Few?s

[tlcmel]

Robert I have come across this forum regarding your suboxone weaning approach and find it to be the most logical after doing much research, I am reading through this one that you recommended all to read right now which is(link below) BTW....If you see this post in response to one of your comments in another thread, you can disregard it(unless u read that one first of course).

http://www.drugs.com/forum/featured-...apy-50887.html

The thread that I found that one on was this one...

http://www.drugs.com/forum/featured-...one-27824.html

I didn't see anyone's post similar to my situation as of "yet" though I plan on reading more but if you don't mind me asking for your opinion coming from one who has only been on Suboxone for 24 days straight(took sub very few times before)...to be exact I started on Suboxone Oct 3, it is now Oct 27th. Doc prescribed me 8mg BID(two times a day). I have been taking that amount ever since... until today I took one and a half(14mg so starting to wean 25% for the next 3 days you recommend 4 and I plan on that.) Now when I get down to the 4 days, do I take 25% less of the 14mg??? I'm assuming so. How long do you think weaning off this will take considering the fact that I've only been on it 24 days straight and again barely used it before maybe 4 times tops before that for only two days every 2 or three weeks...I've only been new to sub in any aspect for a few months. Since I've only been on it for a short time would it be safe to taper more than 25% per say each time...for example going from 14mg for 4 days, to 10mg for 4 days, to 6 for 10 days, to 2 for 10 days then so on and so forth? Most of the posts I've been reading are about you helping those who have been on it long term. I appreciate your kindness and general knowledge...I believe your approach is logical and sound. I was addicted to pain pills before the suboxone...not badly either. But off and on for about 6 months being the last few months I was taking my highest amount...for example 4 15mg percocets daily for a few weeks towards the end then I was hooked and felt bad ...to give you some idea. I asked this doctor how long he recommends this treatment he said 6 months to a year! Considering the fact that I wasn't THAT bad into pain pills, I don't think I need to be on it that long. I asked well what about weaning off how effective is that process? He said "that's way too far down the road to think about that." heh. I am scared of withdrawals and want to quit this stuff after reading some of these horror stories on the net, the pain pill withdrawal was hell and that's the whole reason I went on these things in the first place so I could function in every day life! To take care of my kids and manage a full time job. I'm an RN and being a nurse is stressful and can be depressing(for me I have depression issues) and the pills helped with that, but I am ready to take the plunge and do this with a more focused spiritual practice, meetings and changing the way I think and tackling addiction once and for all. Thank you so much, I was at somewhat of an ease after reading your posts...the other things on the internet are just scary enough to make you not ever touch this stuff even once...but what could ya do..i don't know.

[shadowwally]

Hey tlc....
I see you figured out how to start a new thread. Good job
You'll get answers and support on your own thread and know what's being directed at you.
Glad to see you posting!
Welcome.
I'm no sub expert so someone will be along shortly.
Good luck!
Msrian

[Robert_325]

Robert I have come across this forum regarding your suboxone weaning approach and find it to be the most logical after doing much research, I am reading through this one that you recommended all to read right now which is(link below) BTW....If you see this post in response to one of your comments in another thread, you can disregard it(unless u read that one first of course).

http://www.drugs.com/forum/featured-...apy-50887.html

The thread that I found that one on was this one...

