I have been on Sub since September 12, 2006. I started at 12mgs and have come down to 8mgs. I believe I'll be going down to 6mgs next week. Anyway, is there anyone else out there that is on a program where they take you down off the Subs and put you on Naltrexone (sp?) or Naloxone? I am told that the Subs have a blocker that not only helps with the cravings but will also block if I slipped up and took my DOC but the Naltrexone is just a blocker - it doesn't help with the cravings. My ultimate question is this: Is there anyone out there that has come off the Subs and went immediately on Naltrexone? If so, did you feel any wd's or anything weird? Any info is appreciated. dawn
Hey Dawnee...I don't have an answer to your question but I am interested in knowing how you did your taper from 12mg to 8mg? Did you do it over a slow period of time...or did you jump?
When are you coming off all together? The reason I ask is that I am on the same dose...and very very interested!
When are you coming off all together? The reason I ask is that I am on the same dose...and very very interested!
I was on 12mg from 9/12/06 until 11/20/06 when my doctor dropped me to 10mg. I was on that for 3 weeks then dropped to 8mg on 12/11/06. He said he was waiting until after the holidays to drop me down to 6mg. That's why I'm assuming that next Monday I'll be dropping again. When I dropped from 12 to 10 I had a slight headache for 2 days but I'm not sure if that was a result of dropping or not because when I dropped from 10 to 8 I had no side effects whatsoever. I've been doing great and can't wait until I can drop down more and eventually get out of the program all together. Do you have a doctor monitoring you or did you just get a script and are doing this basically on your own? I go thru a clinic that I pay $80.00 a week for my Subs and I go in Mon, Wed, Fri for my pills. They make be go to a pharmacy on my 'off days' (Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun) and have them witness me taking the meds. I'm amazed at the people that were just written scripts and told to 'have fun'. I'm on such a strict program that is monitored from my urine to my blood, etc. It's all worth it just to get back on the road to reality!! If you want to talk more let me know and I'll give you my email. Dawn
Wow...you really are being monitored. I am in a strict program..but not as strict as yours.
I did the first initial dosing in the doctors office and waited for about an hours then was sent away and told to come back when I thought that I needed more....this process went on for about 4 days...I was induced at 2mg increments....we finally settled on 12mgs.
I would have an appointment weekly and my doctor would count my meds. He insisted on a program...outpatient therapy 3 times a week...mandatory meetings...and private therapy. I had to produce proof that I was doing all that he asked or he would cut me loose.
Now....that I have embraced his way and not mine...I get a script monthly....and of course an appointment. Last I saw him was December 12th...my next appointment is on January 17th....
He tells me that I need more time on the meds to "heal" the altered brain chemistry and then we will work out a taper program...but he really doesn't give any more info than that. He just tells me that he is in charge...period...I do trust him....he is an addiction specialist...he was a heroin junkie and an alcoholic himself...he has devoted his life's work to this field. I do feel very lucky to have found him.
Patients has never been one of my stronger points...but I am learning....I will follow his directions for now...but I do not want to stay on sub for long!
I did the first initial dosing in the doctors office and waited for about an hours then was sent away and told to come back when I thought that I needed more....this process went on for about 4 days...I was induced at 2mg increments....we finally settled on 12mgs.
I would have an appointment weekly and my doctor would count my meds. He insisted on a program...outpatient therapy 3 times a week...mandatory meetings...and private therapy. I had to produce proof that I was doing all that he asked or he would cut me loose.
Now....that I have embraced his way and not mine...I get a script monthly....and of course an appointment. Last I saw him was December 12th...my next appointment is on January 17th....
He tells me that I need more time on the meds to "heal" the altered brain chemistry and then we will work out a taper program...but he really doesn't give any more info than that. He just tells me that he is in charge...period...I do trust him....he is an addiction specialist...he was a heroin junkie and an alcoholic himself...he has devoted his life's work to this field. I do feel very lucky to have found him.
