Suboxone and Withdrawal: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2009

For Opioid Use Disorder "I'm 30 years old with 3 kids, and I was addicted to Vicodin and Percocets. Every day was all about waking up and waiting by the phone to find my pills for the day, or I couldn't take care of my kids. The worst was panicking when I couldn't find anything. I would take it out on my kids when it wasn't their fault. I was addicted for 6 years. After a while, I needed more and more, so I started getting sick and had the worst withdrawals. So I got Suboxone and am feeling wonderful. I have a smile 24/7. It's the best. I can sleep and enjoy my kids. The discoverer is a genius."

• Sea...
• June 14, 2011

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was a Roxy (heroin) abuser for 2 yrs. Made several attempts to quit cold turkey with NO luck and HELLACIOUS withdrawals. Desperate, I did some research and made an appointment with a local doctor and was inducted today at 15 mg. Some helpful/honest things I can share are...GOOD: I feel amazing, shocked that it really works, zero cravings, but mostly happy I'm no longer a slave to Roxy's! BAD: Not sure if my doctor shares the same plan I have for wanting to wean off in 6-8 wks. No insurance and my doctor charges a $500/month fee, plus taking (2) 8 mg pills/day @ $16=$980/mo. Wish there was a cheaper way, but obviously compared to what I was spending I am saving money and, most importantly, MY LIFE."

• tnu...
• November 9, 2015

For Opioid Use Disorder "In my opinion, this drug is a straight-up enabler, and the reason I say that is because it allows people to not feel pain from withdrawal. It's kind of like when you burn yourself, you learn to stay away from fire. Long-term use of this drug is very stupid. I personally think it's bad for your body, and the withdrawal is 2 to 3 weeks, which really sucks. You don't want to be bound to something, so when you come off of Suboxone, the cravings for opiates come back. In my opinion, when you decide to quit using opiates, do it with no drugs that trick your brain into thinking you're on opiates, then you learn how to deal with your addiction while you're sober. That way you will know how to beat it. Doctors that prescribe this for a long time are all in it for the money, sorry."

• Iri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2015

For Opioid Use Disorder "Addicted to heroin/Dilaudid (hydromorphone) & pretty much anything injectable steady daily for over 5 years. Went onto methadone through a clinic after over a year on the waiting list. On methadone for 18 months with good results (no use), but didn't want to be in a clinic setting daily to medicate & ultimately want to be med-free. Doc tapered my methadone dose in order to switch me to Suboxone in the hopes of then tapering me to no meds. Doc felt it was the best chance at achieving my goal of zero meds with continued sobriety. It took nearly 5 days to alleviate the withdrawal from methadone even after tapering to less than 50 mg daily & not dosing for several days in an attempt to lower my levels. Very difficult transition for me. Hopefully, a good choice."

• mac...
• August 4, 2010

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was addicted to opiate painkillers for 5 years. I thought I had no hope. I bottomed out after 5 years of doing practically nothing but looking for drugs. I went into detox and a methadone program for 7 days. I started an outpatient program as soon as I got out, but as soon as my last dose of methadone wore off, I was back climbing the walls. I really thought Suboxone was going to be my last hope. I could not see myself living much longer, either using or going through withdrawal. I had to wait a couple of weeks to get into a Suboxone program, and the withdrawal was so bad my counselor told me to use! I did get on Suboxone 32 mg a day, felt great immediately like the same day. On 16 mg still today and clean."

• Wyo...
• September 21, 2011

For Opioid Use Disorder "I had been on oxycodone for 4 years until yesterday for a back injury, which I am still awaiting surgery. I was taking anywhere from 100 mg to 200 mg per day. After several attempts to quit 'cold turkey,' the withdrawal symptoms were pure hell, and I would reach for the pill bottle again. I was taking my pain medicine as prescribed even. Oxycodone was beginning to cause a serious problem and was taking so much of my life away. I talked to my wife, and she found a doctor who was certified with the Suboxone treatment. 36 hours after beginning the Suboxone, I feel great! My pain is manageable, and my thought process is so much clearer. I thank Heavenly Father, my wife, and my doctor. Highly recommended."

• Lit...
• July 25, 2015

For Opioid Use Disorder "I just started to go into withdrawal from not using heroin for close to 20 hours, and a friend of mine kicked a week ago with the help of Suboxone. He gave me 2 8mg pills, instructed me to take 1/2 under my tongue, and if need be, take 2mg more if needed tonight. It's 3 in the afternoon right now. He said it worked wonders for him and will give me more to wean off of it day 3 and day 4. My question is, does this really work to help suppress withdrawal symptoms? I'm scared and want to know what to expect. It's definitely time for a life change and I will do anything to get this monkey off my back. Please give me some advice, and any answers and words of strength would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2008

For Opioid Use Disorder "I started a Suboxone maintenance program the day after I got out of treatment and have been taking it daily for 15 months. I have never relapsed with my drug of choice, heroin. This medication, I feel, has helped drastically in saving my life. And for that reason, I rated it a 9. If I had one negative feeling towards this drug, it would be that there are withdrawal symptoms you will experience when stopping taking it, but not a fraction of what you would feel if you were stopping opiates."

