Controlled withdrawal from Subutex

[lizziecerys]

Hi everyone,
My partner has been engaging with drugs services for the past year and he has been reducing his Subutex script by 0.4 every week, he began on 16ml. He is now at 0.4 and as of this Tuesday he will be off Subutex completely. He is already suffering quite badly with withdrawal symptoms - cold sweats, tingles in his legs and difficulty sleeping as well as rushing to the toilet etc. I expect and he already knows that this will only get worse once he is off them completely come the middle of the week. I suppose my question is how can I support him with this and what can I do to make it easier? He is very matter of fact about it and knows he just has to ride it out, I am dreading it to be honest but wonder if I am building it up in my head to be this awful thing when in fact it won't be as bad as I think. I have never touched drugs in my life and so have little understanding of what this whole thing will entail. I just want it to be over as soon as possible and for him to suffer as little as possible - even though I know that probably won't be the case. Can anyone shed some light on this for me and give me some advice as to how I can help him? I am so proud of him. Thanks.

[weaver71]

Read the Subpxone/Sunutex FAQs at the bottom of this page under Health Pages. Get informed and form a new plan. I tapered too fast on methadone and kept relapsing. Don't be devastated, stay motivated. If he drops every 21 days, he has time to stabilize before more withdrawals hit. Slow and steady wins the race. He has made a common mistake. This process is more about patience, endurance, support, than strength and willpower. He can do this, but prepetation and knowledge are key.

[Clong45]

Hello..

I'm just gonna chime in with a echo response from everyone above.  Sounds like too quick of a taper to me.  Very common trend right now with Subs.  Most who get on Bupremorphine to get away from their drug of choice eventually start thinking they are "normal" after awhile and forget that they are taking a STRONG partial agonist opiate.  There are plenty of success stories, but most lack the full knowledge of Subs cause of some doctors misinform patients that this is some kind of miracle drug.  He needs to regroup and make a better plan.  A SLOWER plan.  

[lizziecerys]

He hasn't been able to do it...he has gone to get a subutex tablet. I'm devastated.

[weaver71]

I think the taper was a little too fast, but nothing to be concerned about, if he is willing and ready to detox. He is still feeling the last two drops in dosage. It takes 21 days for sub to leave the body, then the healing begins. It seems that 30 days is a huge landmark for many, after last dose of sub. Lots of fluids, get him to move around or walk as much as possible, and protein drinks high in amino acids will help. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, lots of water and time, that is all it takes. Remind him how happy you are about his decision and give him plenty of hugs and space as well. The mental part gets a little wacky, but knowing you're there supporting and encouraging will help. I'm happy for both of you, life will never be the same, it will be better.

[clean_in_ks]

Welcome to the forum!  And good for you for supporting him!  Sounds like your partner has done a very wise taper and is in good hands medically.  In addition to the meds the clinic/his dr. are helping him with, having positive support from you will make a HUGE difference.  

In addition to just verbally encouraging him, you can get supplies that he might need (like immodium, nutritional supplements, an electrolyte drink like vitamin water (revive) or powerade, fixing small meals or snacks, a protein drink, having clean bedding, towels and cotton clothing washed and ready, a heating pad, those kinds of things would benefit him, too.  

Even tho his taper has been clinic controlled he will still experience "some" w/drawals when he finishes the .4 mg dose.....but if he has a "matter of fact" attitude and is determined to get r done......he'll do very well.  It will get better each day the subutex leaves his system.....and he will know a new freedom you Both can enjoy!  Best of luck to you both~

[lizziecerys]

Sorry yes 16mg - late night typing and too many thoughts in my head!
He has reduced by 0.4 per week for months now, and is now on one tablet of 0.4mg. I'm sorry I'm confused by the whole thing. He has tapered in a controlled way with weekly appointments with his drugs worker at the clinic.
His clinic have given him quinine, some other pain relief and zopiclone to help him sleep.
Thanks for your help :)

[abritt121222]

It sounds like the taper is to fast but I'm confused like nurse but guessing u meant he started at 16mg? If so there is no need for that much but the suboxone taper shouldn't be to bad when done correctly.

[nursegirl6572]

HI there!

Is your partner getting his Sun through a clinic?  If so, they may be able to help him with some non-addictive remedies to help with the w/d symptoms.  Also, there is the Thomas Recipe here that has some great tips on things he can do and take to help ease the symptoms a bit.  Nothing will take them away comepletely, that just takes time.

One thing I'm not 100% sure of is his dose..you said he was on 16ml, did you mean mg?  Is he being prescribed strips or tablets, and what is the dosage of each, and what portion of the strip/tab is he taking every day?

That may clear things up, because if the dosage is too high, he would benefit frm tapering down to a lower dose before coming off completely.  How fast is he tapering down, are there period in between his dosage reductions, if so, how much?

We'll help as much as we can.  You may also want to tell him to post, as he'll get lots of support!

Best to you both!