Buprenorphine for Opiate Dependence - Maintenance User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• June 18, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I was on subs since 2011..... I had to go back every 2 weeks for my refill and do s drug screen.....now since I switch over to the shot all is well..... I wake up every morning able to focus on what I have to do for that day....not having to take something right when I get up is awesome too....... iam on my 4 shot of 300mg witch that is my maintenance dose to.... no cravings or withdrawals transferring over either.... best choice I made....."

• TTano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Well I went today and got my first Sublocade injection. I have a pretty good pain tolerance but I have to admit it was pretty damn painful it burned pretty bad. So far though I feel pretty good. I hope this turns out to be a positive experience. I have been on the subs tablets for about 7 years and I was tired of dealing with the pharmacy. So I will update soon."

• Atticus
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I have been on some form of buprenorphine for over 10 years. When I first started I was taking 24mg daily. I was able to ween down to 16mg daily. Which is still an extremely high dose. I have had absolutely no luck lowering it anymore. I also had an issue taking an extra 1 every few days which would leave me in withdrawal for the last few day. Knowing those strips were there always screwed me up but I desperately wanted to get off the meds. I explained the issue I was having with my dr. He suggested switching to sublocade. I just received my 5 injection and couldn't be happier! Definitely a good choice for patients who are having trouble weening yourself off. First month I was a little tired but I can tell you now I feel normal. I love that I no longer have the option to take another strip because of "stress". Also the injection does not hurt. It burns for 20sec then nothing. I'm very excited that I finally can see an end in sight."

• Yani...
• October 5, 2018

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I’ve switched over from 12-14 mg a day sub films (about 3 years on) with peak usage of three 8mg films per day. I was always feeling the up’s & down, and sometimes even feeling opiate sick in the mornings. On Sublocade that all went away. I wish I could summarize all the benefits I’ve experienced since the switch! The best part it’s fully covered by insurance. This stuffs actually brings the sense of normality back into livelihood. No more fears of having enough meds or filling prescriptions & etc. Regarding the injection - it’s no fun, but also far from the worst thing I’ve ever felt. It feels like a typical shot with the liquid having a warming effect upon entry. Ironically & contrary to what I’ve read here from some, the only withdrawal I ever felt on Sublocade starts if I delay my injection past 30 days. Nonetheless it’s comes light and pales in comparison to suboxone ups & downs! I couldn’t recommend this product enough. Wish you all the best"

• Mstri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I was skeptical about this route of administration because of how new it was. I’ve been every form of bupe a few several times; on and off of Suboxone since 2005ish and was able to get myself down to about 4-6mg. I got the shot and felt okay the first three days. But after that I began feeling off at night. The restless leg feeling started but in my whole body—I wasn’t sure if it was withdrawal symptoms or psychosomatic. Then it continued each night. The last few nights have been so awful, I was nearly in tears with aggravation and discomfort. During the day l seem to be fine but as soon as evening rolls around it begins. Anyone else have similar experience? I couldn’t find RLS (more like restless entire body syndrome!) as a side effect for Sublocade and my DR is clear set that it just absolutely CANNOT be withdrawal. Not sure what to think or do at this point."

• HairG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I just received my 4th shot of Sublocade today after taking Suboxone for almost 10 years and being a multiple drug addict for years before that. This shot has literally changed my life. When I was in the pills it was like I would crave them, but now I don't even think about it. I wake up feeling great and stable all through the day, all through the month. It's been amazing for me."

• Zero
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Like most, I'm an ex IV heroin/oxy user. Been in Suboxone for 2 years 16mg daily. Had my first sublocade shot 48 hours ago at 300mg. It kinda gave me an opiate high just a couple hours after the (very painful) injection, and I felt more of a buzz than SUBOXONE. I'm not like nodding off but I feel it, which I haven't felt in a very long time. No cravings. I haven't had to take a sublingual dose since the shot. I honestly feel great, but not in a scary way. I highly recommend this for anyone serious about staying clean."

• Rhino
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 5, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I will make this short, for some this stuff may be a godsend, for me it was good until several months into it then deep depression. I’ve been fighting the depression for 4 months. I received my last shot 4 months ago as well. I had a blood draw a couple weeks ago to check my bup levels and they are almost none but no withdrawal yet. If your anything like me I bet you have found nothing on what happens when it fully dissolves? Does anyone have experience with what does happen? I’m expecting withdrawals but since not even suboxen/sublocade the manufacturer can tell me I’m at a total loss for information! Thanks for any help...."

• Luckbox
• January 11, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Update from my review on 2018-12-15. I am on my 3rd shot which is now lowered to 100mg. The shot is very very painful, it burns like none other. I might be acting like a a brat but damn does that burn. I have a good amount of fat on my belly tho so that may be why. I can still feel the last 2 depots from the 300mg shot so know that medicine is still in me and have not had a single bad day. I truly believe this is the miracle drug for getting off opioids. Also, the mg of the shot cannot be compared to the strips. 300mg of sublocade is much more than 300mg of suboxone due to the method of absorption."

