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How Long Does Subutex Remain In The System?
Question: Hello, I've been on subutex for the past year, I've been off of it for 4 days. In 9 days I'll be having my 10th back surgery. How long does it take for the subutex to be out of my system in order for the hospital opioids to work properly. Thank you for your time.
XXXXXXX D.
XXXXXXX D.
Brief Answer:
drug will be out of the system maximum 10 days after last intake
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
Subutex is burenorphine- an opioid analgesic. Its half-life mean values ranges from 3 to 44 hours. Considering this aspect and your one year of use, drug will be out of your system maximum within 10 days of last intake. You have already stopped since 4 days and within next 5-6 days it will be completely out of your system.
You are likely facing severe withdrawals currently as it has been stopped cold turkey. Demerol and norco cannot help much in this withdrawal, however it is better to have something than nothing.
However these strategies will likely help after surgery, when doctor will again prescribe opioid analgesics for pain relief.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
drug will be out of the system maximum 10 days after last intake
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
Subutex is burenorphine- an opioid analgesic. Its half-life mean values ranges from 3 to 44 hours. Considering this aspect and your one year of use, drug will be out of your system maximum within 10 days of last intake. You have already stopped since 4 days and within next 5-6 days it will be completely out of your system.
You are likely facing severe withdrawals currently as it has been stopped cold turkey. Demerol and norco cannot help much in this withdrawal, however it is better to have something than nothing.
However these strategies will likely help after surgery, when doctor will again prescribe opioid analgesics for pain relief.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hello Dr. Solanki,
Thank you so much for your informative advice. I've been in recovery from my addiction for years. But, due to my chronic back pain I've had to take the subutex for the past year. The neurosurgeon is looking at performing another surgery, after my 10th. I'm lucky to be walking. My G.P. Wants me to go back on the subutex two weeks after surgery. I'm afraid because the detox is so horrible. How do you recommend detox from this drug? Or is a detox center best?
Thank you so much for your informative advice. I've been in recovery from my addiction for years. But, due to my chronic back pain I've had to take the subutex for the past year. The neurosurgeon is looking at performing another surgery, after my 10th. I'm lucky to be walking. My G.P. Wants me to go back on the subutex two weeks after surgery. I'm afraid because the detox is so horrible. How do you recommend detox from this drug? Or is a detox center best?
Brief Answer:
tapering the dose can prevent/reduce withdrawals
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry for delayed response.
Subutex itself is used in detoxification of other substances. Detoxification from subutex requires gradual tapering of the dose with supportive medications for withdrawal symptoms. Usually 20% reduction f dose every week or 10 days is used by me.
In your case I think you can ask your GP to give you the lowest possible dose which can help you to tolerate withdrawals for a while. You are likely going to receive other opioids after surgery which will automatically stop your withdrawals.
Hope this answer will help.
Feel free to discuss further.
tapering the dose can prevent/reduce withdrawals
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry for delayed response.
Subutex itself is used in detoxification of other substances. Detoxification from subutex requires gradual tapering of the dose with supportive medications for withdrawal symptoms. Usually 20% reduction f dose every week or 10 days is used by me.
In your case I think you can ask your GP to give you the lowest possible dose which can help you to tolerate withdrawals for a while. You are likely going to receive other opioids after surgery which will automatically stop your withdrawals.
Hope this answer will help.
Feel free to discuss further.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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