, then got off those with Ultram. I was highly addicted to stupid Ultram/ Tramadol which was told to me by my doctor that it was not addictive. Well, my tolerance level went from 8 a day to 30-40 daily. My NEW doctor since December put me on Suboxone. 2 of the 8-2mg daily. I've tapered down to one daily sometimes still 2. But its been 3 months now. I have no insurance & I am unemployed. I have about 10 left. Would it be safe to start taking 1/2 daily and get off of them soon? Is the withdrawl bad if I do this? I am also on klonopin and ambien. I just can't afford another $350 plus the $75 doctor visit monthly. I didn't feel with drawl from going from 2 to 1 a day. He says I probably will need to be on them for a year!  Also, does anyone know if they cause weight gain? B/C I gained 15lbs in the first month I started them and its stuck. Any advice would be so appreciated. Thank you!

[BQ77]

It's not a far reach to taper from 10 I don't think.  You will definately need a strong mindset.  One thing that will help is the money thing.  Another is being clean all together.  If you can go to 1/2 with no problem then do it immediately.  From there it's up to you.  Definately figure out a plan to finish the 10 off cause you'll need them.  Maybe after 3 or 4 days at 1/2 go to 1/4 for a few days then go as low as 1/8....then to crumbs (although 1/8 is a crumb in itself).  Being able to go to 1/2 right away is a HUGE advantage.  Cuz 10 will last you quite a bit....especially if you can get down to 1/4 ASAP.  Good luck and keep us posted.  

BQ

[GeorgeD]

You have been on sub long enough to be well past your perc addiction. Sub has a very long half life, so you should taper vertr slowly.and regularly. Taking 8 one day and two the next doesn't help much. You need to go from 8 for a week to 6 for a week and so on maybe down to 1.2 or 1/4 Mg before you jump off. Even then you will experience pretty uncomfortable withdrawals.

Count up your pills that way. If you don't have enough, find the money somehow for one more Visit and RX, them make a plan and stick to it religiously.

[Dawg0521]

I definitely agree with finnda. But while doing it I would look for assistance. There are doctors who can help. Keep searching the forums. I read of some doctors who weren't in it for the money, who genuinely care. I can't say it will be easy, but hopefully not too bad for you. I rushed it with the suboxone. I had the mindset that I've been an addict for too long and I wanted something to be proud of. So I rushed it and I quit at a 1/2 a day. At each stage of cutting back, I felt symptoms. But now its been 14 days without any suboxone, and its been tough for me. Not as intense as what I have suffered in the past, but definitley not easy. And after 14 days, I have seen improvement; but I am still suffering. Like I said though, the symptoms coming off of this has been no where near as intense as the pain meds themselves. Start searching the forums for assistance programs and try that. I would definitely recommend extending your suboxone treatments if possible. But if not, you can get thru it. I did. Good luck!

[finnda]

read post 26th day and counting below he is tapering right now off suboxone

[finnda]

since you have only 10 left I would taper 1/2 pill for a week than a 1/4 till gone that would be your best bet not a exspert though good luck Dave