I have been off of buprenorphine for 12 days, cold turkey after being on it for five years. How long is the maximum length for withdrawal symptoms and what arethey?
Is it possible to quit buprenorphine cold turkey?
Question posted by Daviddimond5000 on 31 Aug 2023
Last updated on 16 February 2025 (11 weeks ago) by disenter
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3 Answers
disenter
15 Feb 2025
I came here looking for the same answer…
I made the decision to go cold turkey about 3 days ago. I am on a low dose of this medication, or was, but for 3 years.
To the guy that gave a quite detailed description, don’t you mean 6-12hrs after the time of your next expected dose? I was told that buprenorphine is a 32hr drug, and so taking it every 24hrs you’re always ‘covered’, and so it would be approx 8hrs after the next expected dose that one might start feeling withdrawal symptoms.
I have so far skipped three doses, but am prescribed only 4mg, and to be honest that was only upped to that from 2mg a few months ago. I was previously taking Palexia SR 100mg twice daily for 3 years prior to that, prescribed by my GP for fibromyalgia, and in place of the codeine I had been taking to keep my pain in check so that I could work before that, though that was a max of 90mg a day. The Palexia worked, was likely overkill for my situation, and in comparison to the amount of codeine I was taking, but I didn’t know that at the time and trusted my doctor. Then legislation changed and I wasn’t allowed to have it anymore, so I was sent to a pharmaceutical rehab and put on buprenorphine. 2mg seemed to give me about the equivalent pain relief and so that is what I stuck with until more recently I agreed to try a bit higher dose, but in doing so, I could see some side effects I didn’t like, and decided to try to stop. Not sure what I will do for pain relief to help me keep working but I don’t want to take this forever.
To the OP how much were you taking daily?
masso
1 Sep 2023
Everyone reacts differently to medications (absorption/adjusting/ time of elimination of the medication from your system/bloodstream), benefits, possible risks, potential side effects, interactions, withdrawal symptoms, etc..
We are unique, so what someone can achieve/accomplish in one way does not necessarily mean you (your organism) will react/achieve/accomplish it in the same way.
Having mentioned the above, I suggest that before you take matters into your own hands and discontinue the use of this opioid medication (although you have been on it for almost 2 weeks) abruptly/cold turkey, you inform your DR. first.
There is a high potential of risks for withdrawals if stopped suddenly/cold turkey, and your safety must come first, it is not like stopping Tylenol (acetaminophen) cold turkey, this medication is a CSA schedule 3 for a reason.
https://www.drugs.com/schedule-3-drugs.html
Withdrawal symptoms begin approximately 6-12 hours after the last Buprenorphine dose and include:
Nausea
Muscle aches
Insomnia
Trouble concentrating
Vomiting
Headaches
Diarrhea
Chills
Fever
Lethargy
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Cravings
Mood swings
Source: Addiction Centers
masso
1 Sep 2023
BTW, not trying to scare you at all, just attempting to help you.
Quando62
31 Aug 2023
I quit after 3 years without one withdrawal symptom... Actually feeling more calm. Stuff make me aggravated, so do not miss those nasty side effects...
Related topics
buprenorphine, withdrawal, cold turkey, symptom
Further information
- Buprenorphine uses and safety info
- Buprenorphine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Buprenorphine (detailed)
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