Suboxone Too Soon After Methadone

My wife has been on methadone for the last 6 years dosing 120mg per day. Something happened and she ran out of medicine and doesn't get any more until 4 days from now. She took her last dose of 80mg yesterday morning. 3 hours ago (36 hrs after the last dose of methadone) she was just beginning withdrawal and took about 3mg of a Suboxone strip thinking the sub would help get her through the next 4 days until she re-upped on her methadone. Unfortunately, she has gone into severe withdrawals. From what I've read so far, there isn't much we can do about it. My worry is that she doesn't get her methadone for 4 days and Idk how bad off she is going to be until then. She has about 9mg of Suboxone left. I wonder if she should take it over the next few days or what and how will it affect her when she gets her methadone next week. She is really bad off right now and I just can't see her going that long with no type of relief. Does anyone have any suggestions or knowledge of whether it is safe for her to go that long without her MD. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm really worried about her.

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From the details you gave it didn't seem she waited 3 days after her last dose of Methadone priori to using Sub. They recommend AT LEAST 36 hours for methadone to sub transition, and I've heard people waiting 5 days. I have heard that taking another small dose of Sub after Precipitated Withdrawls occurring helping, but this was more for someone who was using short acting opioids and for less than a years daily use. Suboxone may kick off methadone on receptors and replace it, but if the receptor is being covered by a full agonist like methadone it will still cause withdrawal.

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I have been there! Give her about 24 to 36 hours and she will start to feel better. I broke out into hot and cold sweats then about 24 hours later I started to feel better. Nothing you can do except wait it out. Praying she feels better soon

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The Suboxen put her into full withdrawal. Do not give her anymore. I went through a similar thing with Fentynyl not even a month ago. Put her on oxcycodone 10mg three to four times a day until her refill. That's what was done with me. Suboxen will keep throwing her into withdrawal.

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well she needs to watch her meds and wing down ,i live in conic pain on opans 30 bid, and 4 10 er , i tr not to take it all every day ,i have friend that that 3 40mg oxys, every day they watch what they take and went they take it, i would have her lay out a daily planer, i been there and do it all, i pray for you guy , that running out sucks , i know, and 8 mgs of subs ant going to help her she just need to stop and control her meds , best of luck , shes on a death sprillo

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Giving her Suboxone is absolutely the worst thing to do. Any opiate taken 24 hrs after last dose of methadone would have been much better. Sorry but have been there but was well aware of what would have happened. Four days can feel like an eternity.

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Re: Charlie (# 5)

I would watch her close. Don't let her get any Methadone on her own. Overdose could occur. Personally, I would bring her to ER or doctor and let them put her on Oxcycodone until her refill. It's horrible to go through and bad for someone watching. 100% full withdrawal isn't something you can stop. Not even with Methadone. She can overdose. Suboxen will continue to put her into withdrawal until Methadone is out of system. Im telling you this from experience just 3 weeks ago. Please bring her to doctor.

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Do not, do not , do not give her any more strips. Unless ya wanna see her in more withdrawals. Ooohhh that was a bad idea. Can't say from experience but over the years I've known a couple people that have done that and they say they will never ever forget it. It killed the whole idea of anything even related to suboxxone for one person forever. Withdrawls are a pain in the ass, which knock on wood, I won't ever have to go through again the way I manage my meds, but I'm told they're twice as worse when ya take the strips without methaonde completely out of your system. Unfortunately now that she's already taken that, I don't think there's anything that she can do to to get back to normal til that's exited her system and she gets her regular meds again. I wouldn't wish that on my worse enemy. I feel for ya both.

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You need to get her to an er right away. What her body is going through right now is very very dangerous. Convulsions are my main concern. If this a usual problem there may be an underlying issue.

For now get her to a hospital.

