How long does it REALLY take before starting the suboxone from methadone?

[Iwannaquit40]

what is the half life of suboxone compared to thehalf life of methadone?

I am on 40mg and wondering if I can switch over to the subs. Im just very afraid to do it too quickly as my doctor instructed me to wait 12 to 18 hours....I said "are you kidding me?" I have heard of people waiting over 5 or 6 days and STILL have gone into instant precipitated withdrawal. Im not sure if I should start the subs at all... I cant find a doctor to taper me off the methadone but I am trying to find one and If I cannot...I might consider using the subs. If anyone can share their own expirences at 40mg a methadone, I would love to hear their stories

[weaver71]

Do whatever it takes, that's what it takes. You got that, saying you have to have hope in all parts of life, shows that you get it. Keep searching in every direction you can. Try everything you can, it will work if you work it. Love your attitude, that goes far in this business. Apply hope to all those other things and life and there will be no hope for drugs.

[Iwannaquit40]

By the way,  Ive gone form 90mg to 40 in 8 months and the 40 is holding me just fine for the last month or so. I was on methadone for 7 years so Im doing ok with that being said. Its the mental part and depression that is really hard to cope with, even more than the physical pain. Im just trying to stay centered and taking it slow. Just wanted to add that. =)

[Iwannaquit40]

I feel awful that I haven't responded to any of you guys on here. I forgot I posted this particular question. I made a shortcut to my desktop but it didn't bring me back to this page and that's why I didn't see it.

Hope is something that you have to keep alive forever, not just when it comes to this, when it comes to everything! I was at wits end a week ago and Im really sticking to my guns. Im still going to find a doctor to taper me off if I could from the methadone as its so much cheaper than bupe but one way or the other...Im taering so whatever path I go down, Ill end up clean in the end. Thanks again for the encouragement!

[Iwannaquit40]

This is crazy, I just realized that I forgot I even posted this particular question for all to answer. Ive been so wrapped up as you know.....thanks

[Iwannaquit40]

Thanks, Its been a long time coming.....I just have to make a plan and stick to it. Weaver is an incredible model of determination and a story of success. He has helped me so much beyond words. Everyone here in the forum are GREAT! Im so glad I joined....=)

[katmandu516]

Hi there, and welcome to the forum!  You have gotten some great advice from Weaver, and a congratulations from Seaside. I would also like to say congratulations on wanting to get clean and sober.  It's great that you are trying to find a decent Dr. who will help you taper down. We are not allowed to give tapering advice on this forum. But we can encourage you to find a Dr., or go back to your old Dr. and get some good solid advice on tapering. Good Luck my friend. It's not going to be easy, but it is doable. We all have gone through it and it is sooo worth it to feel like your old self again. So God Bless and Keep posting, so we know how you are doing! And remember..YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

[CRSeaside]

Congratulations on your decision.  

[weaver71]

An amount of time is not a good way to decide when to take it, too many individual considerations for different bodies

[weaver71]

Google COWS chart. Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Sheet. You should rate as moderate withdrawal before switching from methadone. The chart is what doctors are instructed to use for sub induction.