Pain Relief after Subutex

[judybug999]

I want to know what I can take for pain relief if I go off Subutex. Been on it 2 yrs. after 15 yrs. of high OxyContin usage for chronic pain from 7 failed S-I fusion attempts. I want to get off the Subutex due to the side effects and relief/widthdrawal see-saw every 6 hours. What do others use for chronic pain without going back on opiates? NSAIDS aren't an option due to erosive gastritis. Help!

[Tuckamore]

I am very glad to hear that the Subutex is effective for you!! It proves we are all different... as I have always said. That's all that matters. I hope you know that I certainly did not mean to say that you should not be taking Subutex. It's whatever works for you.

You are correct.... ALL meds come with side effects, opiate or not. We must weight the pros and cons and decide what's right for each of us.

My Best,
~Tuck

[judybug999]

I appreciate you addressing my post.
  
In regard to its usage for pain relief... it has been quite effective.  I am functioning nearly as well as when I was on OxyContin.

I guess I have to come to grips with the realization that ALL meds have side effects and I just need to accept that and get on with my life.  

Thanks for your input.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Judybug,

You've asked a good but complicated question....one I am not certain we can answer correctly.

Subutex is normally prescribed for addiction and not pain management..... however it is on rare occasions used off label for chronic pain. I disagree with that usage but I am far from an expert.

When you cannot take opiates or NSAIDs the choices are few to none. Your best advice would come from a PMP. They are best at treating and prescribing for pain, especially given your circumstance. I'm sorry but I am not comfortable offering names of specific medications... and I would probably be wrong given your unique set of circumstances.

I wish you the best and hope you are able to find a solution to your pain control. Please keep us updated and let us know how you are doing.

Good Luck and Take Care,
~Tuck