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She obviously dodged a bullet by waiting far enough into withdrawal to take the sub. Now that she has, refrain from any opiates until the subs have cleared her system. This includes methadone. I would wait about 36 hrs or until she is in withdrawal before reintroducing the methadone. Instead of relying on these comments you need to do your homework and read up on subs and their components, namely buprenorphine and naloxone. In the future tell her not to self-adjust her methadone dosage and she won't have this problem. She may not want to reveal to the methadone clinic her abuse of the methadone, however if she is honest about recovery she should and then work with doctors to correct the dose. Whatever you do you should not turn to other opiates now that she has taken sub. 36 Hrs min. Good luck, stop abusing and try to get real about your problem. Playing Dr has gotten you into this mess, now do the homework, learn about the drugs you are taking and their effects and pay the price for thinking you knew as much as a licensed professional.

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After taking hydrocodone for 9 months (after two joint replacements) I was taking more than I should have and became addicted. I tried to stop by cutting down but when I got to a low dose I went into withdrawal, which was more than I could stand (I was 64) I finally smartened up and went back to my doctor who sent me to rehab as at that time (11years ago) doctors could not prescribe Suboxone. I had to wait 12 hours before taking Suboxone but when I did it stopped the withdrawal within minutes. Thank God. After discharge, the rehab doctor put me on 8 mg. of Suboxone twice a day for chronic pain (I have arthritis of the spine and have had 5 joint replacements) It worked wonders and had no highs, lows, or other opiate feelings. I eventually went down to 4 mg twice a day. I could live a normal life. Now due to the new laws I have to jump through hoops and walk a tightrope to get any Suboxone and have therefore been without anything but aspirin for over 3 months and I have a constant severe ache in my upper spine, can barely walk and am in bed or a lift chair most of the time. My normal life disappeared. It is going to be awhile longer before I can get Suboxone or any opioid for my pain. My head aches so badly that if I could drive I would find a cliff to drive off of. I am almost serious but since I can't walk or drive I guess that's out. Seriously, does anyone know of anything I can take for what may be a couple of more weeks, maybe longer, before I can get Suboxone or other opioid. By the way, there is a Suboxone with an antiabuse type ingredient and one without. I know as while taking the one without I could take hydrocodone at the same time with no effects but pain relief. This was when I was going through particularly terrible pain. This may help those going from Methadone to Suboxone and having major withdrawal. I have never taken methadone so I don't know for sure.

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Dear SandMan
I've read alot of posts, and you can take her to the Er, and they will give her Oxycodone, which may help withdrawls and get her through the 4 days. Please, and i say this kindly, keep in mind how fortunate your wife is to be with a provider, and at such a higher dose. ( i dont' mean any criticism, for i do not know the intense pain your wife is being treated for with her doctor ) but try to get her through the next 4 days if you can. and take her to the hospital for help. But don't do early refills, they will cancel her pain contract and she will be completely without . You, and She especially, does not want that. Good fortune my friend, Mike

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The gentle who mentioned seizures is off base if she doesn't have a secure disorder. That happens with alcohol and benzos usually. Although if she has had seizures in the past she is more likely to have more . Coming off of Methadone or Suboxone cold turkey won't kill you just make you wish were dead. I feel for you and I see it everyday in a treatment facility. There is no way to make it completely painless. Imodium works wonders for that part of it.

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Re: Whoopie pie (# 10)

All i can think of is go to a methdone clinic! Its not just for addits !! I helps with long acting pain medication! I work well ! Bether pain relief than sub ! But tat me ! We are all different! Big pharm is whening agian! Ps advode cvs ! Best wishes

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Re: Mike (# 11)

I don't believe that taking a known drug addict who has RUN OUT of her methadone will result in her being given OxyCodene. Maybe in her dreams....!! Are you serious? Firstly, they will question her about why she has run out of her methadone. Then, they will question her as to WHY she has Suboxone in her possession, as if you are on Methadone, you certainly shouldn not also have Suboxone in your hands. So, I feel for her, it was surely the wrong decision to take the Suboxone so soon...you need to wait at least 3 days I believe after being on Methadone before you take Suboxone. Maybe if she had taken Subutex, which doesn't have the naltrexone in it,, she might have been okay. Go ahead and try the ER, but I don't like your chances.

