[Howpl]

After 20 years of FM and "atypical facial pain (AFP)," and after 20 years of treatment centered on Xanax and Elavil - which did keep me functional - I am no longer very functional. Lost my job and skidded into deep depression, from which Lexapro has not rescued me.

Now I am to be assessed for medical detox. The center I've been referred to uses Suboxone. Questions:

- Anyone here with AFP with or without FM?
- The Net says Suboxone and Xanax are dangerous together, yet I am told that the combo can be used to ween me off the latter. The treatment will be in-hospital, but I am just not confident yet in their knowledge of FM, AFP, and, most surprising, drug interaction.
- Where am I AFTER the treatment. What do they do for the pain that remains - assuming not all of my pain is due to around-the-clock withdrawals (pills, pain recedes, paid strengthens, pills, pain recedes...)? I've never heard of Suboxone as a treatment for FM pain. Do these people know what they are doing? I lost my job of 15 years. I have a family and serious obligations. I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET WORSE. Is this a ****************************** or not?

Howpl

[pthelps]

Dear How .
suboxone is a drug used for withdrawl symptoms .They say it works great for that not used for pain .It sounds like you will be going thruogh detox .They probally do not plan to give you anything for pain .Is this your choice???? Do you or they think that you are addicted ????.

I tapered of pain pills starting inJUNE .I Iwas not addicted I was physically dependant . .I didn't crave the pill but my body was on it for so long it could not function with out it .t was hard but worth it . I decided to do it because my third time in physical therapy worked and lessened my pain .I still take message therapy to help with FM .I also had to change my diet and exercise.I do stretches .small weights walking and riding a bike .It is hard work .

I wish you the best .Try and find out what they have planed for pain management .It doesn't sound like they have any thing in mind for pain .Some times pain meds do cause more pain .I have heard alot of people wished they could use suboxone to get rid of withdrawls which are the same wether not you are addicted or physically dependant .

Check out some of the other postings on addicted to pain pills on another page here .You can find out a lot about suboxone and addiction .

Good luck finding the right answers you need .PThelps pt stands for physical theraphy .