http://www.drugs.com/forum/featured-...one-27824.html

I didn't see anyone's post similar to my situation as of "yet" though I plan on reading more but if you don't mind me asking for your opinion coming from one who has only been on Suboxone for 24 days straight(took sub very few times before)...to be exact I started on Suboxone Oct 3, it is now Oct 27th. Doc prescribed me 8mg BID(two times a day). I have been taking that amount ever since... until today I took one and a half(14mg so starting to wean 25% for the next 3 days you recommend 4 and I plan on that.) Now when I get down to the 4 days, do I take 25% less of the 14mg??? I'm assuming so. How long do you think weaning off this will take considering the fact that I've only been on it 24 days straight and again barely used it before maybe 4 times tops before that for only two days every 2 or three weeks...I've only been new to sub in any aspect for a few months. Since I've only been on it for a short time would it be safe to taper more than 25% per say each time...for example going from 14mg for 4 days, to 10mg for 4 days, to 6 for 10 days, to 2 for 10 days then so on and so forth? Most of the posts I've been reading are about you helping those who have been on it long term. I appreciate your kindness and general knowledge...I believe your approach is logical and sound. I was addicted to pain pills before the suboxone...not badly either. But off and on for about 6 months being the last few months I was taking my highest amount...for example 4 15mg percocets daily for a few weeks towards the end then I was hooked and felt bad ...to give you some idea. I asked this doctor how long he recommends this treatment he said 6 months to a year! Considering the fact that I wasn't THAT bad into pain pills, I don't think I need to be on it that long. I asked well what about weaning off how effective is that process? He said "that's way too far down the road to think about that." heh. I am scared of withdrawals and want to quit this stuff after reading some of these horror stories on the net, the pain pill withdrawal was hell and that's the whole reason I went on these things in the first place so I could function in every day life! To take care of my kids and manage a full time job. I'm an RN and being a nurse is stressful and can be depressing(for me I have depression issues) and the pills helped with that, but I am ready to take the plunge and do this with a more focused spiritual practice, meetings and changing the way I think and tackling addiction once and for all. Thank you so much, I was at somewhat of an ease after reading your posts...the other things on the internet are just scary enough to make you not ever touch this stuff even once...but what could ya do..i don't know.

A dr prescribing 16mg is just doing what all the sub drs do, get you hooked for a long time so you create a money train. He doesn't know what he's doing. I'm not even sure the way you describe your experience with opiates that I would have even advised you to start on subs. But you are where you are.

Even with your rather short term history, and not to minimize your problem, I would not drop down more than 25% every four days. Taking 16mg each day for almost a month you will have problems if you don't follow the taper schedule. You have taken it too long to just start chopping big amounts off at will.

I would go from 16mg to 12mg, then go to 8mg as you could get away with that while your dose is still high and it will keep the reductions more simple to figure. Then go to 6mg and continue the 25% taper every four days. Let me know how I can help you as you go forward. Hope that helps. God bless.

[tlcmel]

Thank you Storm, that's what I plan on doing. I want to be drug free, I even weaned off my Cymbalta(was only taking that for 3 months but was easier to do with the suboxone). I'm eager to get to my goal which is zero. When I think about it, my doctor does not seem to care, it's just a quick process you pay 100 dollars, get a drug test, talk to the doc(assistant) for a few minutes and get your script and go on your merry way. It just doesn't feel right to me...so that led me to research and I was horrified to read what I read...till I came across Robert's approach. Funny thing is I was thinking the same thing as I was figuring it all out, I was taking into consideration the fact that the half life of sub is 4 days...so it all makes sense. It's a shame that the Doctor's who prescribe this med aren't very supportive in the reduction process.

[tlcmel]

Thank you Robert. The other post was deleted due to my miscalculations. It's my second day of taking 14mg from 16mg....I have a headache, and my neck is hurting and the pain is radiating down my back. I've had this before but it's worse, I'm attributing it to the slight reduction in my dose. I am eager to reach my goal which is zero. I am somewhat tempted to take that 4mg suboxone but i'm remaining strong, going to take some advil for the pain. This state is doable, if it doesn't get anyworse I can do this throughout the whole process. One great thing, I was able to get off my cymbalta(the sub made that easy). I will post my progress on this thread or maybe start a new one.
God bless,
Melissa

[tlcmel]

I forgot to mention that I have a prescription for Soma which is a muscle relaxer. About 6 months back I hurt my neck from they way I was sleeping. I used to be able to sleep on my stomach with my head turned to side(of course) without problem for years, it's seems when I hit that 35 year old mark is when problems started to occur. The one morning I woke up the pain was so bad that I couldn't even turn my neck. I was taking pain pills(un prescribed from my brother in law who didn't need them) at the time and was taking them off and on...seems like when I didn't have them that's when I was more vulnerable to pain. I went to the doctor and was prescribed Soma. So as I previously mentioned, my neck pain was difficult to handle today so I took a soma and a half(which is the dose that is most effective for me) and rubbed some ben gay on my neck and shoulder and back area(where pain is radiating) and feel ALOT better. The advil also helped tremendously, at this time I am not feeling any pain and no withdrawal symptoms. So far so good for being on my second day on 14mg from 16mg of sub a day for 23 days. Any comments or criticism is welcome.

