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Subutex information

Hi my name is Lisa,  on Wednesday I started subutex after detoxing off fentanyl 100mcg and dilaudid. My pain management dr put me on subtext 8mg sublingual twice a day. I know my body is still adjusting, but I feel like at around noon I start to feel anxious. I'm just not sure if I should ask my dr. for an increase in dosage or just deal with it. I just don't want to fail. I've been searching for a chat room or just anyone to communicate with. I feel so lonely and scared.
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Avatar universal
Your daughter sounds amazing my ex husband has a cousin with down syndrome and she is incredible. One of God's angels. I know how hard it must be struggling through your pain and yet still having to worry about her health problems. You both are very blessed to have each other. I'm sure she makes it easy to smile through your pain.
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8976007 tn?1413330650
so happy to know you are doing well,  as well as expected.  i would rather have pain than not remember my daughter growing up.  she has down syndrome and is 3 yrs old. i am her best friend and she keeps knocking on my door taking me by the hand to go into her room and dance and play.  i cannot let her down, so i tell her dad '10 minutes and let me out'  lol  i do that several times a day. wish i had her energy and she even has major heart issues.  
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God bless her
Avatar universal
Jinx I'm so very sorry for your pain. I know that it's just terrible how it effects your life in every way physically and mentally. Your hanging in there with your decision that's awesome as long as it's not hurting you. I mean I know your pain is terrible. I just mean if your doing it for the right positive reasons than hang on there. I dont know if that made any sense. I haven't been lately lol. I'm just trying to draw strength everyone and everything. I know everybody's journey is different. It's just nice to know Im traveling with the most supportive and amazing people down the right road. Thanks for your kindness. I will keep you in my thoughts. I'm sorry I can't log on everyday.  But tomorrow on the 23rd I will be putting in a new Internet service in place so I will be better able to communicate on a regular basis. Hang in there.
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8976007 tn?1413330650
lisa, i feel your pain.  day 9 for me and i still feel like crap.  my pain is like the day i got injured.  if i lay on my back it feels like a baby kicking my spine, it jumps up and down my spine.  even when pregnant i didn't feel my spine get kicked.  this is the hardest detox ever.   in the first days i almost asked to be put back on it.  it was my choice to stop it.  hope you feel better soon.  was hoping you were
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Avatar universal
Hi jinx,  no I was feeling horrible the fentanyl 100mcg stopped working 3 days like they were supposed to. They were only working for 2 days. The dilaudid was like a drop in the bucket. I felt like I was in constant WITHDRAWLS all the time.  That's when I told my pm/primary no more. I couldn't take it. So I asked for the subutex. I figure I'd try to handle the pain the best I could. Praying I don't have a pancreas attack. Jinx it's just so frustrating or maybe I'm just being impatient. I just want to get it right. This up and down roller coaster ride is killing me. I want off.
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8976007 tn?1413330650
that is sad that you feel that way Lisa.  have you considered maybe finding a new doctor?  sounds like a lot of work, but maybe they could fix things for you.  you must just feel like a wreck.  i don't know what it is like coming off fentanyl being on subs, but i would think that med would effect you coming off of it no matter what you take.  were you feeling fine before they switched your pain meds?
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Avatar universal
One more thing thank you guys much for replying. I can't even begin to tell you what a relief it is to talk to people who not only care but understand...
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Avatar universal
Hi clean,  yesterday was my pm/primary. I did tell him about all the meds I'm on and if would consider communicating with my psych about what psych meds would go benter with the subutex. He had no time to listen to me all he said was he would not increase my subutex. Oh and the Dr who suggested the increase was one I met online not to smart right?  So now I go to see my psychiatrist next month. Maybe he will take some time to figure out a better cocktail of meds to help. Because I'm hanging on by a very thin thread. And jinx my pharmacist couldn't care less on what meds I'm taking he's so busy I doubt he even pays attention.
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8976007 tn?1413330650
do you use the same pharmacist for all your meds??  have they ever cautioned you about the mix of meds you are on?  sometimes they will catch things your doctors do not
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3197167 tn?1348968606
Hi Lisa.....which dr did you see yesterday?  The psych dr?  Is the psych dr the one that suggested you go UP on the subutex from 16 to 24 mg/day but yet isn't even the dr PRESCRIBING the subutex???
And the one that didn't want to spend any time answering your questions? Also the one prescribing you all those meds you are on?

