does anyone know if you can cut a suboxone tablet?
since it only comes in 8mg and 2 mg tablets i was wondering how to make a 7 mg tablet.
my insurance is picky about covering the 2 mg tablets, they prefer to cover the 8 mg ones, i guess less pills to fill.
anyway i want to start the taper and i want to do it so slow, i am on 8 mg daily and i want to drop it one mg at a time so my body doesnt catch on hopefully.
also i may need carpal tunnel and elbow surgery, can a person on suboxone take a pain medication after the surgery? i am going into this differently, not to get high but to control the pain post operatively for 3 days max. ive made that mistake before with pain meds, being on them too long and then all of a sudden i am addicted, i've come too far to mess it up, julie
Yes you can cut the 8mgs pills.....
Go slow a mg a month drop, maybe even to a half under around 3....
Somewhere in this drop toward around 4 mgs you should switch to subutex, doctors are finding it is easier to come off of. My husband doctor switches eveyone based on what he is seeing in his practice.
And here is info you should bring to your doctor who is doing the surgery, but your sub doctor should really be the one who is in charge of pain control. And yes this is done....Kinda everyone on the same page. There is very limited info on this as it is so new.
sub and surgery
Good luck to you,
Love,
Tina
Go slow a mg a month drop, maybe even to a half under around 3....
Somewhere in this drop toward around 4 mgs you should switch to subutex, doctors are finding it is easier to come off of. My husband doctor switches eveyone based on what he is seeing in his practice.
And here is info you should bring to your doctor who is doing the surgery, but your sub doctor should really be the one who is in charge of pain control. And yes this is done....Kinda everyone on the same page. There is very limited info on this as it is so new.
sub and surgery
Good luck to you,
Love,
Tina
Jewels,yes you can take Sub after surgery...Shoot this I know as a fact as Ive done it....3 times after 4 surgeries.Sub has a 36hr half life which means even after 36 hrs theres still some in your system.
I found that EVERYTIME I had surgery & I was on Sub that the intake nurse had NO IDEA what Sub was ...so be sure you tell them your on it etc....Good Luck Huny
Love Mols
I found that EVERYTIME I had surgery & I was on Sub that the intake nurse had NO IDEA what Sub was ...so be sure you tell them your on it etc....Good Luck Huny
Love Mols
molly, tell me how one goes about stopping sub to receive pain meds. thanks jewels
I'm curious too Brina...did you have to go off of the meds before the surgery so that the anistectic would work? Hope you're having a good day...Lisa
good Timing Lisa....my beauty is getting ready to OVER TAKE my computer again,Im just thankful shes well enough to be out of bed!!!!
I did write you this morning.
To answer you before I hand off my computer
With my surgeries they just said the morning of the surgery not to take it.
Doesnt make much sense because of its long half life.
Anyways,its my beaties time so Ill try to get back on later
molly
I did write you this morning.
To answer you before I hand off my computer
With my surgeries they just said the morning of the surgery not to take it.
Doesnt make much sense because of its long half life.
Anyways,its my beaties time so Ill try to get back on later
molly
Julie...
Have you had a consultation yet on the carpal tunnel surgery? My dear friend just had his 2nd carpal tunnel surgery done last week and they've come so far that for him, there was just a small incision, surgery done in no time and he was back at work 3 hours later....The carpal tunnel surgery that he had is like routine procedure, in & out and back to work not like 12 years ago where you were down for 4-6 weeks...Not sure how extensive yours is going to be but maybe it will be fairly simple and you won't need any meds....
Take care,
Stacey
Have you had a consultation yet on the carpal tunnel surgery? My dear friend just had his 2nd carpal tunnel surgery done last week and they've come so far that for him, there was just a small incision, surgery done in no time and he was back at work 3 hours later....The carpal tunnel surgery that he had is like routine procedure, in & out and back to work not like 12 years ago where you were down for 4-6 weeks...Not sure how extensive yours is going to be but maybe it will be fairly simple and you won't need any meds....
Take care,
Stacey
I had 2 carpal tunnel surgeries about 4 years ago. I didn't need the meds but took them anyway. I would have been just fine with advil. It really is the better pain reliever....
Makes perfect sense MJ, half life has nothing to do with this. Read the link it is explained like what they can do in an emergency....
