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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Suboxone Be Discontinued Cold Turkey?

I was in a very bad auto accident numerous open fractures, hospitalized for over 3 months; ended up having to take pain meds for chronic pain afterwards for the last 6 years. This was all managed by my primary care physcian and the surgeon who ultimately sent me to a pain management doctor for the oxy s that I took all this time. My treatment has not ever been for addiction issues but always pain mangement. Early this year I finally thought I should try to live following another alternative to pain meds the pain doctor recommended that I change fro the oxycodone and oxyxontin to suboxone. Now after about 7 months; which was all under a doctors supervision I followed a tapering plan to get off of the suboxone. Now after 2-1/2 months trying to taper below 2 mg I am not ever stablizing. I taper down the dose all kinds of side effects and w/d symtoms blow out and I have to increase the dose. I am losing it! My physcian continues to tell me to increase my dose and continue takine the suboxone. I am upset because I was lead to believe I could just taper off the suboxone to 0, but going on 3 months of trying to taper and not working I am ready to try switching to another drug such as maybe methadone or just jumping off the suboxone cold turkey. SdHubbard
Mon, 31 Dec 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Despite its effectiveness, Suboxone can also be addictive AND it produces similar withdrawal effects to other opioids if it is quit “cold turkey.” The symptoms can vary in severity and duration, depending on how long users have been taking Suboxone, as well as the dosage of the drug. Generally, most physical withdrawal symptoms will subside after one month, and are the worst in the first 72 hours, but can last several months.

Although I clearly understand your concern and anxiety, yet I don’t recommend you to stop taking Suboxone cold turkey. Give it time and taper slowly.

Accept that withdrawal is part of the recovery process. Adopting a more positive outlook to the recovery process could help.

You can practice strategies to cope with withdrawal, some can be done at home, while others are only available at a treatment facility.
•Do regular Exercise as exercise boosts endorphins, which are the brain’s “feel good” chemicals.
•Eat a balanced diet to provide you with ample energy and vital nutrients.
•Try to increase social interaction. Talk out and spend ample time socializing as it will provide you with quality time to help your body cope with difficult time. Engage in activities that are relaxing.

Apart from this, you can take some over-the-counter medications. A few common ones that can help you cope with Suboxone withdrawal symptoms include:
•Non-prescription painkillers (Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol)
•Anti-nausea medications (Pepto-Bismol)
•Stomach settling remedies (Ginger ale)
•Antacids (Tums)
•Anti-diarrheals (loperamide)
•Multivitamins.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Maninder, General & Family Physician
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Can Suboxone Be Discontinued Cold Turkey?

Hi, Despite its effectiveness, Suboxone can also be addictive AND it produces similar withdrawal effects to other opioids if it is quit “cold turkey.” The symptoms can vary in severity and duration, depending on how long users have been taking Suboxone, as well as the dosage of the drug. Generally, most physical withdrawal symptoms will subside after one month, and are the worst in the first 72 hours, but can last several months. Although I clearly understand your concern and anxiety, yet I don’t recommend you to stop taking Suboxone cold turkey. Give it time and taper slowly. Accept that withdrawal is part of the recovery process. Adopting a more positive outlook to the recovery process could help. You can practice strategies to cope with withdrawal, some can be done at home, while others are only available at a treatment facility. •Do regular Exercise as exercise boosts endorphins, which are the brain’s “feel good” chemicals. •Eat a balanced diet to provide you with ample energy and vital nutrients. •Try to increase social interaction. Talk out and spend ample time socializing as it will provide you with quality time to help your body cope with difficult time. Engage in activities that are relaxing. Apart from this, you can take some over-the-counter medications. A few common ones that can help you cope with Suboxone withdrawal symptoms include: •Non-prescription painkillers (Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol) •Anti-nausea medications (Pepto-Bismol) •Stomach settling remedies (Ginger ale) •Antacids (Tums) •Anti-diarrheals (loperamide) •Multivitamins. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Maninder, General & Family Physician