[cheekysod]

robert did say you could probably drop to 12mg immediately. i agree.

you are on a high dose and you will not be feeling the pain from dropping 2mg on that high a dose. a lot of this stuff is our addict heads telling us.

i would drop to 12mg tomorrow. definately..

btw ive been there done that too. started on 12mg, next day immediately went to 10mg against my doctors wishes. its far too much....

go for it

[tlcmel]

I'm really bad with my math today, yes it is 12mg...duh. I took one 8 mg film and a half so yeah. lol
Cheeky do u suggest I go to 10mg sooner? As I said i've been taking 12mg for two days now. Again sorry for hijacking your post...I am now aware.

[shadowwally]

tlc.....
I'm not a sub person.....
just want to wish you good luck.
Cheeky or Robt. or someone will drop by and let you know.
I read where Robt. said you can go down to 12, 10, 8.......I don't know how many days you should be on each, wish I did.
Way to go tho!!!!!
Marian

[tlcmel]

Thanks Marian
I started a new thread titled "My suboxone diary" something like that I welcome all to join in and even mark their progress if they like, I'm definitely interested in seeing others progress.

[shadowwally]

Thanks Marian
I started a new thread titled "My suboxone diary" something like that I welcome all to join in and even mark their progress if they like, I'm definitely interested in seeing others progress.

Hi tcl...
I'll have to look around for it!
They've changed things around, made things more organized.
I obviously haven't figured it all out yet!
What are yu doing up so late?
I have been moving this week, working on a Holloween float and watching the World Series.
I swear I ache in every bone in my body. Hurt too much to sleep!
Aah change.......it takes so much work!
You surely seem to be jumping right in, I'm happy for you.
That's great!
I have just been reading and catching up on threads in this section.
Jeeze! There are so many people who manage to stay caught up everywhere, I don't know how they do it!
Great people here, huh?
Marian

[tlcmel]

I click on the "new posts" area at the top to view the most recent posts. Here is the link to my diary, i don't think there were any responses yet.
http://www.drugs.com/forum/suboxone-...one-59860.html

I think that's how most people catch up is by clicking on new posts at the top where "user control panel is" and all that.

I'm up late because I'm used to it from working 11-7 shift as a nurse. Plus I have a lot on my mind. The people here are great...I'm just starting to get to know the ins and outs...I feel like this could be my place to use as an outlet. You hurt too much to sleep? I'm sorry to hear that...I don't know yet where u are in the process...but try a warm bath, some advil, and I swear by ben gay. I'm not totally free from soreness, it's still there and I am so tempted to take that 4mg to be free from it...but being on this forum is helping and I plan on staying strong. I am going to beat this. Once and for all!

[shadowwally]

tlc....
No worries. I'm a little over 10 months clean off fent patches. Im just sore from a lot of physical labor this week. Normal stuff.
I remember, and remember well, that feeling you have. Totally not cool to feel like you have body aches from the flu, when you don't indeed have the flu. And that's how you feel when you feel better!
Lots of nurses in my family. You guys work hard! Lot of psychological and emotional stuff you carry in your job as well. Takes special people. I admire you.
I've made it the last almost a year from the support on this board!
I try and post whenever I can to give back just a small bit what I was given.
I didn't know about that new posts trick....thanks! Computers not my thing for sure
How are things going? You have a family at home?

[tlcmel]

Yes I do, I have one child of my own who is 9 and taking care of an 8 year old a few days and nights a week to help out her mother..she is a single mother that is trying very hard to maintain 5 kids and a minimum wage job. My daughter loves her...I'm really close to them, so it's been nice. Yes nursing is very stressful, I work in a nursing home so sometimes I have depression "flare ups" if you will. That's nice your giving what u got, i hope i can help others too soon enough. It's nice to have a place where u can identify with alot of other's who is going through the same(or almost) thing. I MAY be going to bed soon...if so I will see u around and talk to u tomorrow.

[tlcmel]

Robert I have a question about going down to 8mg...i have the 8 mg films should I break it into two and take it twice a day like I've been doing? I was taking 16 mg(8mg in am the pm) at first then the last 4 days was taking 8mg in the morning and 4mg early evening. Thanks God bless.

[Robert_325]

Robert I have a question about going down to 8mg...i have the 8 mg films should I break it into two and take it twice a day like I've been doing? I was taking 16 mg(8mg in am the pm) at first then the last 4 days was taking 8mg in the morning and 4mg early evening. Thanks God bless.

Yes cut it in half and take two equal doses. Try to always keep your two doses an equal amount rather than like you did with 8mg and 4mg. God bless.