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Re: Warren (# 8)

She will not have convulsions!!! That comes from Benzo abuse or severe alcohol abuse. The ER will more than likely look at her as yet another drug addict who has abused their methadone and run out. They will not help her.

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I was on methadone in 2008. I had to rapid detox off 160mgs.10 ms every 3 days. I am and have been on Suboxone for close to 2 years. I know of you are on an opiate and take subs on top you will go into precipitated withdrawal (w. d. x 's 100) WHAT YOU CAN DO IS WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE IN BAD TO MODERATE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AND SLOWLY INDUCE THE SUBOXONE.
GHOST

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The suboxone WILL help her but the dosage of methadone she was taking was so high that it’s gonna take more of the suboxone. 9 mg will not get her through 4 days. There is a product online called Withdrawal Ease, don’t know if it works & dont know how long it’d take to get to you. I hate that for her. I just got finished from weaning myself off of 80 mg oxycontin a day, it was tough but I’m glad I did it now. I honestly think I hurt worse while I was on them. You might can get her something for the restlessness. Something for each symptom she has, like diarrhea...I hope she does ok.

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I just got this today. I was just answering. I wanted to make sure she got off the right way, and didn't make it worse.

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Re: Renee (# 17)

Methadone and Fentynyl need to be gotten off of medically for health safety.

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Re: Renee (# 17)

Im sorry but the Suboxen will continue to throw her into withdrawal. It's the hardest switch other than Fentynyl. Dr. Actually thought someone was lacing my meds with Methadone because I couldn't come out of withdrawal. It's dangerous. She needs a doctor.

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I have been on suboxone now for about 4-5yrs and it has changed my life, so much better than methadone. There are still periods where I end up relapsing (highly detailed process) and “switching” back over to subs. It can be easy or sometimes very hard. By that I mean the withdrawals that will happen. I try to go as long as possible before I take a sub and when I do it is usually a small dose (I live in Canada & it is 2mg & 8mg subliminal tablets of lemon flavour, no film strips here yet). Recently I was scripted Pregabalin aka Lyrica and I have found this to actually stop the withdrawals and craving while I put time in between taking a Sub. I too have taken a sub thinking it will help me out & it made everything worse, so I kinda know what your going through & hope the best outcome will happen. As I said, Pregabalin really helps like magic, mind you, I was scripted them for something else but have found them to be of great help. On another note I have been reducing my dose of suboxone. I don’t trust my docs and I keep myself on a low dose of 4mg at night and if my body is in pain I take another 4mg (break an 8mg in half) and even at that dose I would suffer withdrawals. I wish the best for you & hope that my Pregabalin “theory” is of some help.

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Re: ChookyGirl (# 28)

I dis agree with you !! Methdone if use can save lives ! I been doing this on an of since 1970 so i know also have a degree in chemistry

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Re: Nicole (# 29)

Well he sounds like he doesn't need any really one day and hes sick of 60 milligrams! Come on hes in withdrawal and now there nothing you ca n do i was on 180 methdone for 14 years way before these cam out so i now on ms contion because of the new cds laws , for pain medication? Its going to get slot worse be careful

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Re: Nicole (# 29)

No hes in withdrawal s he has to wait tell hes really sick if it was just a sub with nothing else he be ok sorry hes going to be reslly sick because of the othe bs in those kind of subs

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Re: Kim (# 30)

Its ok 72 hours is the rule take a 1/4 then take 1/4 more a few hours later if not take half alot of my friends sort 1/4 i use it under my tough

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I've been tapering myself off methadone for a year. I started at 70mg and now I'm probably at 8mg. I was curious about how long I have to be sick till I switch to suboxone? It's been two days since I had a dose except for rinsing the bottle out.