I understand that your primary dr is also your pain mgmt. dr.  And you said today above... that your primary does NOT agree with the increase in the sub?  (that's a GOOD thing)  LOL

I am still a bit confused about which dr is doing what?  I was hoping that ALL your dr's would get their heads together (your charts and medical history) and look at your CURRENT situation.  Getting off the fent and dilaudid and going on the sub is being handled by your primary/pain mgmt. dr, right?  So WHO wants you to increase the sub?  
You said the other day that you were currently on the following:

"Subutext, Wellbutrin, gabapentin(I stopped taking it), latuda, lamictal, klonopin, and levothyroxine(for some thyroid problem."

I am NO dr but I can see that being on an antidepressant, TWO antipsychotic/mood stabilizer drugs, a benzodiazepine, a thyroid med AND subutex is really messing with your central nervous system, your brain and respiratory system.  There ARE interactions with some of these drugs...and THAT'S precisely what ALL the dr's need to take the time to figure out for you.
I would be angry too.  
I don't think the dose of the sub needs to be UPPED....I think the interaction of all those other meds you are on needs to be checked as to how they interact not only with each other...but also WITH the addition of subutex.  
You are taking a lot of meds, girl.  They all affect your brain in different ways....and you need to seek someone you can trust to sort this all out for you.  
I definitely AGREE with your primary/pain mgmt dr though.....your subutex dose does NOT need to be increased.
I sure pray you can find some answers, Lisa.  I feel so badly for you~  
Helpful - 0
8976007 tn?1413330650
at 3pm today it will be 8 days since i took off my 50 mcg fentanyl patch.  i take oxycodone for breakthrough pain and have for years.  i didn't like the way i felt on fentanyl.  felt like my brain was a marshmallow and i was walking through knee high mud.  exhausted, mentally and physically. so i asked to be switched to a different med.  what did she do??  prescribed 10 mg of oxycontin. yes, that is right. it is like adding 2 breakthrough meds a day.  NOT EVEN CLOSE to an equal switch..  needless to say it has been a week of he!!  still not through it.  fentanyl gave great pain relief, but the side effects were too much to take.  it is also THE HARDEST med i have ever detoxed off of.  it just won't let go.  hang in there.  
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Avatar universal
22 days off the hard fentanyl and dilaudid. And 18 days on my subutex treatment plan. I'm so ANGERY!!! At everything and everybody. After my dr's appt yesterday it just escalated. I was told by one Dr that with my history and medical condition that 16mg of subutex was not enough that 8 mg should be added in the afternoon. My primary who is also my pain management Dr didn't agree. I brought a list of questions to ask him,  but I just gave up wrinkled up my paper shut my mouth and just went with everything he said. He handles alot of hight profile patients on South beach. Sometimes I feel they are his priority. And he just rushes through my appt to get back to them. Sorry to rant. I'm just all over the place in my head still. I know it takes time. Maybe I'm just being inpatient and feeling sorry for myself. I don't know. On top of the I'm trying to find a therapist who deals in duel diagnosis and some understanding of my malabsobsion problems. Because my psychiatrist is no help. Just feeling lonely and frustrated. Had to get it out before my head exploded. Thanks
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1742220 tn?1331356727
aw, im so glad you bumped up your thread Lisa.

Meeg
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9547329 tn?1404656649
I'm back on subs again starting today.. It does take a bit to adjust the dose... I am at 2mg but DOC was hydros which is much weaker than what you were on. You should be so proud of yourself for doing this. I know a lot of people would have started at a higher dose than you but I think you are better off keeping it as low as you can. Remember it has a long half life so it does build up in your system as the days pass... Also I know for myself I am so used to popping pills throughout the day so it's part mental for me just putting a small piece of a pill in my mouth two times a day.  I do sometimes break it in 3s though just because I don't want a big jolt initially.. I always break it in twos at the minimum though.
I hope you are feeling better soon... Remember to drink a lot of water as well. You are in my prayers?!
Helpful - 0
3197167 tn?1348968606
Oh Lisa....I feel so bad for you.  Sounds like you are taking the sub like you need to be and getting fluids....that's all GOOD news.  But like you said in your journal....it would be REALLY good to get your psych dr and your primary together and have them check the mix of meds you are on now.
Just getting off 100 mcg of fent and the dialuadid is HUGE....and the gastric surgery you had may be affecting your absorption like you said, too.

