Buprenorphine for Opiate Dependence - Maintenance User Reviews (Page 5)

• Unsure...
• March 16, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I have been on Suboxone for 9 years and decided to try sublocade I am on my 6th day post injection and still feeling terrible? 2 days after the injection I landed myself in the ER with withdrawal and from my experience that is exactly what it felt like and then I ended up back in the doctor's office. I now have to supplement my 8mg tablets of Sub again. So for the past 4 days I have taken 6mg of an 8mg tab and yesterday I went to do the same thing, I still wasn't feeling great and when I went to take my last 2mg of the dose last night I ended up feeling like I all of a sudden had to much of the med? So today I decided to do 2mg morning and 2mg afternoon and nothing else today. The problem I'm having is that the first couple of days I know I wasn't getting any of the med and was in withdrawal, since yesterday I feel like I'm getting some of it but I'm finding it hard to tell how much and still feel ill I've been getting headaches blurred vision fatigue?"

• Bryan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2018

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I have been on sublocade for about a month now, next injection is scheduled 3 days out. I struggled with using bupe IV style. The only con I have had is that the actual injection stung unbelievably. I was told that I was the 11 person in the nation to receive this shot so I was really nervous. I just hope the mass goes away on its own so I am not 40 with numerous lumps on my belly..."

• NW49E...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 13, 2021

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "First off, I was on Suboxone for close to 3 years and I believed it saved my life. Then when my doctors said I would be a good candidate for the monthly injection of Sublocade I was very interested. Weeks later after it was all set up I received my first 300mg injection and have been on 300mg injections now for 6 months. I feel great and safe and ready to continue to take life head on. I highly recommend Suboxone treatment over Methadone for those who need opiates maintenance therapy and then once you have been on Suboxone for a good standing I highly recommend Sublocade injection therapy. it's not easy and it will have it's hard times but just hang in there and you will see that it's all worth the time and energy you put into into."

• CEN
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 12, 2023

"I’ve been been prescribed Subutex since May 2012 for opioid dependence. I’ve been doing extremely well in treatment. I consistently pass urine screens. I very rarely-if ever-have cravings anymore. I’m able to function like a normal human being again. Subutex makes me feel normal, like I did prior to becoming addicted and dependent on opioids (morphine and oxycodone). I can have goals again! It’s a marvelous medication for opioid dependency."

• drewg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2018

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "The biggest issue is that it only comes in two sizes 300 mg and 100 mg. Kinda hard to taper off from such a high dose. I feel like they would like you to stay on for the rest of your life and continue to pay the crazy high cost of Sublocade (approximately $1500 a month). I was able to qualify for the assistance and get the first two months at only five dollars, but the third month will be full price at which time I will likely be going back to Suboxone because I cannot afford the Sublocade."

• Robbie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I received the Sublocade shot 2 days ago and tomorrow will be day 3. I have been on 16-22mg of Zubsolv for about a month now, before that 10-16mg for a year. The shot hurt like anything and stung for over 10 minutes. Still sore when I lay on it and sensitive to the touch. Day 1 I felt amazing. Today woke up with a massive headache but went away after breakfast. I feel okay today but still manageable. If yesterday and today balance out I will give Sublocade a 10/10. Too early to recommend but so far pretty good."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "To Colage87. You have to be on oral buprenorphine for at least 7 days before receiving the IM. Sublocade was never even studied as a first line treatment. So I find it hard to believe your doc gave it to you while in withdrawals. Especially considering how new the IM form is.."

• Junior
• May 5, 2021

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I took my first sublocade injection April 30th 2021 today is May 4th 2021 and so far so good I been on suboxone for the past 3 years (8mg daily) and was a bit nervous about feeling any type of withdrawal but I’m on day 5 and I feel great. Today I woke up feeling a bit tired and body a bit achy but nothing I can’t deal with but over all I’m very happy with the way I’m feeling! My first injection was 300mg and my next will be another 300mg and than my third will be 100mg and I’m planning on not taking a 4th! I will keep everybody updated throughout my process..but if there’s anybody thinking about getting the injection DO IT! I know the feeling of waking up everyday and dealing with having to put film under your tongue just to feel normal it sucks! And it’s the worst...plus before I decided to get on the sublocade I read hundreds of reviews and they all say the same thing on how great it’s working for them so I did it and it’s the best thing I could have ever have done guys!"

• Jase
• August 13, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "On Sublocade the first 2 weeks, no withdrawals or slight withdrawal began occurring so doctor put me on Subutex for the in-between. That was my first shot of 300 going tomorrow for my second. Praying my second will be slightly better than the first.."

