addiction

[Bigmon]

I been on suboxone a few years but for the year or so only taking one third of a 2mg/0.5mg strip per day.
But I dont understand what that means?  Is it 2 or .5mg in a strip?  Whatever it is I only use 1/3 of a strip a day.
I had a heart cath wed the 16 and my last dose of sub was tue the 16th.  It is now daythree only.  Yesterday I thought I was going to die.  Ach all over and absolutley exhausted.  I thought due to the cath meds.  But after reading all these stories I think its the sub?
How long will this last??

[Bigmon]

I want to thank everyone here that has helped me, and is helping me thru this tuff time.
I THINK I have a handle on how to taper off this suboxone.  I sure hope I do.
I know I was going at it all wrong.  I need smaller steps.
In a week or so I will reduce my dose a little.  I will get back and let everyone know how its going.
Thanks again so much.

[Bigmon]

Thanks all for the help.
Well I just had all I could stand and with my recent heart cath wed this week and all those drugs etc  I wasnt sure what was happening.
So I caved and took a small amout, one quarter of a strip.  It took an hour or so but now there is some relief.
I am going to do the quarter strip for a few days while I recoup, then I am going to taper off.
My question is what is the best way?
Should I skip a day and go a week or so, or cut the dose but do it every day for a little longer.
I have allot of work ahead of me taking care of my parents who are elderly.  There is no way I could have done anything for them in the condition I was in.
I really am not that good now but I think I can function.
Really, has anyone ever gotten off of this stuff completley?!?!/
I feel like a darned junkie not being able to control this problem.
It is terrible.
Thanks again, Pray for me!

[Clong45]

Hey bigmon..
You have been on subs for a few years now.  Buprenorphine is a pretty strong partial agonist,   It stays in your system longer than most opiates.  Thus, doing more damage.   The worst part about sub withdraw is insomnia.  I didn't sleep for 3 days one time.  Aching and no energy will slowly venture back in but you must remain patient.  There will be day when you feel fine, the boom!, you are feeling extremely lazy.  Waves of energy, emotions, etc...It's just the mind and body trying to get on with life without the "juice" you have been feeding them.  Your are down to a pretty low dose.   I'd tough it out.  Any thing you do now will set you back.  

[Bigmon]

thanks to all.
Actually I had been taking a third strip for the last couple months.  Just these last few days its been NOTHING>
Maybe a little too drastic?
I have plaenty left to take and taper off.
I could go to a quarter and see.
But this motning is Sat urday an Tuesday was my last taking so I hate to waste all the pain I had those first couple.
Thanks again.
BTW, I am seeing better this morning but could hardly read last nite so something might be letting up?

[clean_in_ks]

It was for me. (the blurred vision I mean).....you are doing REALLY well on this taper.  As Vicki595 explained, there are TWO different meds IN that ONE strip of sub...the amount of suboxone (which is what you need to be concerned with) in the strip is 2 mg which you are cutting up into 1/3's and you have been doing this for 3-/12 days, right?  Well, you sound like you are keeping your dr. in the loop, that you are doing a good, slow taper and by only taking 1/3 of a 2 mg strip.....you can stay there until you level out and then decrease it again.  We can't be specific about tapers here, but you get the idea.  Some peeps that get off subs wean down as you are and then go every other day with that amount and then every two days, etc. and then just jump off for good.  The w/drawal symptoms are more obvious since you've only been at this level for 3-1/2 days....so just take it slow....and yes....the w/drawals do have "waves" of bad.....then not too bad and it isn't consistent.......but the best news is....YOU ARE DOING IT and you are doing well.
Keep on keepin on and you'll be free before you know it~

[Bigmon]

WOW!!  Is blurred vision part of this suboxone wd???????

[Bigmon]

Mine is marked 2mg / o.5 mg?
I dont know if that means a strip contains 2mg or a half mg ?  I dont understand what that means.
I think it is a small dose strip.  And I cut it in 3 pc and use one pc each day so thats only a third a strip a day.
But this is really pretty tough.
But I must say it seems to fluctuate between real dad and just bad, or even a little better.
But I have only been at this 3 1/2 days.
Will it get better or worse for awhile??
Thanks to everyone that answers.  This gives me a new appreciation for addicted people, no matter how or why.

[vicki595]

It sounds like your strip is 2mg of Buprenorphine and 0.5mg of naloxone...so I guess you're taking 1/3 of that...Is this what's ordered and does your doctor know you stopped?

Sub wd's can be quite unpleasant from what I've read and seen and they are described as coming in waves, as well.  The acute phase can last a week to 10 days and gradually improves.   With your cardiac issues, it would be best to talk with your doctor and let him treat these wd's appropriately or taper you down a bit more from the Sub.

[VICourageous]

Hi your strip should be 1strip =8mg..If that is the case then there will be 2mg if you cut it down in fours..I only did the subs for 4days from a Long ride on Methadone..So if you just keep checking back you will get some real great information..It is slow right now..OK The best of luck to you..You will be fine...

[FourJays]

I do have a lot of experience with the pain killers (15 years of pretty heavy use), and I know that withdrawal from those was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  So I can relate from that aspect, but I don't know about the suboxone as far as amounts, how long is stays in your system, etc.  But if you can stay close here, someone will come along that can give you more information.  You will get through this . . . congrats on the 3 1/2 days - hang in there....

[Bigmon]

Well thanks and it's nice to get a reply so fast.
I have no experience with drugs other than being caught up in prescrip pain killers a few years back.  My dr helped me get off with suboxone which at the time was a Godsend.
But I really want off this Sub oxone now.  There is just no reason to be taking it other than I seemsto be addicted to it now.  I was down to 1/4 pill just a couple months back but that did not quite get the job done.  Now it is in film form.  And 1/3 a film will get me thry the day.
Its so strange that such a small difference makes such a difference.
My dr cant believe that I still need it yet such a small amount.
I am only on day 3 1/2 or so.  It can be really bad, but at times I feel better.  It is like waves coming and going every half hour or so.
How long will this keep up???
Thanks for any help

[FourJays]

Hi and welcome .....So glad you found this site!  I don't have personal experience with suboxone but many folks here do; you have come to the right place.  Hang in there and I'm sure more will come along to lend you some support.  Good luck :))