We took this quiz before, remember with your friend switching from the sub to methadone ( I still find that a bit insane )....The switch is bad from opiate to sub other way around there is no real problem...Just kinks like the anesthesia, and the amount of meds to help with pain, without using high end to get around the bup, without causing respiratory distress . If you aren't going under sub doesn't have to be stopped in some cases I have read. You can dose with it different to try to gain pain control.....small doses every 6 hours.
Jewels you need to have the doctors on the same page That is how you make sure there is no room for error.That is how you get the best advice for you
We took this quiz before, remember with your friend switching from the sub to methadone ( I still find that a bit insane )....The switch is bad from opiate to sub other way around there is no real problem...Just kinks like the anesthesia, and the amount of meds to help with pain, without using high end to get around the bup, without causing respiratory distress . If you aren't going under sub doesn't have to be stopped in some cases I have read. You can dose with it different to try to gain pain control.....small doses every 6 hours.
Jewels you need to have the doctors on the same page That is how you make sure there is no room for error.That is how you get the best advice for you
thank you guys for all your answers and support and yes i will get on the same page with all my doctors and i was just seeking a little advice to be more knowledgeable when i go for my first consultation with an orthopedic doctor on wed.
i used to use surgery as an excuse to abuse opiate pain meds and i need to be sure i dont fall back into those behaviors, i used to RUN to a doctor for any little pain i had because i knew i could ask for vicodin and get it.
this time i am proud of myself becuase i have pain and i am dealing with it and dont even want to consider an opiate now to relieve the pain. i only am curious as to what may happen... is the pain going to be unbearable.... ? there is damage to the median nerve in my wrist and damage to the ulnar nerve in my elbow, so i will be needing two operations at one time, this has been going on for years and now it has gotton to the point where my left hand is numb 24/7 and i have noticed shooting pains in my left pinky finger as well as the elbow, my job requires use of my hands without pain and numbness so i feel i am not jumping into this surgery as i did jump in too soon on previous surgeries such as bunion removal on both feet and bone spur removal on both shoulders. all i can remember is how painful bunion surgery was.
also i am dealing with a painful heel spur for once again i am dealing with the pain where before i would be thrilled because i would have an excuse to use!
i have seen my chiropractor first for the heel spur for which he did light therapy and ultrasound, then i was referred to a podiatrist for which i was prescribed ketaprophen (a nsaid) which i am scared to take because the print out from the pharmacy has scared me as it stated this drug could increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke and not to take this drug if one is on paxil for which i am. i called the podiatrist on this and he said just take advil or tylenol then. he also fitted me for orthotics which they should be ready to pick up in 2 weeks. i also started wearing compression stockings which has helped tremendously with ankle swelling that was getting out of control, this problem is from varicose veins, man this sh*t of getting old sucks!!! but i am so proud as this is new behavior for me to seek other means of pain relief and not abuse opiates!
tIna: thank you for the sub/surgery link.
stacy:yes like i said my consultation is on wed.
molly:you said that you stopped the sub the da
i used to use surgery as an excuse to abuse opiate pain meds and i need to be sure i dont fall back into those behaviors, i used to RUN to a doctor for any little pain i had because i knew i could ask for vicodin and get it.
this time i am proud of myself becuase i have pain and i am dealing with it and dont even want to consider an opiate now to relieve the pain. i only am curious as to what may happen... is the pain going to be unbearable.... ? there is damage to the median nerve in my wrist and damage to the ulnar nerve in my elbow, so i will be needing two operations at one time, this has been going on for years and now it has gotton to the point where my left hand is numb 24/7 and i have noticed shooting pains in my left pinky finger as well as the elbow, my job requires use of my hands without pain and numbness so i feel i am not jumping into this surgery as i did jump in too soon on previous surgeries such as bunion removal on both feet and bone spur removal on both shoulders. all i can remember is how painful bunion surgery was.
also i am dealing with a painful heel spur for once again i am dealing with the pain where before i would be thrilled because i would have an excuse to use!
i have seen my chiropractor first for the heel spur for which he did light therapy and ultrasound, then i was referred to a podiatrist for which i was prescribed ketaprophen (a nsaid) which i am scared to take because the print out from the pharmacy has scared me as it stated this drug could increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke and not to take this drug if one is on paxil for which i am. i called the podiatrist on this and he said just take advil or tylenol then. he also fitted me for orthotics which they should be ready to pick up in 2 weeks. i also started wearing compression stockings which has helped tremendously with ankle swelling that was getting out of control, this problem is from varicose veins, man this sh*t of getting old sucks!!! but i am so proud as this is new behavior for me to seek other means of pain relief and not abuse opiates!