• Kay
• January 16, 2021

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "SUBOXONE is 100% more addicting and was extremely terrible withdrawals. Now sublocade is one of those things you need to be sure your want sobriety. You can’t abuse it, you can’t use on it. I was nervous I would withdrawal, I didn’t! Sober for 4 years now. 0 cravings! 300 mg isn’t equivalent to 24mgs on suboxone. I was only on 6 mg’s so being on 300mg’s was more daily and perfect. But someone on the max suboxone will not be satisfied right away on sublocade. You’re not suppose to be on 24mg really. The highest is 12mg. I would suggest if you are on heroine or a high dosage of some opiate do not go to sublocade first. Get suboxone first BC your doctor can adjust. Jumping right to permanent help is scary for some addicts especially if it’s not sufficient to what you usually take. But if you take 12mg’s or less, sublocade 300mg is perfect, then you work your way down. Lastly, Sublocade may take a few months to approve on Fidelis."

• Lee
• April 13, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I was on the strips and Dr put me on injection. It is my opinion and experience that it is easier to come off what your addicted too than too come off Suboxone or sublicade. My Dr took me off and for two months I was at death's door. I go see Dr today and scared as anything"

• J J J
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 24, 2023

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I am starting Sublocade today. I have been taking buprenorphine pills for over five years, and I am ready to stop taking them four times a day. Despite taking Suboxone, I feel like the addiction to pills is still present. The reviews of Sublocade seem like a good choice for me, so I am giving it a try. I will update you in a few months."

• Jesus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2021

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Just had my 1st Sublocade injection few days ago. It BURNED so bad going in, it felt like fire under my skin. That afternoon, I was leaning over my armrest in my car to pay for my food and briefly hit my injection site, it felt like I was injected all over again, intense burning. It has been 3 days and I have not had any cravings nor withdraw symptoms. If you can stand to over look the pain from the injection site, redness, itching, burning from the medication, then it is a pretty good alternative to taking the pills or film every day. I have a way to go before fully sold, but I will update you on my after my 3rd injection, I will be on the maintenance dose. So I pray it all works out because I would like to use the sublocade to come off Suboxone for good within a year or two, if all goes well. Not worrying about having to take my Suboxone everyday, having it “out of sight, out of mind” can be a game changer, if it holds up and I don’t experience any major side effects or withdrawals."

• Winning
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2022

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Hey for everyone serious about kicking their opioid addiction get on sublocade, no more pick ups no more worrying about nothing, you forget you are even on it. Started at 300mg for 3 months then went 100mg for a few months. Now I haven't had a shot in 3 months and feel great. I have kicked my addiction. I did have the most bizarre side effect though it stopped my period the whole year. Finally got it back after 8 weeks from my last dose. Highly recommended if you are serious about getting off it."

• Jen
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2022

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Run. Run far far away! The first shot was rough with a HORRIBLE headache that caused me to think I was having a stroke and lots of vomiting. This lasted about four days. I was convinced to take another. That was 3 weeks ago and I have never regretted a decision more. I have been violently ill the ENTIRE TIME! Headache that will not go away at all and hurts so bad I can barely see and have tunnel vision. I vomit non stop and can't hold food or drinks down. IV fluids several times already. I am lightheaded and run into walls non stop. I have never been this physically sick in my 42 years of life. Multiple ER visits to be told it's the shot and nothing can be done. My doc refuses to help and tells me it's in my mind. Non stop pain at my injection site. I was on Suboxone for two years and had zero issues. I have never regretted anything in my life more than taking this shot! PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH! I am appalled at all I hav now read and seen. FYI this is MY experience. May not be yours."

• Hapless
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2022

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "After many years on ~10 mg Subutex, I switched to a provider that offered Sublocade injections. I had lost most of my previous prescription during a move and decided I didn't want to live always afraid my pills would be lost/stolen, random U/A tests, random pill counts. I received my first injection and except for some tiredness (difficulty staying awake on grave shifts), I had no side-effects. I was prepared to complete the series. When I arrived to my appointment for my second shot, it was not there. The specialty pharmacy would not release it b/c my name on my ins and ss card is spelled differently than on my license and birth cert. I would need a legal name change in order to get the injection released to my provider. So, my doc put me back on the Subutex to start when withdrawal symptoms began. I took a small piece of a pill here and there, but never experienced any real discomfort. This was in Nov. I haven't had a shot, any Subutex or any withdrawal since. I am finally DONE!"