• suz...
• June 24, 2015

For Opioid Use Disorder "Ok, I don't lie, but I went on it because of tremendous pain. I didn't even know it was caused by heroin. Let me tell you something, it was the best thing I ever did. I got my life together, and no doubt it helped with my mood and pain. Unfortunately, my symptoms are so severe now I can't sit still or stand or work. My life had become not my own. I would say try it because you have nothing to lose, but don't fool yourself because there are always withdrawals, you must listen to your Dr! I only wish I had a Dr who could help me. I'm on disability and can't find anyone to help. I'm in a living hell, but I won't show it. I would do anything to be able to walk down the street without my legs going out from under me. I'm only 46. Hope it's your miracle."

• She...
• June 28, 2009

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was hooked for 6 years on every pill out there. Suboxone turned my whole world around. I'm off of it now and can tell you the withdrawals are bad only for 4 days. Then I was really tired for about a week. That was when I stopped Suboxone cold turkey. I got on it again because I relapsed. I weaned myself off of Suboxone in 2 months and had NO withdrawals or fatigue at all. If you are hooked on opiates, this is the help you've been looking for. It works. Call a doctor now and stop wasting your money on pain pills. This saved my life and my family. Thank you Reckitt Benckiser for this amazing drug."

• daM...
• December 10, 2009

For Opioid Use Disorder "I've had fibromyalgia for a long time and have tried all kinds of medicines from Percocet, Vicodin, Darvocet, Dilaudid, muscle relaxers, Tramadol, Lyrica, Cymbalta, etc. I was on the Tramadol for about 6 years and was taking close to 300 pills a month (about 12 pills give or take a day). Nothing was helping my pain enough, and the hard medicines like Percocets, etc. would work 50% for about 1 to 2 hours, and my pain would be back! I finally got sick of it and told my doctor, and he suggested 'Suboxone.' It has been my miracle! It helped my pain level 70 to 80%! It also helped me to get through the withdrawals of not taking the narcotics! The only bad thing is going through withdrawals when you stop or run out of the Suboxone! But while on it, it's great!"

• But...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 19, 2019

"Suboxone gave me a big part of my life back! I take it to help manage the amount of pain I'm in daily. I herniated my L5-S1 disk in my spine, had 2 surgeries to repair, which caused even more pain & need a spine fusion. I was on a heavy amount of Percocets, which left me loopy & barely even took away the pain. My doctor put me on Suboxone to see if this would help, and I was amazed. Some of my own family thought I was just trying to 'chase a high' when all I wanted was for the back pain to stop, which it takes away about 85% of the pain when Percocets only ever took away about 45%. I was forced to go off the Suboxone before due to finances, and the withdrawals were awful, but I had withdrawals along with dealing with back pain at the same time, so I do not recommend just coming off them. The films leave a gross taste in your mouth, but chewing gum afterward helps!"

• was...
• July 20, 2010

For Opioid Use Disorder "I have had an opiate addiction for 5 years. Major back disc problems. Some surgery. But I needed more and more to function. I decided for my family and myself it was time to quit. I needed to stop chasing drugs when my script ran out. I went 24 hours without Oxycodone, and it was bad, but I started Suboxone today. I needed two 8mg pills to start, and all the withdrawal went away. Amazing. I hope not to be on it too long. My doctor said 6 months possibly, but I think it will be a lot less. I want to be off everything. Right now, I feel great!"

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

For Opioid Use Disorder "I just started taking Suboxone 3 days ago at a doctor's office to help me get off a 5-year methadone habit. Let me tell you to wait the full 3 days before starting this stuff. I in no way weaned myself down from my 150 mg a day. I had the worst withdrawals of my life. They had to put me out to get through it. But finally, I'm coming out of it. So the outlook is bright, so everyone wait the three days. I wouldn't wish this on anyone."

• Gre...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 4, 2022

For Opioid Use Disorder "For me, this medication has been a godsend. I was on high doses of opiate-based prescription narcotics, such as the 32 mg extended-release hydromorphone three times daily, plus OxyContin instant release 30 mg six times a day for breakthrough pain, for almost a decade and still could not get relief from pain due to spinal damage. My doctor ceased all other medications and prescribed Suboxone to ease the withdrawal from the narcotics. After taking my first dosage, I was terribly sick because I still had opiates in my system. Don't repeat my mistake on that one! But after the first day, I felt better and gradually continued to improve. Somehow, not only did this medication stop any effects from withdrawal, but it also provided me with the first pain relief I had experienced in years. The pain is gone, the very real unpleasant anxiety you get when you know your last pain pill is wearing off is long gone, and 8 years later, I continue to do well on Suboxone. Try it and get your life back!"

