I could use some advice from some experienced addicts.Here is my story.I have been on methadone maintainance for some 15 plus years.Getting on methadone is a long story and won't get into that.A couple years ago I started using heroin after going through a gruelling withdrawl from my methadone. It was , you know, "just a treat".Well I went back to the methadone program and maintained at around 45mg while chipping with the H.After a great loss of a loved one I started using H daily.So now I had a dual habit and that really pissed me off. I was spending the cash on H and still took my methadone.I've stopped taking my methadone since I am still using anyway.Now after about 3 weeks I am finally feeling "normal" after so many years on the meth
program.Now I am on holidays from work and would like some medicinal advice on overcoming my 1 year addiction to heroin. I am from BC , Canada and I have heard very little, if any, about sub and since my meth doctor had no knowledge of my heroin use , I could use some advice on some sort of withdrawl .I have never tried methadone as a withdrawl program,only maintainance.Any medical advice?
Welcome Sharon!,
SUBOXONE IS USED FOR :
Suboxone is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence. It works by preventing withdrawal symptoms, since the buprenorphine is actually a type of narcotic (opioid) itself. It should be used as part of a complete narcotic dependence treatment plan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USING SUBOXONE :
Place Suboxone under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Buprenorphine/naloxone is usually given daily during your medical treatment maintenance period, after a short period (induction) of using buprenorphine. Suboxone comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Suboxone. Do not swallow Suboxone, as it will not be as effective if it is swallowed. If you are prescribed more than one tablet each day, you may place all of the tablets under your tongue at once. If this is not possible, then you may place two tablets at a time under your tongue, until they all have dissolved. Use Suboxone exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using Suboxone without your doctor s approval, or withdrawal symptoms may occur. Use Suboxone regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not inject ( shoot up ) buprenorphine/naloxone. Injecting it is dangerous, and you likely will have severe withdrawal symptoms (see Side Effects section) due to the naloxone in Suboxone, especially if you have been using narcotics such as heroin, morphine or methadone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Buprenorphine/naloxone probably will cause withdrawal symptoms if you use it soon after using narcotics such as heroin, morphine, or methadone. Follow your doctor s instructions for your treatment plan.
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SIDE EFFECTS OF SUBOXONE :
Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, constipation, headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow, shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), stomach/abdominal pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, vision changes. An allergic reaction to Suboxone is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Narcotic withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, severe mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping), muscle stiffness or shakiness. If such symptoms occur, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS WHILE TAKING SUBOXONE :
Before using Suboxone, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease, liver disease, serious head injury or brain diseases (lesions), low thyroid problems (hypothyroidism), adrenal problems (Addison s disease), psychiatric problems (toxic psychosis), difficulty urinating (enlarged prostate or urethral narrowing), acute alcoholism (with or without delirium tremens), spinal problems (kyphoscoliosis), gallbladder (biliary tract) disease and other abdominal conditions, any allergies. Suboxone may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using Suboxone in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Suboxone, especially the possible decreased breathing and drowsiness effects. Suboxone should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Suboxone passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Suboxone is not recommended.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDICATION INTERACTIONS TAKING SUBOXONE :
Before using Suboxone, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), drugs which decrease liver metabolism (inhibitors of cytochrome 3A4 enzymes such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir), local anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine), sedative drugs (benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam). Deaths have occurred when buprenorphine/naloxone has been misused, especially when used in combination with benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) or other depressants such as alcohol or additional narcotics. Also report the use of other drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., temazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF YOU OVERDOSE WITH SUBOXONE :
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: excessive drowsiness, severe dizziness, very slow, shallow breathing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF YOU MISS A DOSE WITH SUBOXONE :
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO STORE SUBOXONE :
Store at room temperature - 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBOXONE IS USED FOR :
Suboxone is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence. It works by preventing withdrawal symptoms, since the buprenorphine is actually a type of narcotic (opioid) itself. It should be used as part of a complete narcotic dependence treatment plan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USING SUBOXONE :
Place Suboxone under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Buprenorphine/naloxone is usually given daily during your medical treatment maintenance period, after a short period (induction) of using buprenorphine. Suboxone comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Suboxone. Do not swallow Suboxone, as it will not be as effective if it is swallowed. If you are prescribed more than one tablet each day, you may place all of the tablets under your tongue at once. If this is not possible, then you may place two tablets at a time under your tongue, until they all have dissolved. Use Suboxone exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using Suboxone without your doctor s approval, or withdrawal symptoms may occur. Use Suboxone regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not inject ( shoot up ) buprenorphine/naloxone. Injecting it is dangerous, and you likely will have severe withdrawal symptoms (see Side Effects section) due to the naloxone in Suboxone, especially if you have been using narcotics such as heroin, morphine or methadone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Buprenorphine/naloxone probably will cause withdrawal symptoms if you use it soon after using narcotics such as heroin, morphine, or methadone. Follow your doctor s instructions for your treatment plan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIDE EFFECTS OF SUBOXONE :
Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, constipation, headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow, shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), stomach/abdominal pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, vision changes. An allergic reaction to Suboxone is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Narcotic withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, severe mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping), muscle stiffness or shakiness. If such symptoms occur, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS WHILE TAKING SUBOXONE :
Before using Suboxone, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease, liver disease, serious head injury or brain diseases (lesions), low thyroid problems (hypothyroidism), adrenal problems (Addison s disease), psychiatric problems (toxic psychosis), difficulty urinating (enlarged prostate or urethral narrowing), acute alcoholism (with or without delirium tremens), spinal problems (kyphoscoliosis), gallbladder (biliary tract) disease and other abdominal conditions, any allergies. Suboxone may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using Suboxone in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Suboxone, especially the possible decreased breathing and drowsiness effects. Suboxone should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Suboxone passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Suboxone is not recommended.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDICATION INTERACTIONS TAKING SUBOXONE :
Before using Suboxone, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), drugs which decrease liver metabolism (inhibitors of cytochrome 3A4 enzymes such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir), local anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine), sedative drugs (benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam). Deaths have occurred when buprenorphine/naloxone has been misused, especially when used in combination with benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) or other depressants such as alcohol or additional narcotics. Also report the use of other drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., temazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF YOU OVERDOSE WITH SUBOXONE :
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: excessive drowsiness, severe dizziness, very slow, shallow breathing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF YOU MISS A DOSE WITH SUBOXONE :
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO STORE SUBOXONE :
Store at room temperature - 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
thank you very much for all the info.Approx., how long will the detox take?
