methadone to suboxone (desperate)

[Branwest]

I have been an opiate addict for approx. 15 years.  The last 9 I have been on methadone.  I was on 150mg's most of my time there but on 100mg's for the last 3 years.  B/c of problems trying to taper down, I decided to switch to suboxone.  The sub doc said to wait 48 hrs before taking the sub, I waited 50, and it sent me into precipitated w/d's (severe).  I ended up in the hospital and they put me back on 100mg's of methadone.  B/c I didn't call the metha clinic while in the hosp, they discharged me, so I have no choice but to go on the sub (sublingual strips).  It has been 4 hrs short of 7 days since I've had anything (besides valium) and I don't know when it will be safe to start taking the sub.  My last experience scared me to death, to the point where I was wanting to just end it all rather than continue going through the excruciating w/d's, though luckily, I made the correct decision to go to the hospital.  At this point I am desperate and feel hopeless so any advice given would be GREATLY appreciated.  When is it safe for me to start taking the sub?  

[weaver71]

At 5 days, the methadone is out of your system, except what is stored in bone and fat. I think the subs would be okay now, 48hrs is not even close to long enough. What kind of sub program are you in? I truly believe counseling, meetings and a definite plan of action. I can't give dose advice, but this is what my doctor had me do. My last dose of methadone was 160mgs, I switched to 200mgs of norco for 4 days, just to take the edge off, then wait 24 hrs with nothing. I induced with 4 mg sub and added another 4mgs 1/2 hr later. I felt fine after that. It took about a week to stabilize.

So, what is your plan with subs? Do you know the effects of long term sub use? do you know what sub withdrawal is like? i would have a lot of knowledge and a set plan if chosing subs. Without strong aftercare, they would not have worked for me, nothing would have.

Keep posting and send me a PM if you want, you will get through this, let me know how I can help.

[nursegirl6572]

Yes, you definitely need to taper down to a lower dose of Methadone before transitioning to Sub.  If it's been 7 days since you took anything, my advice would be to keep on trucking!  That's awesome!

If you decide you don't want to try to keep going, then I would recommend getting back on the Methadone, tapering down to a lower dose before going on the Subs.

Best of luck!

[adams48]

That did not work contact me here if u need more help. we will figure out somthing.

[adams48]

Hello Branwest

    First, you are supposed to be on a very low dose of done before thinking of taking suboxone,10mg or less. I know several people who went to Drs that startrd them on suboxone on high doses of done and the same thing happened to you.
    The best advice I can give you Is to get back on methadone. Most states allow you to kep your same phase unless you have been gone over 89 days.Then you slowly bring yourself down yourself. Dont tell the clinic what you r doing or you pay the same price for less meds. T here is a drug called clonodine that helps with withdraws.
   I have been on the clinic for 20 tears. Got up to 200mg at one time. It took about 2 years but I gradually decreased down to 30 mg now. MY situation might be different because I have chronic pain. Suboxone does nothinf 4 pain I hear. It takes dedication to decrease when you have your normal dose but u have extra for pain or for emergencies for when the economy collapses,GOD forbid, its a reality then would have some to get off with less withdraw. The other thing I know is ultra rapid Detox.

                                                                                      Wish u the Best
                                                                                          adams48