tIna: thank you for the sub/surgery link.
stacy:yes like i said my consultation is on wed.
molly:you said that you stopped the sub the da
SOORY ABOUT THAT GUYS i accidently pressed post when i was still typing...
molly you said you stopped sub the day of your surgery, i dont understand cuz i was told in rehab that i had to be off vicodin (an opiate just like sub is an opiate) for at least 24 hours or it would throw me into withdrawals if i did it too soon.
lisa: so you think the benefits of surgery is a good thing for my wrist and elbow?i would be so upset if the surgery caused me any further numbness or is there a possibility that it could return again???? i know i will address all these questions to my doctors, this board has helped me sooooo much with good advice. also i posted on another thread and i dont know if you saw it, but i wanted to let you know that i am in a recovery program, have a sponsor and i am almost finished with step one and i attend NA meetings, this was a thread to kee kee and was it kim or java girl??? where you said to them that you were proud they were in a recovery program and what about the rest of you??? do you remember that thread? anyway just wanted to let you know that i am seeking recovery as well,thats all. we are getting into the process of tapering off the sub. the neurologist who did the nerve test thinks the anesthesia will be a local, thats good and if i can return to work right away thats even better. jewels
molly you said you stopped sub the day of your surgery, i dont understand cuz i was told in rehab that i had to be off vicodin (an opiate just like sub is an opiate) for at least 24 hours or it would throw me into withdrawals if i did it too soon.
lisa: so you think the benefits of surgery is a good thing for my wrist and elbow?i would be so upset if the surgery caused me any further numbness or is there a possibility that it could return again???? i know i will address all these questions to my doctors, this board has helped me sooooo much with good advice. also i posted on another thread and i dont know if you saw it, but i wanted to let you know that i am in a recovery program, have a sponsor and i am almost finished with step one and i attend NA meetings, this was a thread to kee kee and was it kim or java girl??? where you said to them that you were proud they were in a recovery program and what about the rest of you??? do you remember that thread? anyway just wanted to let you know that i am seeking recovery as well,thats all. we are getting into the process of tapering off the sub. the neurologist who did the nerve test thinks the anesthesia will be a local, thats good and if i can return to work right away thats even better. jewels
Jules You will be interviewed by a nurse and must get clearance for any surgery I believe.
Anyway the anesthesiologist will override the sub. Its not s big deal. BUT MAKE SURE ALL THE DOCTORS NURSES KNOW YOUR ON SUB.
I WOULD THINK YOU WILL BE GOING BACK ON THE SUB IMMEDIATLY SO BRING IT TO THE HOSPITAL AND MAKE SURE YOUR DOCTOR WRITES IT ON YOUR CHART. OTHERWISE AS I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY THE HOSPITAL WILL WRITE YOU AN OPIATE AND SEND YOU HOME.
I HOPE YOU TRY TO CUT. THE 8MG? VERSUS 2MG INSURANCE? IF YOUR INSURANCE COVERS 8MG PILLS THEY COVER 2MG. YOUR DOCTOR MUST WRITE THE SCRIPT FOR YOU.
2MG PILLS ARE MUCH EASIER TO USE IN WEANING. NO REASON YOU CANT GET DOWN TO 4 MG PRETTY QUICKLY.
JMO--LIKE I HAVE SAID A MILLIION TIMES ITS JUST LOGICAL TO TRY AND CUT A DOSE AND SPREAD OUT THE REMAINING MG AS THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENS IS YOU GET SOME MINOR W/D SNIFFLES A LITTLE CRAMPOING BUT IT GOES AWAY. SOME PEPOPLE CAN HANDLE IT SOME I GUESS CANNOT.
GOOD LUCK--SORRY FOR CAPS --OFF TO THE POOL ITS LIKE 80 AND SUNNY AND WE LOST AN HOUR.
JEFF
Anyway the anesthesiologist will override the sub. Its not s big deal. BUT MAKE SURE ALL THE DOCTORS NURSES KNOW YOUR ON SUB.
I WOULD THINK YOU WILL BE GOING BACK ON THE SUB IMMEDIATLY SO BRING IT TO THE HOSPITAL AND MAKE SURE YOUR DOCTOR WRITES IT ON YOUR CHART. OTHERWISE AS I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY THE HOSPITAL WILL WRITE YOU AN OPIATE AND SEND YOU HOME.