• Chris
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I have been on two 8mg Suboxone for about 10 years. Weaning off and going through withdrawal has always been my biggest hurdle to quitting. My doctor mentioned this shot to me. Said minimal side effects and coming off the shot is nothing like strips. I had my first shot yesterday and felt fine, but day 2 and I feel awful. The worst stomach pain, nausea and headache. I sure hope this goes away. The idea of not having to worry about taking meds every day is a Godsend."

• Unsure...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "To any wanting to try Sublocade, do your research and ensure you're a good match before doing so. I left a review previously, I was on Suboxone 9yrs prior to trying the injection. Overall, I had a severe adverse reaction to the injection and "did" have it surgically removed. Yes removed! It is possible and very easy. I had immediate relief. Overall the injection caused Necrosis causing the tissue in my stomach to die and is why I was having serious reactions. I am very happy to be back on the tabs and feeling normal again!"

• CJano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2018

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Three weeks into the Sublocade shot and I just had to call in to my sub doctor to get put back on the pills. I thought I could shake the cravings but then withdrawal came. Watery eyes, runny nose. Severe back pain and absolutely no sleep. I was told that it was PROBABLY bc I have a very high metabolism. Which is true, I do. I've never weighed over 135 my entire life and I'm 31 now. But doing some deep research on the shot and according to the welcome packet I also received it said the shot isn't intended for anyone who is on a dose higher than 8 mg. And I was on 16 mg a day before three weeks ago. Idk maybe I read that wrong but thats my story. It didn't work well for me. But everyone is different. If it works for you, stick to it. Its a nice idea. Maybe after I've been tapered down some I'll go back but its just too big a jump from 16mgs a day for a year and a half to that shot. Not to mention its very painful."

• Dee
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I'm scheduled to get my sublocade shot in 6 days. I've been on Suboxone since 2007, still feel like a drug addict, still chasing down the meds, reinforcing that drug seeking, that's what I want to stop. The reviews that I've read, it seems to be working best for dosage like 12 mg- 24 mg. Low dose may be getting to much medication ,symptoms are fairly close. It is approximately 2 mg released per hour, my doctor WILL supplement it until my body gets used to the slow release.I'm on a 24 mg split dose,I get 12 mg in the AM then 12 mg PM.You don't get that initial high but I'm not sick either plus I'm not trying to get "high,I'm trying for clean."

• Y Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2018

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Amazing feeling & consistently so. No worries of getting stuck without medication, and no ups & downs. Shot hurts a bit - but well worth it. It’s been a tad difficult dropping to the 100mg maintenance dose but easily managed and far superior to the 12mg suboxone film I’ve been on for years. My doctor gave me 10 subutex to help my body adjust and almost a month later I have over 8.5 left. Honestly I’m not sure I needed any at all. I never thought I would be so happy to get my medication injected into me once a month. Insurance has been very good to me regarding coverage as well. Best regards all"

• Lynn
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I've been almost 2 years off heroin!!!! So I was getting tired of taking something everyday to not be sick I took 8.2 strips 2x a day so my doctor offered me the sublocade because it's a continuous dose and I wouldn't have to worry about taking something everyday! She did warn me that a few patients a week before their next dose some started to feel withdrawals so she would order me strips the last week if I felt sick, so I was very nervous to it!!! 2 days ago I got my first sublocade shot the 300mg which is the loader dose they give u 2 rounds of the 300mg doses then the 3rd month do the maintenance dose which is 100 mg!! So when I got it she said I'd feel a sting it does not feel great but not horrible for 5 seconds and it wasn't sore till 24 hrs later. Day 2 an it is more sore then the 1st day and warm at the spot!!!! I called my doc an she said it be sore for a few days but I feel great no withdrawal symptoms or cravings an I feel levelled out"

• Arch
• February 25, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I usually take 2.5 8mg strips a day. I have been on Suboxone since 2004 through multiple Doctors (some great and some really bad) I received my first Sublocade shot almost 3 weeks ago. The first 2 days were fine. I did not take any strips on those days. Halfway through the 3rd day I started to feel withdrawals ( WDs) and I took one of my remaining strips to ease those feelings. After running out of the strips and depending only on this “depot”, I am experiencing WDs. As far as I can tell, having 15years experience with Bupe, (1)300mg shot delivers about 2mgs daily in my system. This could work great for those who are on low dose sub (2-4mg daily) but for those who are on 16 or higher.....Beware! IDK if I will continue this route of administration. There just isn’t enough information on this medicine to make a clear judgement on its potential. I pray it works for you!"