Patients has never been one of my stronger points...but I am learning....I will follow his directions for now...but I do not want to stay on sub for long!
I HAVE A QUESTION....I HAVE BEEN ON SUB SINCE JULY 11TH O6, NEVER COULD I HANDLE MORE THAN 8 MG, THIS DRUG IS SOOOO STRONG!!! I HALLUCINATED, COULDNT STAY AWAKE AND WAS SO SEDATED DURING THE INDUCTION PHASE FOR WHICH I WAS IN REHAB FOR 16 DAYS. N0T TRYING TO SCARE ANYONE NEW OR THINKING ABOUT SUB AS EACH PERSON IS AN INDIVIDUAL.
HERES THE QUESTION? ARE YOU OR WERE YOU EVER CONSTIPATED FROM THE SUB? MY SIDE EFFECT STARTED IMMEDIATELY, I NEVER WAS CONSTIPATED WHEN I TOOK VICODIN FOR 5 YRS. STRAIGHT. I HAVE SHARED ON OTHER THREADS WHAT I HAVE TAKEN TO MAKE THE CONSTIPATION BETTER.
ALSO I HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM AND IT TOO STARTED IN REHAB BUT I NEVER CONNECTED THE TWO TIL NOW, DOES SUB CAUSE YOU ANY SWELLING OR RETENTION OF WATER:??? MY LEGS ANKLES AND CALFS ARE SWELLING SO BAD! YOU CAN PRESS A FINGER ON THE SWOLLEN AREA AND IT LEAVES A BIG INDENTATION. MY ANKLE TATTOO IS SO SWOLLEN IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. IN REHAB THEY SAID MAYBE ITS FROM ALL THE SITTING YOU DID IN CLASSES ETC, SO I STARTED TO ELEVATE MY FEET DURING CLASSES.
THEN THEY WERE LIKE FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN WHEN I GOT OUT AND I DID AND WAS PUT ON FLURESIMIDE A WATER PILL AND WAS TOLD THAT THE EXTREME HEATWAVE WE WERE HAVING (AUGUST) COULD BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR, WELL HERE WE ARE IN JAN.AND I HAVE FRED FLINTSTONE ANKLES!!!!! FINALLY A DOCTOR ASKED COULD IT BE THE SUB??? BETWEEN THE CONSTIPATION AND THE SWELLING..... I CANT QUIT I WILL FOR SURELY RELAPSE AS MY BRAIN IS NO WHERE NEAR HEALED YET. JULIE
HERES THE QUESTION? ARE YOU OR WERE YOU EVER CONSTIPATED FROM THE SUB? MY SIDE EFFECT STARTED IMMEDIATELY, I NEVER WAS CONSTIPATED WHEN I TOOK VICODIN FOR 5 YRS. STRAIGHT. I HAVE SHARED ON OTHER THREADS WHAT I HAVE TAKEN TO MAKE THE CONSTIPATION BETTER.
ALSO I HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM AND IT TOO STARTED IN REHAB BUT I NEVER CONNECTED THE TWO TIL NOW, DOES SUB CAUSE YOU ANY SWELLING OR RETENTION OF WATER:??? MY LEGS ANKLES AND CALFS ARE SWELLING SO BAD! YOU CAN PRESS A FINGER ON THE SWOLLEN AREA AND IT LEAVES A BIG INDENTATION. MY ANKLE TATTOO IS SO SWOLLEN IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. IN REHAB THEY SAID MAYBE ITS FROM ALL THE SITTING YOU DID IN CLASSES ETC, SO I STARTED TO ELEVATE MY FEET DURING CLASSES.
