Methadone Uses

Question by Jennifer Blanks: I need advice on how to taper off Suboxone and Subutex with what I have left , how should I do this?
I have been taking Suboxone and Subutex from NOV 24th to current date JAN 7th. I have a friend thta was helping me. I never took an entire 8mg strip or pill, I took anywhere between 2-6mg and it was not everyday during this time frame it was about every 3 or 4 days. A good estimation during the past 5 weeks I have had around 80-90 mg total. I have 12mg of subutex left and 5mg of suboxone strip left. MY QUESTION IS: What is the best way to taper off with what I have left and will I have horrible withdrawals or will it be a little uncomfortable but tolerable? Please give me any information you can.
ALSO: I have been an addict for over a decade. I was on methadone for 4 years and had to taper off very fast because of financial problems so I know a lot about terrible withdrawals. It din’t help me anyway it only made me a zombie, I’ve been off it since 2011. I became addicted from many surgeries. Please understand I have no health insurance and even if I did with my history no one would help me. I know it’s not right to take meds that are not your own but when you have pain sometimes you are desperate. ER’s wont even help me. I have taken suboxone before but it was a long time ago and mixing it with other things before I started going to the methadone clinic. I understand how subs work but as far as weening off I need some help . Any advice would be greatly appreciated
I’ve been seeing that if you’re weening off this after a short period (like my situation described above) you can experience alot of sadness and depression. I know coming off methadone I experienced every emotion a person can have..but with this I do feel a lot more down and depressed..just asking if this is normal..thanks

Best answer:

Answer by Ms. T Greene
By no means is any advice that you receive through here going to be comparable to professional medical advice…but I would think probably the best way to do it would be to separate what you have into a taper schedule of 5/7 days. Take small amount (2mg) starting first day at 2 times a day, day 2 once a day. Decrease dose by half on day 3-4 and take twice a day.
Day 5-6 take the half dose from day 3 to be taken once a day.
So start with 2 mg dose of the 12 you have left. This schedule will allow for usage of the 12 mg you have remaining. Forget the strip.

Sure it will be uncomfortable. As you have experienced withdrawals in the past.
Stay hydrated…replace the electrolytes. (Gatorade)
When I was given sub in treatment it was crushed and dissolved under the tongue.

Best Wishes!!!

Answer by uhhhhh
First let me say, there is NO way to avoid withdrawals in this situation considering your history. Your body WILL get accustomed to the subs, but I can try to make it as painless as possible.

First, I would wait until you start feeling withdrawals (as long as you can), then take the 5mg of Suboxone. That should keep you feeling ok for 3-4 days max. It will also ensure you don't get high. The sub would block the effects of any opiate thus making it a waste of money. Again, you wait as long as your body will allow before dipping into your Subutex. When you can't take it anymore, take 4mg. That'll last you another 3 days. After more waiting, start cutting the dose in half. Take 2mg, then wait a few days, and take 1mg. Now you only take 1mg dosages when you ABSOLUTELY need to.

Your body knows what's happening, you can't trick it into sobriety. Stock up on Imodium, multi vitamins, juice, junk food, water, and Aleve. If you can find Tramadol it can be a big help when you can't sleep.

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