suboxone dosage

[Eva505]

I started suboxone two years ago and moved to NM and was unable to get a doctor after the move.  I called every number listed and every number those numbers would give me 11 times over 18 months.  The first time I was on Suboxone my initial dose was 8mg a day.  I had tapered down to 3, 1.5 pills when I had to give up suboxone and return to my drugs of choice because I cannot handle withdrawal.  

Finally, a couple of weeks ago I got lucky and found a new doctor before he was full.  YAY!  I went in for induction on Thur the 14th and it took 4 strips to get me out of W/D.  But he directed me to take 2 a day, 1 twice a day for 4mg.

I felt ok until Friday night.  I started to feel agitation and then stomach cramping and all that entails over night last night.  I barely slept more than two hours without waking.  I HURT all over and the anxiety and agitation are bad, so bad I don't know how I am going to work and my boss is not very understanding.  Lose the job, lose the insurance.  

I called today and left a message with the answering service.  This is like early w/d and when I take a strip it eases back some for about 4 hours but then it builds and builds til I can barely drive my daughter to work and we sure as heck can't afford both of us out of work.  

What should I tell the doctor?  I mean I think I need to up to at least 3 a day.  I did not have this problem the first time I was on subox.  I tapered down to 1.5 pills (3mg from 8) in just 3 months.  

Thanks for your help.  (and this doc is the only one accepting patients, and he may be closed by now in the entire state of NM)

Lana

[salsinator]

Hi Eva,

I am glad that you are doing better.  I know what you mean about no sleep.  When I finally got off suboxone, I went through about a week with very little sleep.  Unfortunately this is normal and it does get better.  Coming out on the other side is so worth it.  Keep moving forward and keep us posted.

[Eva505]

Salsinator,

I agree.  I want to go with the lowest safe dose for me.  I want to avoid feeling like it might not be woIrking.  I am even better today.  My withdrawal feelings are now limited to a bit of a runny nose and sleeplessness which could be other things in the way.

That said, not sleeping will get me into trouble emotionally if it goes on too long.  I once lived in an apartment when I worked graveyard.  During the day the grounds crew was out at least three days a week with mowers, blowers, weedwhackers and carts that beeped in reverse.  My bedroom was a buzzing sleepfree zone during the day and I went off the deep end that spring.  I finally moved out in a fit of rage one day and suffered with a broken lease.  I honestly thought I could have killed someone those days.

No sleep is very bad for Eva's well being.  And anyone around me as well. :)

Eva

[vicki595]

I'm glad you're feeling better and I hope you can hang on until Tuesday. If you want to get off the Sub ASAP, this would be the way to do it.

Sub is a huge money maker so...that could be why a lot of them won't prescribe the generic. I hope you're off this soon, for your sake!

[Eva505]

OK, he called and we talked.  He asked me to try to make it to Tues but to call him if I can't.  If I score above a 10 on COWS he'll up my dose.  He said there are other options if my pain/discomfort are not strictly withdrawal symptoms and we'll address them if they are.  I feel a bit better this evening.  

I still think 6mgs would be better for me but IF I can make it on 4 I am all for it.  My goal is to get off so the less now the closer that may be.  My goal is control right now, not complete freedom.  I do not want to bite off more than I can chew.  

I am taking two 2mg strips a day.  

Isn't it funny that Subox is now sold generic but you can't find a doc to save your life that will prescribe the generic.  :P

Eva

[vicki595]

What do you mean he may be closed by now? Do you mean for the day?

Clearly, you're not taking enough Sub. I hope he calls you back. Are these 2mg strips?  It's a little confusing. You might try an urgent care clinic to get some advice on dosing, if he doesn't call you back. Also, check with your pharmacy to be sure you got the right amount of drug to begin with. They make mistakes sometimes...

Let us know how you are-

[Elmijack15]

I hope the doctor calls you back, if it took that amount thru induction, I have no idea why he'd prescribe 4mgs a day. Sounds like your dose is too low. Tell him what/how you're feeling, you should not feel like that if you're taking the right dose, which apparently you're not. Best of luck