• KEZ
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2022

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I was on very high doses of morphine for 14 years after a MVA, 750mg/24 i also had problems with ex taking my meds. I ended up going on to methadone for a few years and then was told about the Sublocade. I had 300mg for 3 months and then two 100mg shots. I have seriously debilitating pain, and the Sublocade was not helping, as my GP also put me on Endone. I stopped the Sublocade 5 months ago now, no withdrawal like the opiates. I get a bit teary eyed and yawny but thats about all so far. I hope thats the only thing that happens. I am now on CBD/THC oil for pain management, still have a lot of issues with cramps etc but think its due to the recent diagnoises of MS. Please give it ago it will save you."

• TJano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 17, 2020

"I have used buprenorphine 8mg. twice daily for just over 10 years for opioid dependency maintenance. This drug and specifically Roxane brand saved and changed my life. I have tried other generic brands and found that other brands require a higher dose for my comfort level and to avoid the cravings of traditional opioids. I suffered with addiction and all of the consequences that come with that for over 20 years. I live a normal life due to this medication."

• Thank...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2020

"I battled heroin addiction. I am now 5 years sober off all drugs besides my medication. If it wasn’t for this medication I wouldn’t have ever been able to quit. I used heroin from age 15 to age 22 daily and I hated it. I’m lucky I survived. I am now a teacher, a mother, a regular member of society. I have been able to get my life together. I hate the stigma that comes with taking this medication. I hate that when I go to the pharmacy I am treated like crap, even if it is the same pharmacy I have gone to for over a year. This is a medication to treat people who have a condition and it really works for me. Please stop judging others for bettering their lives."

• Emily...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2023

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I'm, unfortunately, facing some time in prison and have been offered Sublocade so I don't have to worry about withdrawal once I am in. I just wanted to thank all of those who left reviews because you have put my mind at ease and made my decision so much easier."

• Life...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2022

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I have been addicted to opioids for almost 10 years. I have been in and out of rehab, on methadone and prescribed Suboxone. With the help of an all women’s rehab and the Sublocade shot I feel amazing. The cravings are gone and I haven’t thought about drugs like I used to while taking suboxone. I am beyond grateful for this. The numbing shot pinches and the medicine can sting but it is worth it. I am afraid of the withdrawals-but for right now, it’s not broken so I’m not going to try and fix it!"

• Lowrida
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2019

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I've had the Sublocade shot nearly 2 weeks ago, I was on 18mg day suboxone. I also take Lyrica daily. For the most of the time on the injection, I've felt withdrawals, not severe just general unwellness, anxiety etc.. I recommend if your on a small /medium dose of sub.."

• LeeLee
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2023

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "I was on and off suboxone for years and could never stay on it long enough for it to become an effective treatment for me. Only after 1 month of being on Sublocade, I had zero cravings and was finally able to wake up in peace like a “normal” person. I could not be thankful enough for having this medication in my life. I’ve been on it for over 2 years now and can only hope that more people will have just as much success in their recovery with Sublocade as I have. The only downside I know that could turn people away is the pain you experience getting the injection. Especially the first and/or second one. However, for only a few mins of pain, you get a whole month of normalcy. Ice packs help significantly with the pain if you ice the area of the injection 30 mins before hand and keep icing it afterwards. If you’re thinking about it, JUST DO IT. If you’ve already done 1 or 2 and want to quit, DON’T! Just give it a chance. I promise you WONT REGRET IT!"

• Nicky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2021

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "This stuff's made me so weak & barely sleep! OK it was alright for a couple of days however can barely do 'daily chores' let alone concentrate @ work now. Been on Buph' for nigh on a decade so feel this is just prolonging withdrawals. Going back to a weekly script ASAP (hopefully) as was put back to 'Daily Supervised' which is the reason chose this in the 1st place. Was recommended it though, but everyone I know on this are (more or less) still using anyway! Not enough info on this lethargic stuff, but if it 'works for you' then all the BEST.."

• C0c0p...
• September 24, 2020

Sublocade (buprenorphine) "Had my first Sublocade shot today after 5 years on strips that no longer worked effectively. I will tell you that I break toes all the time (clumsy with really long finger-toenail always stubbing), been shot by 9mms GUN 124gn, and the worst had a knee surgery after being told I did not need to stop sub. strips, came out of anaesthesia, and it felt like they were still cutting into me - anyway I have to say the Sublocade injection was the most burning pain I had ever felt however I have little fat and it only lasted about 30 seconds. I feel better then I did when taking strips, so it is worth it, because the strips had started to make me sick for 30-45 minutes after I took them. They worked I would feel ok then for about 2 hours then felt like I needed another strip. This led to over use just trying to stay comfortable. I will get the next two 300mg shots and the 1-2 100mg shots then I will see how long I can go without getting another shot or I will demand the only give me a half of a 100mg shot."