With the mix of meds you are on I would want my dr's to check the interactions and be on the same page, too.  You said you stopped the gabapentin yourself which I hope you tapered off of....it isn't a med you should stop abruptly.  It is also a med that may help with opiate w/drawals...at least it has been used for that purpose in some cases.  I was on it when I quit my opiates and I feel like it helped me.  

If you can find some things that might relax you....warm epsom salt baths are REALLY important....some music that creates peace inside of you....and the journaling you are doing is good, also.

I will keep you in my prayers.....and hope that you can get your dr's heads together to discuss all the medications you are on and how they may or may not interact with one another.

If you can't eat.....getting a protein drink down will help a lot....our brains need the protein to assist in the healing process.  Some people drink Ensure, others Muscle Milk, some Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials.
You can try to eat some lean meats or mac and cheese...or some soup.
Just get little bits down....and keep drinking all you can.  A drink with electrolytes like Emergen-C or Gatorade/Powerade or Vitamin Water would be good, too.  I ate A LOT of eggs.....I just craved them.  

Hope some of this helps until you can see your dr.  I'm praying for you....bless you, Lisa~
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Avatar universal
Oh and no I don't drink alcohol because I have chronic pancreatitis.
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Avatar universal
Hi clean, yes I'm on a multitude of medications. Subutext, Wellbutrin, gabapentin(I stopped taking it), latuda, lamictal, klonopin, and levothyroxine(for some thyroid problem. And yes I keep the subutex under my tongue for sometimes 30 minutes as long as I can. I'm trying to drink a lot of water. Eating I'm not that good at. Oh and yes I see my pain management Dr. Who is also my primary care Dr. Who prescribed my the subutext on Thursday.
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3197167 tn?1348968606
A few questions for you, Lisa, ok?

Are you on any other meds at all?  What are you drinking and eating?
No alcohol, right?
Are you fully dissolving the subutex pill?  Not chewing it or swallowing it?

And, sorry to lamblast you with questions....last question...is the dr you are seeing Thursday the one that prescribed the subutex?
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Avatar universal
Clean I'm trying so hard to hang in there. I can't get in until Thursday. I'm going to read the pamphlet again because I can't fail. I'm just so scared and anxious. I just want to scream....crying isn't helping. I don't know what to do. I'm still all over the place. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells. Like at any second I'm going to shatter. Sorry for rambling. I'm just at a loss or maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself. I just don't know anymore.
Helpful - 0
3197167 tn?1348968606
Hi, Lisa....was wondering about you today and how you are doing.

Your dr should be back from vacation this coming Monday, right?  
Maybe you can get in to see him to discuss how you are doing.

The other thing I was gonna suggest.....is to get the drug fact sheet that came with your subutex.  Read, in particular, the paragraphs that address "dosing instructions".  A lot of people think they must take the subs at very specific intervals...and if I remember correctly, the drug fact sheet gives you more than one option as to how you choose to dose yourself.  

Maybe you can shorten the time between doses and see how it works for you.  Just remember, you came off two very strong opioids and while the subs should "cover" you.....you may need to adjust your times between.
Glad you are hanging in there.....please keep talking to us....and call your dr as soon as you can with your concerns.

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Avatar universal
I've been on subutext for over a week now. I'm hanging on by a thread. I'm having such a hard time in the afternoon between my my 8am dose and my 6pm dose. I've been journaling, chanting, praying and breathing. I feel like I'm losing it! I can't fail I just can't . I know my body and mind are still adjusting. I'm just. I don't know what I am right now. Honestly I don't know what to do.
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Avatar universal
btw I started on 24 mgs and dropped to 16 but was forced to detox at that point which was a living hell. but I  know I wouldn't been able to do it any other way. good luck. everyone here will support u
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Avatar universal
I have a lot if sub experience I'm 2 months off everything. I'm here if u have any ?s. I know it can be tough adjusting to sub
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4810126 tn?1503942735
We're so glad you're here! Congrats on your detox. What day are you on? Are the Subs helping with some of the symptoms?

(Btw, you just thanked us!! Much appreciated & you don't have to worry about writing individual notes, etc.) You've got enough to deal with right now. Stay with us & keep posting whenever you feel the need. This is YOUR place. :)
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