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Please help, problems with suboxone after methadone???

hi there, finally someone who has been on both, i just switched to subs from 10 years of methadone, 2 years clean in between, stupid? but it has been a week and my head hurts, leg spasm, digestive system, pelvis running to knees pain, also back pain, feels like every organ in pain still! while i dont feel like i am in withdrawal in other manners, why is this i have no relief? I do have back problems, etc. But it was not like this on done, or the two day withdrawal to get on subs, is it the drug, withdrawal. i think a bit of alcohol withdrawal too! But i am ready to give up suboxone at 12 mgs, i think, is this high enough to not feel the pain, as with methadone i could take codeine, this blocks it, my dr. lied to me! And how do i taper like you did, what did u do exactly, please help!
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Avatar universal
i'm not on a mobile site? i am on pc. how do i respond to everyone in one reply, when questions, etc. are all different, then it will appear extremelly scattered? They should make it so if i reply to you, it goes under your comment, then immediately under anothers comment, not all at bottom of list. But who am i to say, all i can do is try! lol!
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Avatar universal
see i posted the last question on a different thread i have on here, now its on this one too? why do they keep overlapping, no wonder so confusing!
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Avatar universal
sorry what is the difference between films and tablets! i know it is sublingual? I doubt it! Suboxone is new to Canada and brand new to drug plans, which is why i switched! In the long run, besides the pain, i prefer the subs over the done, Anyday, plus i have no appetite, so i will quickly lose the 30 pounds i put on with methadone! WOO HOO You are right, it is getting better and maybe jumping the gun too soon as it will be 2 weeks on Thurs. Thank you for all info, even though my threads are jumping around and being put together as "one topic appears to be similar to next" that is email i got from this team anyways!
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480448 tn?1426948538
Just a friendly recommendation...may make the "scattered" effect a little better.  

You can put all of your replies to everyone in ONE reply.  Unless that's not possible on the mobile site.  The other source of confusion comes from you posting to numerous different threads at a time...many of them very old threads (which the people are most likely not around anymore).

If you're using the mobile site...maybe when you get a chance, try logging in from a pc and navigate the full site a bit, to get a better feel for things.
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Avatar universal
I cant even find all of mine, lol! But the fact now is i cant get subutex in Canada! Despite the differences in side effects on leaflet, the only other conclusion is that maybe i can't handle the fillers or other ingredients, sweeteners, fructose, glucose, citric acid, etc. AND that is exactly why I was able to get my methadone with straight water, which is highly unusual! I do see a naturopath, and THE best sports medicine doctor too! I am able to train again off the methadone and I eat organic natural foods, esp. gmo's. I drink RO only, no juice or pop! So i will give it another week, try to come down by two, and hopefully it stabilizes by then. Thanks for all of your help!
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Avatar universal
No my dear, I was put on oxycontins since I was 14 up to 24, when they directed me for pain management = Methadone! worst mistake I ever made! But its a bit too late for that now! As said the scattering of messages is from site, which sent me an email saying they are removing post and linking to another one. and 2nd, I am replying to different people! This is just how it goes on this site i guess, and i am new to the site so what can i say! I never took recreational drugs. I have a legitimate sleep disorder waking 33 times per hour as per two sleep studies and GAD, also thyroid issues! That is it and all!
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480448 tn?1426948538
Are you using the mobile site?  Or the full site?

I'm not as familiar with the mobile site, but I know the full site lists all of the threads.  When you click and open the thread, all of the replies (including yours) will be under your first post.

Takes some getting used to.
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Avatar universal
YES I HAVE TOLD THE TRUTH, I have weekly urine tests and I had to have a letter from my family dr. Naming exactly what drugs i was taking, which incl. codeine, trazadone, imovane, valium, to enable me to have methadone carries. I also have diagnoses from psychiatrist! In fact i got water with my methadone no juice and 6 carries to boot, so if that isn't a potential for a disaster, if he didn't trust that i don't misuse my medication, i would think that would be more harmful then subutex. And there is always a risk with both Done and Subs with respiratory depression when taken with benzo's, sleep meds, alcohol, etc.  I don't know why this is scattered but it says who i am replying to on top of each post! Sorry! I can't get another Dr., as this is Canada and only 2 clinics in my city! The other one is too busy, and i have been there before with all my meds the same!
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Avatar universal
It was the methadone that craved alcohol and food, since subs i have no need or want for it! If my messages are all over the place that is because i am replying to different people, somehow this site lists them 1 by 1 at bottom, instead of right under the person i am replying to which would make far more sense. I am not on valium right now, I take as needed, and i have not needed 1 in a week to answer the other question! And to scatter it up a bit more, I have read posts that say spit it out so that is why i am wondering, as it is sublingual and wont do anything if swallowed, what is the point of swallowing all that crap left over! Thank you!
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480448 tn?1426948538
I agree with the above comments.

Benzos and buprenorphine taken concurrently is strongly contraindicated, even if they are legitimately prescribed.  Most sub docs have pretty strict rules about not accepting patients who are on benzos.  That could be causing some of the way you feel.