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My boyfriend is on a 60 mg dose of methadone, but he missed it today so I gave him a suboxone strip with a quarter missing from it. He took the whole thing and it made him feel really bad. I've been taking care of him, but idk what to do?

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Re: Charlie (# 27)

Charlie I can't agree with you more....I can't BELIEVE they are still putting anyone on Methadone...turns people into monsters. I have been on Suboxone now for almost 5 years and it saved my life too. I stopped smoking, no longer drink at all...don't even think about using ANYTHING. Wouldn't know where to find it anyway...I am working full time, have the respect and love of my family, friends and co-workers back and fully believe it is a miracle drug. I don't even consider it a drug, as I don't get any kind of high off it. It just keeps me normal. I pick up a month's worth at a time. Random drug tests and all that...I am prescribed 12mg a day but over last 6 months or so have weaned myself down to 6mg a day and hardly noticed it. Glad to hear of your success, keep it up. By the way I live in Australia and from what I hear we have it so easy here compared to US!!! I pay $25 for a months worth and only have to travel 5 mins to get it. My pharmacist treats me like a regular person, doesn't look down on me (well, if he does, he doesn't show it...). I feel for you guys in the US who seem to have all sorts of problems finding a prescribing doctor, or a pharmacy who will supply it to you...

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I've replied twice to this question and I totally agree with Me (# 20). I'm 57 and after 30 yrs of opiate and alcohol abuse, double digit treatment centers, at least a million dollars cost to my family thrown at the problem, methadone should be banned. It's nothing but a parking lot for people to sell xanax (and I've been to more than one all the while doing meetings, service work but there was always something missing and I knew it).

Then Suboxone came along and I tried it. IT SAVED MY LIFE, and it pisses me off seeing folks selling or buying it during dry spells of narcotics or whatever it is that's considered dope. I've been clean just about 12 yrs which is about when it came out and a friend/doctor/life saver put me on Suboxone the correct way. Counseling, random counts and drug tests. He's gotten me through two knee replacements and a spinal fusion in the last two yrs. Having to go off suboxone for a day scared the s*** out of me but it's necessary in order to be safe. After two or three days without it, but with oxycontin and oxcodone for a few days, I actually threw those away. Suboxone relieved the pain better.

My wife didn't ask me to or say anything but watched in disbelief me pouring bottles of it down the toilet. I haven't missed a day except for the few during the 12 yrs. Haven't taken any benzos, no alcohol (and I was a hard drinker almost twelve years). It's killing me to have to explain to doctors what suboxone is and the bad name, all because of people using it for the wrong reasons, and it's going to end up labeled as another methadone or awful drug.

I don't agree with doctors putting 20 yr olds on it with no time to see if they really qualify because it's too early to tell. But as I said earlier, at 46 when I was prescribed it correctly, it's CHANGED AND SAVED MY LIFE. And my city is the #1 city for overdoses in the country. The pharmacies are giving away narcon kits if anyone in your household is taking is even prescribed opiates, grandma included. I was a stone cold junkie for many miserable yrs and I'll say it again. SUBOXONE SAVED MINE AND ALSO MY FAMILIES LIVES.

I hope some of you a**holes that still want to abuse it at the expense of jeopardizing the lives and medicines that really work... we could build a second wall for you. Sorry for the length and probably some irrelevant writing I did, but I'm very passionate and very concerned about what's coming and it won't be pretty. If you read this thanks for your time.

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Suboxone will throw your body into immediate withdrawals if taken to early after an opiate, and the side affects are horrible. Opiates are much better for you than Methadone or Suboxone. I would rather be on opiate than having the damaging effects of Suboxone. It's will cause early on set of dementia, low libido and severe depression and many more side effects that are horrible. My grandfather did case studies for Suboxone and he was horrified at the side affects it caused in 90% of the patients. He said he would rather be on opiates than be on Suboxone and have your brain be eating away slowly, not to mention to the other ingredients in it that ravages and destroys your body. Look for a safer opiate or other options if you want to remain healthy and not loss your mind.

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