• Anagel
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Ok so first of all I give them a 10 because I'm definitely grateful for getting it. It has curbed my cravings and I feel like myself for the first time in a few years as a heroin addict. The only thing is I didn't take suboxone for days before, my husband and I went from 3 gms a day to the shot just hours of using last. Misinformed that it wouldn't throw us into precipitated withdrawals. Unbeknownst to us we get the shot feeling fine for the first 2 hours. We spent the next 6 days sicker than ever before. And insomnia was a nice word for what we had. We just had our second shot yesterday and feel much better. Other than being in actual withdrawal to begin with or on sub strips first.. I definitely recommend u get it. Just make sure u get it ALL the facts from your provider."

• Wooha
• August 13, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I was on 16 mg of Suboxone for 3 years. Got my first 300 mg Sublocade shot yesterday. So far, feel good, even a little high. Read all the reviews, so, I cut my dose in half 2 weeks prior, then took nothing for 2 days prior. Was entering acute withdrawal prior to shot. Hoping this will do away with the withdrawal from swapping. Will keep you posted!"

• Opioded
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I was so scared and so worried about losing the strips when my dr recommended this shot! He said that this would stop my taking more strips then needed and the ups and downs of them during the day and night. Let me tell you he was right!!!! This shot is amazing and is doing everything he said it would do for me! And it’s painless! He gives a little shot of lidocaine before he injects the sublocade and when the shot of sublacade is going in you don’t feel a thing I’m serious!! About an hour later I could feel the medicine working it’s that fast. And the bump is not very noticeable but you can feel it’s there. I highly recommended anyone in the same situation as I was to try this! You got nothing to lose you can always go back on the strips if choose to"

• Joey
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2024

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "First injection was February 2023. I decided the third injection was my last. Now it's February 2024. I'm now free of a 12-year 24mg/daily Suboxone addiction. Sublocade is a miracle prescription injection. Never had any withdrawal that I recall."

• Kelly
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I first got this shot may 2018. Before the shot I was taking suboxone 1x day 8mg. Before suboxone I was on 120mg of methadone. I was feeling some withdrawals and discomfort on suboxone so my doctor recommended to do this shot instead of the film. It was the best thing I could have done. I have had no withdrawals yet. I started 2 months 300mg then down to 100mg I felt some withdrawals when switching the doses. I called my doctor and said I wanted to stay on 300mg longer cuz of some withdrawals. I have been sober almost 7 years. I also had no side effects. But it hurts and stings going in, but to me it’s worth it. I live in New York and I have Medicaid and they completely cover the cost."

• Jamey
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I wanted to update my review on Sublocade. I decided to fight through those few days of not feeling great, and I am doing a lot better now. If you experience a little withdrawal, you should try to stick with it and see if it goes away. Like I said, the first 4 days were great, and then on the 5th day I started to feel mild withdrawal. The mild withdrawal only took another 5 days to get over and now I feel great. Now I am getting my second shot tomorrow. They say that your blood levels go up with each shot that you get. I still have a lump in my stomach, but I can tell half of it dissolved. It looks like you will have 2 to 3 depots supplying medicine at a time during Sublocade treatment.I really enjoy not going to the pharmacy and keeping track of film and pills. This is much better. I am glad I stuck with it. It is much better than the Probuphine implant that I had."

• Romi
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 5, 2022

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I first gave it 5 stars but now I have to say worst mistake I ever made! I got on sublocade to get off of subs and all it did was prolong the misery I get on subs. No sex drive, no emotions except sadness and anger and no motivation and now I have to wait possibly 18 to 24 months for it to be out of my system!! Don’t do it if u want to get off, just taper"

• Massa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I am about 72 hours post initial 300mg Sublocade shot. The needle itself is painless but the medication does hurt going in. As a previous vivitrol patient, I expected the same results and quickly learned the difference in the two, pain wise. For me it definitely gives you an opiate type high, something I wasn’t expecting and was ver nauseous, even when previously on (2) 8mg pills per day. The high lasted a couple of days but now on my third day, I am starting to feel withdrawal symptoms. I woke up feeling like I am use to feeling this morning. It’s not extreme, just fatigued throughout the day. May need to supplement a few mg per day. As for the injection, you are left with a big lump, (I am very thin person and it’s extremely noticeable) I was unaware and thought it was abnormal until I read these reviews. It’s a very serious, as it effects your life directly. Thanks for the input from everyone else."

• Pretty...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 15, 2022

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I started on Suboxone 2 years ago. It was fine. No side effects really except constipation. I didn't like taking it daily, the whole routine of it, and absolutely didn't like the taste. So I switched to sublocade. I didn't notice the transition except being really tired for about two months. I have nothing but good things to say about it and it's kept me opiate/heroin free for two years. I have absolutely no desire to use so I've decided to go off sublocade cold turkey. After reading the reviews I'm quite confident."