I HOPE YOU TRY TO CUT. THE 8MG? VERSUS 2MG INSURANCE? IF YOUR INSURANCE COVERS 8MG PILLS THEY COVER 2MG. YOUR DOCTOR MUST WRITE THE SCRIPT FOR YOU.
2MG PILLS ARE MUCH EASIER TO USE IN WEANING. NO REASON YOU CANT GET DOWN TO 4 MG PRETTY QUICKLY.
JMO--LIKE I HAVE SAID A MILLIION TIMES ITS JUST LOGICAL TO TRY AND CUT A DOSE AND SPREAD OUT THE REMAINING MG AS THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENS IS YOU GET SOME MINOR W/D SNIFFLES A LITTLE CRAMPOING BUT IT GOES AWAY. SOME PEPOPLE CAN HANDLE IT SOME I GUESS CANNOT.
GOOD LUCK--SORRY FOR CAPS --OFF TO THE POOL ITS LIKE 80 AND SUNNY AND WE LOST AN HOUR.
JEFF
Hey jewels all I can tell you is what I went through as far as my surgeries(which were same day surgeries)
When I went for my pre ops & such,you know how they interview you & such?Well I explained about being on Sub(which the intake had no clue what it even was)I gave her whatever info I could,& after she made a couple phone calls she finally told me that the DAY of my surgery,NOT to take it in the morning.I also(though NOT positive)she also said NOT to take my effexor.
May I suggest talking as much as you can at pre ops & such & letting the Drs let you know what they want.
On a personal note,I feel that If (God forbide)something goes wrong,in the operating room,well thats the safest place if something should happen
As far as myself,I had no ill effects(except pain)after my surgeries.
molly
When I went for my pre ops & such,you know how they interview you & such?Well I explained about being on Sub(which the intake had no clue what it even was)I gave her whatever info I could,& after she made a couple phone calls she finally told me that the DAY of my surgery,NOT to take it in the morning.I also(though NOT positive)she also said NOT to take my effexor.
May I suggest talking as much as you can at pre ops & such & letting the Drs let you know what they want.
On a personal note,I feel that If (God forbide)something goes wrong,in the operating room,well thats the safest place if something should happen
As far as myself,I had no ill effects(except pain)after my surgeries.
molly
Hi Jewels,
The insurance prefer the 8mg pills because they are way less expensive. I went through the same thing. Its just a cost thing thats all. Get a pill cutter from they drug store, the work pretty good. I am down to 8mgs now and will cut another another 4 if all goes ok....the drops from the higher doses I suspect will be easier but I am not worried about a little discomfort. Its just work I am worried about. I have to be on top of my game. Its fairly easy to cut the 8mgs in half, there is a clear cut line on the pill....cutting the half will be tricky...you will get some powder...keep it....will come in useful in the taper process.
I admire your strength jewles...you have come along way baby and you have alot of very unpleasant stuff to deal with. You should be proud of yourself.
Stay connected with your program and try not to worry....this too shall pass!
I am pulling for you....your life has changed for the better in so many ways draw on that...and move forward..."nothing to fear except fear itself".
I have never suffered from chronic pain and feel alot guilt over my abuse of pain meds...god willing I will never have a legit reason to use. I fear it would open the gates to hell.
The insurance prefer the 8mg pills because they are way less expensive. I went through the same thing. Its just a cost thing thats all. Get a pill cutter from they drug store, the work pretty good. I am down to 8mgs now and will cut another another 4 if all goes ok....the drops from the higher doses I suspect will be easier but I am not worried about a little discomfort. Its just work I am worried about. I have to be on top of my game. Its fairly easy to cut the 8mgs in half, there is a clear cut line on the pill....cutting the half will be tricky...you will get some powder...keep it....will come in useful in the taper process.
I admire your strength jewles...you have come along way baby and you have alot of very unpleasant stuff to deal with. You should be proud of yourself.
Stay connected with your program and try not to worry....this too shall pass!
I am pulling for you....your life has changed for the better in so many ways draw on that...and move forward..."nothing to fear except fear itself".
I have never suffered from chronic pain and feel alot guilt over my abuse of pain meds...god willing I will never have a legit reason to use. I fear it would open the gates to hell.
