Transition From Suboxone To Vivitrol (Top voted first)

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Any1 had any luck w/this? I've been on Subo waaay too long and am more than ready to get off. My new dr suggests the Vivitrol shot. He says to go 3 days w/o any Subs b4 getting the shot. Very nervous. Not so sure I can even go 3 days w/o. Wondering if any1 else has went through this transition and does it actually help w/cravings and w/d? i don't crave so much, but I do w/d and THAT is terrifying when I am a single mother, have no parents or family and must do this on my own. Any answers are much appreciated. God Bless!

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While I was in detox from opiates, I was put on a week-long buprenorphine (Suboxone) taper to help with my withdrawal symptoms. I was told by my addiction specialist psychiatrist that studies have shown it is possible to transition directly onto naltrexone (or the Vivitrol shot) from taking Suboxone without any waiting period. I was concerned about the long half-life of Suboxone and that having it in my system while starting the Vivitrol would send me into instant, heightened withdrawal. Although Suboxone has a higher binding affinity for opiate receptors than any other opiate in existence (part of why it is so effective), naloxone/naltrexone has an even higher binding affinity for these receptors. The whole purpose that naloxone (Narcan) was invented in the first place was to be an opiate reversal; when naloxone is given to a patient who has received or taken too much of an opiate, it's higher binding affinity allows it to "knock off" any opiates that are on the receptors and essentially takes their place. Vivitrol and naltrexone have the same mechanism of action, so when I had Suboxone in my system and was given the Vivitrol shot, it immediately removed all of the buprenorphine from my receptors and the naltrexone locked into my receptors- where it was to remain for the month that the inj. is meant to last. MY DOCTOR WAS WRONG. You CANNOT take Vivitrol or naltrexone after taking Suboxone/Subutex/any form of buprenorphine or any other opiate for that matter without waiting at least 7-10 days to be absolutely POSITIVE that no more opiates are in your system. Unless you want to go through sweaty, anxious, diarrhea-filled, insomnia and runny noses and the worst muscle cramps while you kick yourself for bringing about instant withdrawal.

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1

Why isn't this doctor just tapering you off of the Suboxone? That is the way it is normally done, after a period of time, when someone is past the craving portion.

The Vivitrol contains Naltrexone. However it doesn't contain any type of narcotic like the Suboxone does, so it will not do anything to prevent the withdrawals.

Does anyone have experience with this?

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That's what I'm worried about. Going from 8mg to nothing isn't possible for me. Supposed to go tomorrow, not even sure if that will happen bc my pcp tried repeatedly to call and get the fax number for them so she could send me referral, but got no answer, so chances are, I won't even get to go. I can't pay $200 every week. But yeah, my idea was to go in and let him know I tried to taper down enough these past two weeks but it just didn't happen, so I like the idea of getting the naloxone shot IF it really does help w/cravings, but I HAVE to taper down. I have to take care of my children and can't afford PAWS/hospitalization. I agree, 6 years is too long to have been on it, however, when it comes down to it, I'd take it the rest of my life as long as I'm able to be a healthy, productive, working member of society as opposed to the low life I once was.

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4

You have to detox at least a week before getting the vivitrol. I was on subs and detoxed for a week feeling like crap and on edge. I did the pre-test half pill test and was ok. Then I got the shot and left. On my way home I went into instant withdrawal. I was going berserk and crazy. It was too soon and I detoxed for 6 days. I was in the ER getting shot up with ativan and that still didn't help. What a nightmare!!! It's been a week now and now I'm still having diarrhea and no appetite. I feel so depressed.

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3 days??? If you do switch wait at least 7 - 10. I went 15 w out sub's b4 starting the viv. The last 5 I took the naloxone pills to see how my body reacted to it. 3 days you'll still be Sick, u have to sweat the opiates out 1st…. Gl

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Hi i just did this program from sub to vivitrol and the withdrawals are. Nightmare. O took subs 8 years 16 mg

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Check out the following article by Palm Beach Outpatient Detox-

Source: "Detoxing from Suboxone – Fear is Caused by a Lack of Knowledge", pbod.org. Web. January 13th, 2014.

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These guys don't know what they are talking about in my opinion. I got the vivitrol shot for a year and I took a dose of opiates 2 days before I got the shot. I also took subs 2 days before I got the shot. I had to give fake urine so I could get the shot. It's all about what's in your blood, as long as it's anything opiate related.

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