Suboxone issues and concerns... Numbness?!

[sunshinegal76]

Hi all,
I have been on sub now for 35 days! After almost 3 years on Norco, Oxy and Vicodin, I am so much better. BUT, this is not to say that I am not having other issues, some now. I am definitely fighting depression and used to be on fluoxotine (generic prozac) and am now on Wellbutin. I get constantly emotional and start crying out of the blue. I cannot seem to get a decent poo to save my life. Every 3 days I get a few pebbles. Every morning, my hands are completely numb and I cannot move them for a little while, I have to shake it out. Is there a circulation issue that is known with sub use? My doc called it "Carpopedal spasm." I don't know what to make of this. He suggested having my blood drawn and checking Vitamin D levels. He ALSO said that he thinks I should be on the SUB for at least a year. WHAT?! I'm thinking he is crazy.

I started out at 24 mg and am now down to 12 mg. I think I am going to continue tapering on my own. He also suggested taking fluoxotine and wellbutrin. What are your thoughts and experiences? THANKS for all your replies in advance!

[Oxy480Jim]

Being on subs long term isn't a good idea if your goal was to quit the opiates in the first place.
The shorter the time you are on them, the better. A lot of people go for a 21 day taper, but it can be longer. Once you are stablized, then you generally start tapering.

The constipation is common with opiates. This is because they really slow down the gi trac.
You need to get as much fiber as possible. You can buy some flax seed fibre and sprinkle it on your morning cereal, dump it in your chili,  or just about anything. Also make sure you drink enough fluids. The fibre should do the trick. The golf balls will stop and you will be regular within a week. You can also use beni-fibre flavor crystals in your water bottle, along with the flaxseed fibre.

The Opiates also depress your respiratory system and slow down your heart. You tingling hands could be a sign that your BP is low, especially when you are at rest. Do you have a BP device at home? If not you can find a BP centre at just about any drug store, or Safeway has them near the pharmacy section.

If you look down the right side of the page you will see info about tapering off subs. next time you see your doc you can tell him what YOU want to do.

[sunshinegal76]

Thank you, Vicki. :) I think I may look into another doc. Not having insurance is tough! Hope you are doing well.

[vicki595]

Wow!  It could be many different things going on...

First: Get some Miralax and follow the directions. It works!  That will make you feel a lot better!

Depression: I don't know and your doctor may not either. Before mixing AD's, get another opinion.

Numbness:  Your blood vessels may be in spasm but why?  Diabetic?  Get the lab work he suggested.

Tapering on your own: You can do this but be sure you know what you're doing. Do it slowly...  A year seems too long to me but I'm not an expert. If you're getting aftercare and feeling like you can taper then you should!

Good to hear from you!  Keep in touch!