THEN THEY WERE LIKE FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN WHEN I GOT OUT AND I DID AND WAS PUT ON FLURESIMIDE A WATER PILL AND WAS TOLD THAT THE EXTREME HEATWAVE WE WERE HAVING (AUGUST) COULD BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR, WELL HERE WE ARE IN JAN.AND I HAVE FRED FLINTSTONE ANKLES!!!!! FINALLY A DOCTOR ASKED COULD IT BE THE SUB??? BETWEEN THE CONSTIPATION AND THE SWELLING..... I CANT QUIT I WILL FOR SURELY RELAPSE AS MY BRAIN IS NO WHERE NEAR HEALED YET. JULIE
Julie...I can relate to the constipation regarding the sub...it sucks but just try to drink gallons of water!! Lots of fresh fruit and veggies....
I have a wicked tolerance to meds...I mean the sub barely phases me....I am stable on 12mgs but have taken up to 16 with no problems hallucinations or the feeling I was high...I guess in the beginning I may have felt...well high is just not the right word...maybe...elevated but not high...now...nothing normal...in fact my addict brain tells me to take more which would be ridiculous due to the ceiling effect...however it has crossed my mind...especially when I was hurting with cramps and my kids were here for christmas....tell me that I don't have a ton of work to do...I know I do...
I have had no adverse side effects from sub..no headaches..no sleepless nights...no tiredness...nothing...maybe it has to do with your anxiety and other meds that you are on.
I have a wicked tolerance to meds...I mean the sub barely phases me....I am stable on 12mgs but have taken up to 16 with no problems hallucinations or the feeling I was high...I guess in the beginning I may have felt...well high is just not the right word...maybe...elevated but not high...now...nothing normal...in fact my addict brain tells me to take more which would be ridiculous due to the ceiling effect...however it has crossed my mind...especially when I was hurting with cramps and my kids were here for christmas....tell me that I don't have a ton of work to do...I know I do...
I have had no adverse side effects from sub..no headaches..no sleepless nights...no tiredness...nothing...maybe it has to do with your anxiety and other meds that you are on.
Jules, both are side effects from the sub, most people get constipated from it and a few people have gotten the swelling your talking about. If I remember correctly the swelling side effect goes away when you lower your dose.
Hi Dawn;
Just saw this and wanted to offer my input. I've never been on sub, but I've been on naltrexone (100mg per day) for almost a year and a half. I'm really nut sure how much it blocks the cravings. I think my relapse last year was so painful that I can honestly say I have no desire for pills today. But the naltrexone provides my wife with piece of mind, as I couldn't take it and take opiates at the same time. So occasionally I take the meds in front of my wife. If she needs reassurance once in awhile it's the least I can do.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Just saw this and wanted to offer my input. I've never been on sub, but I've been on naltrexone (100mg per day) for almost a year and a half. I'm really nut sure how much it blocks the cravings. I think my relapse last year was so painful that I can honestly say I have no desire for pills today. But the naltrexone provides my wife with piece of mind, as I couldn't take it and take opiates at the same time. So occasionally I take the meds in front of my wife. If she needs reassurance once in awhile it's the least I can do.
Hope this helps.
Jim
thanks for you reply
so swelling should go down when dose is lowered.... thank you all. julie
so swelling should go down when dose is lowered.... thank you all. julie
Sub had the opposit effect on me when it comes to the toilet issues. My doc was codeine and I can't remember being regular when I was taking it. Speaking of being regular - have any of you (women) had your period disappear after a few years of using? I saw specialists because I thought something was wrong because I just quit having periods. I would spot every 6 months or so but that was is. The thought never crossed my mind that it could be the pills. Guess what. After I quit the pills, I was just regular person - IN BOTH WAYS!!! As to the swelling, I havn't had any of that unless you count the weight I've gained from eating like a horse. That is the one thing I wish I could work on. It isn't too bad though, I needed to gain some weight. I was down to 100lbs from a usual 125 when I started the Subs. I starved myself because I got a better buzz on an empty stomach.
I almost forgot...I saw my doctor today and he dropped me to 6mgs. I'm so excited because he told me that we would be dropping 2mgs every week and then I would just jump off at 2. I would then be prescribed Clonodine sp?? for
1-3 weeks until the Suboxone gets out of my system and then I'd be put on the Naltrexone. I'm not sure how long I'll be on that.