• Ira...
• March 23, 2010

For Opioid Use Disorder "After the war, I became dependent on opiates to relieve back and knee injuries I sustained overseas. Overtime, my addiction grew into buying Oxy and Roxy and using 60-150 mg/day. My addiction took control of my life, and I was using just to fight off the withdrawals. I went to the VA and got put on Suboxone. It took care of the w/ds, and I am happy to say I'm free from the demons that are opiates. Take that first step and realize you have a problem. When you are ready, get this drug prescribed to you. It helped me become the man I once was, and I am grateful. Also, learn your triggers that lead you to use opiates and avoid them."

• Dri...
• June 5, 2017

For Opioid Use Disorder "Just jumped onto subs today after using opiates for the past 14 years. I was recently taking in between 20-35 Norcs/Percs a day, or around eight 30 mg Roxys a day. I went into withdrawals, and they gave me 8 mg of Sub, which made me feel better but is starting to wear off now 5 hours later. I'll probably take more now, but I'm just curious if anyone who has been on pills long term has experience with subs and how much they took. I've never done H and never will. I'm just surprised how much Sub I have to take to come off Norcs. I got some subs off the street about a year ago, and they seemed stronger, but I guess I am taking more mg/day of opiates. Thanks for the input."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2011

For Opioid Use Disorder "I have been on OxyContin and methadone (whenever I ran out of OxyContin) for about six years. At first, it was prescribed and helped chronic back pain. Then I started taking more and more and eventually went through the 30-day script in ten days, so I began buying off the streets. I finally had enough of spending all my money and time looking for hillbilly heroin. Started Suboxone films four days ago. For me, the first day was bad (withdrawals), but each day is getting better and better. To all in the same situation, hang in there and get a good doctor."

• not...
• January 11, 2012

For Opioid Use Disorder "As an alternative to methadone, this wins hands down. No severe withdrawals and minimum side effects. If you are looking to do opiate withdrawal, this has got to be a serious contender. Good luck, all."

• Jan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2019

"I started taking this after finding out that my insurance would cover it ($100 every 3 months) vs. buprenorphine ($1300 a month). I was injured in a home invasion and have tried many treatments to get relief. I was previously on Dilaudid and morphine. I have been using Suboxone for 3 years. I would like to stop taking pain meds, but I am not sure if that is going to be possible. I have gradually reduced my dose over time in hopes of stopping altogether. When I stopped for one day, I had the worst pain I have ever had in my life. I did have small withdrawals that were manageable-for example, chills and nausea-but the pain was intense. For now, I am staying on a low dose until I can figure out what to do about my pain. It is much better than morphine, which made me high, and Dilaudid, which made me sleep all day."

• kit...
• March 10, 2011

For Opioid Use Disorder "I will say that Suboxone did help me get off painkillers. I was addicted to oxy's for 3 years, taking over 25 a day. And the day I started Suboxone, it helped from the start. I didn't have any withdrawals or nothing."

• run...
• December 28, 2010

For Opioid Use Disorder "Suboxone was great for my opiate dependence. I was using 160 mg of oxy daily and really wanted to be free from its painful grip that it had on me. I tried quitting cold turkey but couldn't stand the withdrawal symptoms. So I went to a doctor and got on Suboxone. Things were great until I started tapering off of it and eventually quit. The withdrawal was not as painful as opiate withdrawal but lasted a lot longer. Day 3 was when it began, mostly when trying to sleep: cold sweats, the kicks, could not sleep at all. Day 7 now, and I have not slept more than 2 hours a night yet. I have read posts on other sites, and everyone else has had the same problems. I hear day 10 is when it starts to get better, and that it takes about 2 weeks before it's over."

• Anonymous
• May 4, 2010

For Opioid Use Disorder "I have been on Vicodin for over 2 years. At my worst, I was taking 15-25 a day. I was in a horrible car crash 5 years ago and suffer from chronic pain. This week, I had enough. I said no more, and I decided to get help. I haven't taken any Vicodin in 2 days now, and I was having bad withdrawals. I went to the doctor today, and he gave me Suboxone. I am very excited to use this and get my life back. Now the only problem is that I still have the back pain, which I need to finally take care of. Reading all your comments and success stories gives me hope. I thank you all very much. God bless."

• Jli...
• December 18, 2011

For Opioid Use Disorder "Started 8 mg of Suboxone 6 months ago. Tapered down over the last 6 months to 1 mg by cutting the Suboxone 2 mg film in half. Suboxone is amazing and does everything it says. Make sure you do it with a doctor. The withdrawal symptoms are not fun for at least a week, I am on day 5. Chills, flu-like symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, headache, nausea, loss of appetite among symptoms. First day I'm feeling better and haven't used Oxy in half a year. Take some Tylenol, some Ativan. All helped me, now I'm off it."

• Me-...
• March 14, 2011

For Opioid Use Disorder "I have been taking Suboxone for 3 1/2 years. I went from 2 8 mg tabs to 1 on my own without the request of my doctor. It just felt right. Now I am down to half a tablet. I could never have done such a thing with methadone. If I tried a lower dose, I would have withdrawal. It had me in a big way. Freedom is right around the corner for me, and I can't thank my wife and kids and Suboxone enough."