![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 20 to 44 of 84. Go back in thread:
Posted by bupe_fan on May 4, 2004, at 22:21:48
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - Thanks! And... » bupe_fan, posted by Chuckie on May 3, 2004, at 19:38:29
Chuckie: Regarding the cost, I have very expensive health insurance through my work (a health industry related business) and thus all I pay is $10 copay + $30 for the Urine tests (for some reason insurance won't cover those!)... I've read elsewhere that the 2mg pills are $2 each while the 8mg pills are $6 each.
I think in the doctors eyes benzo use is abuse if its not prescribed, and if it is prescribed, he may have his own reasons for wanting you to quit them. I do know that in the physicians manual at http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov it says to excersize caution with mixing bupe and benzos due to some overdose deaths caused by IV benzo+bupe usage in france in the 1980s... Some physicians take this a little too far and are overcautious to the point of not prescribing benzos to bupe patients (even though the deaths were from massive dosages IV)... I have no idea how your doctor will react in your specific situation.
Good luck!
Posted by rianna on May 5, 2004, at 18:29:27
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - Thanks! And..., posted by bupe_fan on May 4, 2004, at 22:21:48
> Chuckie: Regarding the cost, I have very expensive health insurance through my work (a health industry related business) and thus all I pay is $10 copay + $30 for the Urine tests (for some reason insurance won't cover those!)... I've read elsewhere that the 2mg pills are $2 each while the 8mg pills are $6 each.
>
> I think in the doctors eyes benzo use is abuse if its not prescribed, and if it is prescribed, he may have his own reasons for wanting you to quit them. I do know that in the physicians manual at http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov it says to excersize caution with mixing bupe and benzos due to some overdose deaths caused by IV benzo+bupe usage in france in the 1980s... Some physicians take this a little too far and are overcautious to the point of not prescribing benzos to bupe patients (even though the deaths were from massive dosages IV)... I have no idea how your doctor will react in your specific situation.
> Good luck!I've been reading your post Chuckie and Hope things work for you. Do be careful with that klonopin. It is my living nightmare...And thanks for your comments on my post.
Posted by Chuckie on May 5, 2004, at 19:17:10
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - Thanks! And..., posted by rianna on May 5, 2004, at 18:29:27
Thanks Rianna,
Not feeling so good right now, as i'm unsure how long i'm supposed to wait before i take my medication. If i wait long enough, it will make me feel better. If i don't wait long enough, it can make me feel worse. At least as i understand things.
I wish i understood things better. :(
Hey, if it's any consolation i've been reading about benzo dependence as well. I can't find the link ATM, but i know i read something very encouraging about ditching the stuff after the last bit of tapering.
Here's a FAQ i found:
http://www.benzo.org.uk/FAQ1.1.htm
... looks like lotsa good info.Also, although i only did it once, i *did* taper myself organically, simply owing to living a healthy lifestyle. I was down to .25mg clonazepam, from a high of 2mg. I hardly noticed the taper, and if i'd had any sense i probably should have stopped entirely because i probably wouldn't have noticed that either.
I'm saying it can be done, so don't give up. Of course this is just my experience, but from that experience i think the best angle at it is to get healthy and happy, so you don't need the drug so much.
That's my plan, anyway. :)
GL
- Chuckie
Posted by Festus on May 5, 2004, at 22:54:31
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - Thanks! And..., posted by Chuckie on May 5, 2004, at 19:17:10
I,too,have just gotten absorbed in the "Will Chuckie make it?"saga,and I think that ,combined with a bit of luck and plain honesty,the Dr. you found was willing to help you without all the usual BS one would get in this situation.A"Good Doctor",as this one,knows you,ve already got BS up to your ears,as it is,so I,m real glad for you.Please wait till you are steady and sure from the opiate stoppage before trying to dis-continue the Klonopin.Gettin off that stuff is dangerous,sometimes.I,ve heard of some using Xanax to stop the Klonopin,then weaning from it.I wondered if you had any Chronic Pain issues?I take Methadone because of Chronic Pain that keeps me from being able to work without meds,and also because it,s cheap(no insurance).I don,t like taking it,but I don,t have much choice.At one time,I was on 640-720mg. of Oxycontin a day,I was very relieved to go to the Methadone.The Oxy was $1,750.00 a mo.without insurance.The Methadone is 50 bucks a mo. and does a better job controlling my pain.I take Dexedrine for ADD,also,so between the 2 meds,I,m able to keep a clear enough mind and able body to run a business,but I wish I did,nt have to depend on the Meds.I,m grateful that I have a"Good Dr.",too,that will give his patients what they need,not what he feels"safe"giving them.Good-Luck,Chuckie!Festus
Posted by rianna on May 6, 2004, at 19:11:54
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - Thanks! And..., posted by Chuckie on May 5, 2004, at 19:17:10
thanks your support is great. keep yours up! you can do it. You have gone through a lot to get help so don't give up. Your info has been very inspiring for me and many others.