Has anyone ever been on Clonodine sp? before? He said it would help with the overall feeling of YUCK but I've heard people say it made them feel worse. Any help would be great.
Dawn
1-3 weeks until the Suboxone gets out of my system and then I'd be put on the Naltrexone. I'm not sure how long I'll be on that.
Has anyone ever been on Clonodine sp? before? He said it would help with the overall feeling of YUCK but I've heard people say it made them feel worse. Any help would be great.
Dawn
Dawn, clonidine lowers your blood pressure which rises when you detox, some people say it helps others say it didnt help much, I never took it, i probably should have tried it.
He's gonna have you jump at 2mgs? That seems kind of high, most people jump at 1/2mg or less.
good luck
He's gonna have you jump at 2mgs? That seems kind of high, most people jump at 1/2mg or less.
good luck
He told me that it was entirely up to me. He said if I wanted to try jumping at 2mg I could and if I felt too awful then I could drop to 1mg but he's never had anyone go lower than that. I figure that I have to do it eventually anyway so I might as well get it over with sooner than later.
Chronic constipation can CAUSE swelling, your not ridding your body of toxins on a regular basis and the result,..swelling and weight gain...
The best thing for constipation in even the worst cases that I have ever heard of and even tried myself is something called hemp seed...You have to make sure you buy the actual seed and not the husks or shells...
They are no cheap, but a few tsp a day and you''ll be running to the bathroom within the first 48 hours...doesn give you diarrhea or gas, it just stimulates a lazy colon, that has gotten sluggish..
You can make cookies with them too..they taste sorta like sunflowers seeds..
they have more protein then fish, and in fact give you so much energy that you cant take them too close to bed or you wont be able to sleep...
Dont believe me?
try them...
available at most health food markets or vit. stores
Ali
The best thing for constipation in even the worst cases that I have ever heard of and even tried myself is something called hemp seed...You have to make sure you buy the actual seed and not the husks or shells...
They are no cheap, but a few tsp a day and you''ll be running to the bathroom within the first 48 hours...doesn give you diarrhea or gas, it just stimulates a lazy colon, that has gotten sluggish..
You can make cookies with them too..they taste sorta like sunflowers seeds..
they have more protein then fish, and in fact give you so much energy that you cant take them too close to bed or you wont be able to sleep...
Dont believe me?
try them...
available at most health food markets or vit. stores
Ali
Hemp seeds? Isn't that the same thing as pot seeds? Do they take the "pot" out of them somehow? I know that hemp is used in all sorts of products and doesn't have the THC in it but the seeds? They must be ok, otherwise you couldn't buy them legally, right?
Sorry Ali, but that just made me giggle....sounds like an awesome idea though..
Dawn..I have nothing to offer, never have taken either med but just wanted to wish you luck and say how lucky you are to have such a good and responsible dr.
Cowgirl
Sorry Ali, but that just made me giggle....sounds like an awesome idea though..
Dawn..I have nothing to offer, never have taken either med but just wanted to wish you luck and say how lucky you are to have such a good and responsible dr.
Cowgirl
Lisa,
lol
Nope you dont get high from them
they are the very middle seed from the hemp plant and as i said they contain more omega 3s and protein then fish, even raw fish...
They do give you energy, but from protein, not a buzz,...
I thought the same thing when i was first told about them and was even scared to try them cus i associate pot with panic attacks...but they are amazing..
i swear..nothing chemical or natural will get a bowel moving quicker..
hugs
Ali
lol
Nope you dont get high from them
they are the very middle seed from the hemp plant and as i said they contain more omega 3s and protein then fish, even raw fish...
They do give you energy, but from protein, not a buzz,...
I thought the same thing when i was first told about them and was even scared to try them cus i associate pot with panic attacks...but they are amazing..
i swear..nothing chemical or natural will get a bowel moving quicker..
hugs
Ali
