questions about suboxone

[bahamamama07]

I just started taking suboxone 3 days ago. I am having side-effects. These side-effects are listed in the info I got with my prescription, but it says to notify my doc immediately. The problem is I do not want him to take me off of them. This is the first time in years I have went 3 days w/out pain pills (hydrocodone, oxycodone). So I guess I'm just wondering if anybody out there has had similar side-effects. They include: trouble breathing at night, trouble sleeping, forgetfulness/confusion, headache, chills, sweating, dizzyness. I know it sounds bad, but the sife-effects are better than the alternative!! Has anyone else had these?

[marcatj]

hey david, you posted on an old thread, so this may not get seen.  i would suggest you post a new thread so you get some feedback.

personally, i have heard with a slow taper you'll be FINE.  i just went from 4 mg. to 2 mg. and i am fine... you just have to do it really really slow.

don't panic and think the worst until you have really started the taper.  go down to 3 mg... or 2, spaced a little closer together than the 4 you are taking now.. until you can get down to 2 only per day.  then stay on that for a few weeks, then down to 1.5 - 2.  that sort of thing.  your body will tell you if its too fast or too slow.

don't think the worst!  if you do this slowly, you should be just fine,..

warmly,
mj

[davidblueyes]

I've been on Suboxone for almost 3 years. I take 4 Mg a day. I want to stop the treatment and have heard it will not be easy. I am worried abouth the WD's and sde effects. Has anyone out there successfully tapered off and are able to maintain an opiate free life??Just wondering??

[lifesaride]

thats why you have (side effects) your in w/ds I just wonder why you wouldnt take what the dr prescribed. I would forget the 1/2s just do 1 in the am and in in pm. like 10days the go to 1 a day the half thing dosent make sense unless your tricking your brain to think your gonna feel better cuz your doing a pill, 37 hr life they have 1/2 , whole , 10 at a time, 37 hrs is the sub life so just do the whole 8mg 8-10 hrs later bang the other 8mg, 10 days later then do your 1 a day thing, do it 10days then taper appropriately

[wait2long]

make a plan and stick to it...and aftercare is so very important for long term success, i cant stress this enough...taking a pill for 21 days or even 2 years without getting to any core issue or the root of the problem will not help you achieve your goal.
  i am on long term and do not regret my decision one bit.
but everyone has their own plan and their own reaction to this medication...
but being informed, ask questions, read anything and everything you can so you know exactly what to and how to make a suitable plan for you...
read, read, read!!  lol...
good luck!

[bahamamama07]

Thanks again for the comments.

I get 14 8mg pills per week. I am supposed to take 2 per day in 1/2s  (4 - 1/2 pills) throughtout the day. I have ony been taking 1 pill a day though except for yesterday I took 1 and a 1/2.

I have a 4 month plan to be on subs. Of course, this is my plan, not my docs.

[worried878]

how much do u take each day?  is ur plan long term use or r u gonna taper down...with use over a month or so addiction can be inevitable to the sub

[cattalina]

Your worry about becoming addicted to suboxone is a valid concern.  Long term use of this med does cause physical dependence.  I can tell you that for a fact, as I have been on suboxone for almost 17 months and have been trying to get off for almost 5 months.In my opinion, suboxone is a great tool for (certain) addicts who have tried many times to get clean with no success.  It is not a miracle drug and it does come with a long list of negatives when taken long term.  I truly believe that no one should be on this med long term... again, my opinion.  Also, unfortunately, many doctors prescribing suboxone do not have the knowledge neccessary to properly treat people.  Please do research online about sub, talk to people who have taken it and form your own opinion.  The length of time you choose to be on this medication will determine your future - please don't take this decision lightly!  If I can help in any way, please let me know!  Good luck and keep posting.

[bahamamama07]

Thanks for the comments!

Yes. I also have the tendency to imagine side-effects. I hope that's what it is. I go back to the doc Fri and I will see what he says.

I also worry about becomiing addicted to suboxone. My doc assures me that this is not trading one addiction for another, but I'm not sure if I believe him or not. Guess we'll see.

Thanks again

[cattalina]

Everything except for the trouble breathing at night is relatively normal.  When I first went on suboxone I had many of the same side effects and more.  You should contact your physician as you may do better on subutex - which is buprenorphine with NO naloxone.  But keep in mind that suboxone and subutex come with their own list of problems and the meds alone will not keep you clean.  From personal experience I can tell you that suboxone/subutex work best when used for a short period of time (4 months or less).  But that's a decision you have to make based on your own opinions.  Contact your doctor about having trouble breathing - it could be from the meds or it could be anxiety, but it's best to be safe.  GL

[mtgoat911]

you say that the side affects of sub are better than the alternative
you say the only alternative is going back to pain meds

please take an outside perspective

the alternative is a life free of narcotics

the side afffects to this including living happy, joyas and free

suboxone is not a treatment for addiction, it is another addiction
kind of like quiting beer to drink vodka

i suggest that you get off the suboxone while you can

soon your body will become as addicted to suboxone as it was to the other narcotics

if i can live drug free so can you!!!

i have hope for myself today and i also have hope for you~~~~

[uphill7584]

I have never really heard of any getting anything but relief from SUB. I would talk to the doctor, maybe your dose is too low.... a lot of those symptoms resemble WDs.

Also... (I ask this because I tend to do it) .... is there any chance this could be brought on by your head. I have a tendency to imagine side effects if I read about the before I take a med. But that is just me.

Ultimately, call your doc.

[kim715]

btt