I agree that it's worth it to look into other pain management options, while you try to get the sub sorted out.  I would be willing to bet that your side effects are more likely related to an incorrect dose (too low, too high) rather than the naloxone.  The naloxone really is a non issue, taken sublingually, it's barely absorbed and does not do much of anything,  It was put in sub as more of a deterant than anything.  As weaver said, the bupe itself is what blocks other opiates, not the naloxone.

I would be concerned about your alcohol use.  It's good that you aren't craving alcohol now, but I would recommend addressing that, as you admit to abusing it in the past.  

You fervently declare you're not an addict, and you very well may not be, but there have been lots of red flags raised for me personally.  I think it would be a good idea to maybe do some soul searching on that, just to be sure.  If you are dealing with addiction (the alcohol abuse alone is a concern), then you're going to need to address your pain management from a slightly different angle, having a plan in place for handling any controlled substances.

Hope you figure it all out.  You never did answer too, what was your doc writing on the form you said you were concerned about?

Good luck to you!
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Avatar universal
I've been off methadone for 13 months, I still don't have the motivation I did back in the day. I know you don't think of yourself as an addict, but dealing with my mental/emotional issues has helped with my motivation and even the physical pain. You seem really set on subs, is that due to having tried all other forms of pain relief. In Europe, where subs were invented, the butran patch is most common. The patch comes in 5, 10, and 20mcgs. It would take 50 of the strongest patches to equal 1mg of suboxone or subutex. The fog and lack of enthusiasm is common amongst long term sub users. My friend has been on 8mgs for over 5 yrs now, I can see how it has changed him. It is better than taking all the Oxys he was, but like all opiates, subs come with some side effects. I think you will have to decide if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. You have CBT and all the other practices you mentioned, that is fantastic, now it's time to search for physical therapy or alternatives to drugs for pain relief. They simply stop working over time. What do you think is the source of your pain?
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4810126 tn?1503942735
Hi, again! I just wanted to add that the last time I took Buprenorphine was to detox off of Methadone. It was actually Subutex & I experienced many of the same symptoms you & Weaver71 describe -- as did 8 of my 11 fellow opiate addicts that were with me in detox. (This is one of the reasons I'm asserting that it's not the Naloxone.) I've also taken courses of injectible Buprenorphine when it was being 'tested' in the late '90's, here & later Suboxone. The effects were the same. (Just my experience.)
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4810126 tn?1503942735
Hi! I'd just like to second my friend Digger76 above & also all the other posters. You sound like you're a bit scattered at the moment. Definitely, look into another doctor. You will not feel the Codeine or any other opiate through the Suboxone. Also, unless you're pregnant, the Naloxone will make no difference as it is the Subs that has the stronger receptor- binding affinity -- (meaning it's the Beprenorphine itself that is blocking other opiates.)

To tell you the truth, most responsible Drs. wouldn't prescribe Benzos, sleep meds (?) & Subs at the same time. The Naloxone is the last thing I'd be worried about re; your symptoms. Just so you know, you might actually be on too high a dose of Suboxone. That might very well explain the discomfort & some of your symptoms. (A higher dose doesn't relieve more pain it just exacerbates the side effects. Suboxone has a 'ceiling dose'.) I Hope you get a decent doctor, sort this out & get properly stabilized on either Subs or Methadone. Are you in any form of counseling at present? Best of Luck To You.