Sheila,
That time could vary......everyone and their addictions are different. From what I have learned you could do a subs detox over a 3 day peroid or for a longer period of time again depending upon the individual. All the best!
That time could vary......everyone and their addictions are different. From what I have learned you could do a subs detox over a 3 day peroid or for a longer period of time again depending upon the individual. All the best!
Q Why do I need to be in withdrawal when I start SUBOXONE?
A: It is important to be in mild-to-moderate withdrawal when you take your first dose of SUBOXONE. If you have high levels of another opioid in your system, SUBOXONE will compete with the other opioid molecules and knock them off the receptors. SUBOXONE then replaces those opioid molecules on the receptors, but because SUBOXONE has less opioid effects than full opioid agonists, you may go into withdrawal and feel sick. This is called precipitated withdrawal. If you are already in the first stages of withdrawal when you take your first dose, SUBOXONE will make you feel better, not worse. Once your doctor has assessed your withdrawal symptoms and decided that you are ready to start SUBOXONE, you will begin Induction.
Q. How long will I stay on SUBOXONE?
A: The length of your SUBOXONE treatment depends on what your doctor, you, and, possibly, your counselor or therapist decide is best for your needs. Although short-term treatment may be an effective option for some, for others it may not allow enough time to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of their condition. The chance of relapsing can be higher with short-term treatment because patients have less time to learn the skills needed to maintain an opioid-free lifestyle.
In general, suppressing cravings with SUBOXONE (for as long as necessary), together with counseling, offers the best likelihood for treatment success.
Discontinuing SUBOXONE abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so when you are ready, your doctor will gradually taper your SUBOXONE dose. You should be aware of signs of relapse or withdrawal symptoms. Discard any leftover pills to ensure that they aren't used by anyone else.
A: It is important to be in mild-to-moderate withdrawal when you take your first dose of SUBOXONE. If you have high levels of another opioid in your system, SUBOXONE will compete with the other opioid molecules and knock them off the receptors. SUBOXONE then replaces those opioid molecules on the receptors, but because SUBOXONE has less opioid effects than full opioid agonists, you may go into withdrawal and feel sick. This is called precipitated withdrawal. If you are already in the first stages of withdrawal when you take your first dose, SUBOXONE will make you feel better, not worse. Once your doctor has assessed your withdrawal symptoms and decided that you are ready to start SUBOXONE, you will begin Induction.
Q. How long will I stay on SUBOXONE?
A: The length of your SUBOXONE treatment depends on what your doctor, you, and, possibly, your counselor or therapist decide is best for your needs. Although short-term treatment may be an effective option for some, for others it may not allow enough time to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of their condition. The chance of relapsing can be higher with short-term treatment because patients have less time to learn the skills needed to maintain an opioid-free lifestyle.
In general, suppressing cravings with SUBOXONE (for as long as necessary), together with counseling, offers the best likelihood for treatment success.
Discontinuing SUBOXONE abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so when you are ready, your doctor will gradually taper your SUBOXONE dose. You should be aware of signs of relapse or withdrawal symptoms. Discard any leftover pills to ensure that they aren't used by anyone else.
I am on my fourth day of withdrawel from Subbies and the third night was the worst and I went to hell and back last night, but it is less severe than rattling from Heroin! Three days is a little optimistic, but it is down to the individual and I would say 7 days to feel completely better, but it is so bloody worth it! I came down slowley from 12mg to half a gram, but then started buying it from a mate and up the dose. So I guess I made things worse for myself in the end. Take your drug councillers advice and do it properly and avoid all the pain I have had to deal with!