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Avatar universal
I have just read your new thread, If you have a question you should just write down at the bottom of this thread, then you will have your full story on one page for reference when you need it. You should be swallowing the whole dose after it has fully dissolved under your tongue, spit nothing out, can't understand how you came about the idea of spitting it out in the first place. Could I ask you how much Valium you are taking at the moment, its just I was taking valium whilst I was on subs and had to stop because it was making me hyper with crazy mood swings. I was buying my valium on the street though but its still the same effect. Just be careful is all I'm saying, you seem to be in spin and you need to take it so much slower and calm down. Everything will level off soon enough if your taking your subs correctly?. Take care of yourself. I think you need to find a new Dr by the way, the one you have sound useless. Unless it is you asking for to much from him, that will scare any Dr into submission. Forget the Codine..
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Avatar universal
sorry not 7 weeks, 11 months to feel motivated with subs or without methadone and subs! Because i feel highly unmotivated right now and while on methadone unless i am forced to do something, like work, lol! But the pain and the unmotivation was way worse still after 2 years clean off methadone! It's like, when will this end, I dont have years and years to lie around and feel better! And how, in which way did they make you feel "weird"
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Avatar universal
If you read the 70 different side effects of suboxone, which are scary and 1 1/2 pages long, I experiencing 1/3, and 1/3 i don't understand! Then it says bupenorphine alone, and side effects are 1 little paragraph, so I say it must be the naloxone! I am on thyroid meds, sleep meds, and Valium as needed! I am not anxious, though I was feeling so sick and withdrawal at 1st my mind can't think straight! I do feel much better on Subs, non of the brutal effects which is methadone now that I have been on 12ms subs for 2 weeks now!
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Avatar universal
Did you mean that it took you 7 weeks off everything or 7 weeks while on subs for methadone to dissapate? I dont know if you are suppost to swallow the stuff that keeps building up in your mouth or spit it out also?I am actually trained in CBT, I do tons of meditation and spiritual work! Sorry all about the confusion as I just wanted to get everything in there. OK I started taking methadone around 10 yrs ago. About 5 years in i quit cold turkey at 120mg. I went crawling back! So then after a year i tapered down to 10mg, and quit for 2 years. After 2 years of nothing, but excessive alcohol intake to numb the pain i had, lack of motivation, etc. I decided maybe i will never be able to get off of methadone, so i went back, which was stupid, because I felt the same due to underlying medical problems. Afrter 1 year back in, my drug plan now covered suboxone, due to the side effects and what i heard about subs, i switched now i am on 12 mgs of subs. At first i felt great, now the feeling is wearing off! My messages were linked together via the medhelp.org, as they deemed it easier, so that is why it is confusing as they were all suppost to be different posts! The law suit was different but linked in by them, as I have a great case, but nonetheless, clarified i hope!
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Avatar universal
You have to take subs 1-3 weeks to stabilize. 12 mg should be plenty. You had no precipitated withdrawal, so you are in transition from a full agonist to a partial agonist. I went from 200mg of methadone to 8mg of subs, I had to reduce to 6 mgs after a week. They made me feel weird. They build up in your system over the first 21 days, so you have more than 12mg in your system. Also, it is the buprenorphine that blocks the other opiates, Subutex will be no different. Your doctor sounds uneducated, but there is little you can do, if he follows protocol, which is pretty lose with subs. I was given wrong info about subs also, but ignorance is not a crime. I would not focus on the doctor and legal help. Focus on healing and try to relax. I know, easier said than done. I will say, methadone did make my pain worse, in the long run. It made me push myself as well, not good for a person with life long pain. Mine started at 11, that's when I started drugs. Your anxiety seems through the roof, that makes all the side effects worse. If you are not an addict, you are real close to becoming one. It took a 10-11 months to feel motivated after methadone, and it's still improving after a year. What else do you do for pain, besides pills? Physical therapy, cognative therapy, church?
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480448 tn?1426948538
I agree.  Take a deep breath...and slow down, and also please try to keep all of your comments and questions to one thread.  You have several threads started, and also older threads bumped.  It becomes very hard to follow hon, and very confusing.

You're looking for Subutex because you feel you cannot tolerate the Naloxone, correct?  How do you know it's the Naloxone? How long have you been on the Sub?  What dose of Methadone were you at when you switched, and how long did you wait in between your last dose of Methadone and first dose of Sub?  Are you doing this through a Sub doc?

You stated before you're not an addict...so I can only assume this is for pain management?  Have you ever abused your prescriptions?  Did you run out early?  Any history of abuse of substances or alcohol?  Is everything you take Rxed to you?

You state the pain doctor is writing something on the form...what form?  Were you dismissed from his care as a patient?  if so, why?  What reason was given?

If you can repost on this thread (only please)....and answer some of the questions we've all asked, it may help to clear this all up.  I think personally you're jumping the gun assuming you're having symptoms due to the naloxone...it is much more likely your sub dose is too high, or your transition from methadone to sub wasn't done properly...either too soon after your last dose of methadone, or your dose of methadone was still too high where you don't have proper coverage with the suboxone.  Don't jump the gun here and assume anything.  

Hopefully you can elaborate and clarify, then we can try to make sense of your specific concerns and what kind of recommendations we can offer.
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am totally confused.  What exactly are you taking?  And now a personal injury lawyer??
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1416133 tn?1351123217
Oh dear, you are all over the place. What exactly are you taking right now?  Your posts are very confusing.. and difficult to understand.  And you're jumping around from thought to thought at a frantic pace.

Please be careful, I'm not sure what's going on, or what you're taking exactly, but your posts are very concerning.
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Avatar universal
Thank you guys for all your help! If anyone knows a good personal injury lawyer in Canada please let me know as this stands to make us a lot of $$$$$$$ and VERY surprised no one has thought of this case!
Thank you all and Namaste.
God bless all of you!
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Avatar universal
Yet at same, i wanted a referall to pain management or rhumatologist, well now rhumatologist dont deal with firbomyalgia here anymore, and pain clinic wount except me i think he is writing something on form.........This is not fair to me at all! And thankfully i have a VERY supportive husband, but he is no meds, healthy as horse and does not understand at all!
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Avatar universal
and really it has only been 7 days, i feel good, exept for the pain!!!!!!!! Better than done anyways, just dont want too go to high, even though ceiling effect, i feel the end of getting off, and i had 48 hours b4 i switched, no pref. withdrawal. I dont know what alcohol has to do with it but i drank my liver off on meth, subs i dont have urge!
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