Posted by arrie on May 6, 2004, at 23:56:05
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - W00T!, posted by Chuckie on May 4, 2004, at 21:17:16
Great news Chuckie on getting the Bup. Keep us posted. How did you find this Doc, was he on that government sponsered web site? I am still confused on this very important point, can any qualified Dr prescribe this, or only a certain few? Please tell me what you know, if any Dr can prescribe it, I will get the yellow pages out again, anyone out there know? Anyway congradulations and please keep us Bup wannabes posted on your progress.
Posted by bupe_fan on May 7, 2004, at 0:45:41
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - W00T!, posted by arrie on May 6, 2004, at 23:56:05
Any doctor who has taken an 8 hour training class and received a certification enabling him to prescribe suboxone and subutex is allowed to prescribe this. See http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov for more on this and many other subjects.
Posted by sofarsogood on June 20, 2004, at 20:42:03
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - Thanks! And..., posted by rianna on May 5, 2004, at 18:29:27
I HAVE BEEN AN DAILY ABUSER(OTHER THAN WHEN I COULD NOT GET THEM AND FELT LIKE SHIT
) OF OC 80-160 MG AVERAGE .THE OLD CRUSH AND SNORT FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS. I HAVE PRIOR TO THAT ABUSED JUST ABOUT ANYTHING YOU CAN NAME I . I lived the seeker life style. Keeping IT FROM WIFE AND FAMILY AND COMING UP WITH SOME REALLY GOOD REASONS MONEY WAS DISAPEARING.HAD A PART TIME JOB FOR PILLS. ANY WAY THE REASON I AM POSTING IS I HAD ENUOGH.AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I WANTED TO DO A MEDICALLY ASSISTED W/D.I WENT TO A DONE CLINIC AS A FEW OF MY FRIEND HAVE WITH FOR THE MOST PART POSITIVE RESULTS .(LITTLE SLIP UPS HERE AND THERE )THEY ALL WISH THEY DIDNT . CLAIM ITS REALLY HARD TO GET OFF. I WAS INTERESTED IN BUPE. BUPE IN A DONE CLINIC IS LIKE BEING ON DONE. AM. DOSE DAILY @CLINIC. BUT MUCH MORE MONITERD REGIMENTED AND THEY ARE REAL QUICK TO KICK YOU OFF THE PROGRAM.DOC MEETINGS ONCE A WEEK.TWICE A WEEK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY YOU MUST GO TO A MEETING OF SORTS.AND @ NIGHT GROUP MEETINGS WITCH MIGHT BE GOOD FOR SOME .ZERO FLEXIBILITY IN ANY OF THIS. MY CAREER DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO DO ANY OF THIS AS MUCH AS I STILL WAS INTERRESTED. THE INTAKE COUNSELER WAS COOL. RECOVERD SMACK ADDICT. SO HE WAS ABLE TO SEE WERE I WAS COMING FROM. I ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE OF SOME OTHER ASS HOLE WHO APPARENTLEY IS IN CHARGE OF THE BUPE PROGRAM COMING IN THE ROOM. AFTER HE BELITTLED ME FOR "NOT BEING READY TO GET OPIATE FREE"DUE TO ME NOT BEING ABLE TO MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS HE TOLD ME TO COME BACK WHEN I AM READY. I ALMOST TOLD HIM TO PISS OFF.THEN THE COOL GUY TRIED TALKING ME INTO DONE SO I TOLD HIM THANK YOU AND LEFT. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I FOUND THE BUPE LIST GOOGLE SEARCH YOU CAN TOO.OF DOCS WHO DO IT IN AN OFFICE OUT PATIENT SETTING.I LIVE IN A POPULATED AREA SO THERE WAS A SHIT LOAD. MANY WITH REQUIREMENTS SIMILIAR TO THE DONE CLINIC(THEY WERE DONE CLINICS OF SORTS). MANY LISTED AS TAKING MY HEALTH INSURANCE BUT NONE WOULD. SOME(THE MORE AFFORDABLE) SEEMED NOT SO ON THE UP A FEW PLACES GIVING 3 DAYS OF TAKE HOME INJECTIONS AND NO SUPPORT,NICE HUH. MOST ON THE LIST WERE NO LONGER DOING BUPE,OR NOT TAKING NEW PT. EACH QUALIFIED DOC (8 HOUR CLASS) AND A PIECE OF PAPER CAN ONLY TREAT 30 PT.IN THE US. AT A TIME. I LUCKILY FOUND A PLACE REAL CLOSE TO HOME WHO SPECIALIZES IN RAPID DETOX,ADDICTION THERAPY,PHYCOLOGY AND BUPE .1ST YOU MUST BE IN W/D I WAS ABOUT 60 HRS(ONLY CAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND) I DIDINT LOOK TO HARD EITHER I FIGUERD IN TWO DAYS I WAS PUTTING MY PLAN TO QUIT INTO ACTION. RECOMMEDED AT LEAST 24 HOURS BY COUNSELER.THE FURTHER YOU ARE THE BETTER YOU FEEL WHEN YOU GET THE BUPE. WENT THRU ONE BAD DAY .DAY 2 BUT STILL SWEATY, ANXIOUS,RUNNY NOSE ,AGITATED BLOWN PUPES THE HOLE NINE FOR MY APPOINTMENT .I SIGHNED IN AND TOOK A SEAT LIKE A REAL DOCTOR OFFICE.THE INTAKE GUY WAS VERY RECEPTIVE EXPLAINED IT ALL TO ME ASKED ME A TON OF Q'S AND HAD ME SIGN A FEW PAPERS.NOW THE KICKER $2000. I KNEW THIS THOUGH BUT FOR MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THIS IS NOT A FEASIBLE AMOUNT OF MONEY AT ONCE TO PAY . ALTHOUGH I WAS SPENDING $600-$800 MONTH ON OC PLUS 60 PRESCIBED BY DR FEEL GOOD PERC 7.5.AND WHATEVER ELSE CAME DOWN THE LINE IT WAS ALL ADDING UP AND JUSTIFIABLE IN MY EYES . I WAS GOING TO MAKE THIS WORK. BRIEF CHECK UP WITH DOC . DOC CALLED IN BUPE. WENT AND PICKED IT UP. CAME BACK TO OFFICE AND I WAS ADMINISTERD 16 MG SUBUTEX. FELT BETTER IN 30 MINUTES OR SO THEN HE ASKED IF I WANTED ANOTHER . I TOOK 4MG MORE. I WAS NOT HIGH BUT FELT GOOD A LITTLE CHEERY MABEY BUT NOT OC HIGH. HE TOLD ME THE FIRST WEEK 8MGS AM 8 MGS PM.IF MID DAY W/D TAKE A LITTLE PIECE.(THIS WAS MY INSTRUCTIONS THRUOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS). IT WAS WORKING NO CRAVINGS NOT FEELING LIKE SHIT . WASHING MY TRUCK DOING STUFF WITH OUT HAVING TO DO SNOOTERS. WE HAD A TAPER OFF PLAN .AFTER A LITTLE MORE THAN A WEEK I SWITHCHED TO SUBOXONE.TAPERING DOWN OVER I GUESS ALMOST TWO MONTHS DOWN TO 1 MG DAILY .5 AM .5 PM. I ALMOST FELT LIKE IT WAS IN MY HEAD @ 2MGS DAILY .THAT THIS LOW DOSE WAS WORKING SO I SKIPPED A DAY AND A HALF. IT WAS WORKING. ONLY PROBLEM WAS SLEEP. I ALWAYS HAD SLEEP PROBS. WE TRIED TRAZADONE? 2 NIGHTS ADJUSTED DOSES. MADE ME FEEL WEIRD FELL ASLEEP BUT WOULD WAKE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT . NEXT ELAVIL BASED ON THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS I TOLD HIM I DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION. FINE NO PROBLEM. I ASKED FOR AMBIEN . AMBIEN HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ADDICTION HE SAID NO. I ASKED FOR JUST ONE I WAS A WEEK INTO THIS AND HAVE NOT HAD A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP. HE CALLED ME IN 5 RESTORILL? THIS STUFF IS GREAT. IT IS A BENZO SO IF YOU LIKE THE BENZO THING MABEY SKIP THIS PART . IM NOT INTO IN THEM I NEEDED SLEEP.BACK TO THE WALK OFF ,THE END. .5MG AM .5MG PM.ON MONDAY. TUESDAY NOTHING AT ALL I HAD TO GO TO WORK.I FELT OK BUPE HAS A LONG HALF LIFE.I WAS PERSCRIBED CLONIDINE .2 6-8 HOURS FOR W/D SYPTOMS THIS STUFF WORKED FOR ME GREAT.10MG VALIUM EVERY 8HRS AS NEEDED FOR ANXIETY.AND SOME MORE RESTORILL.I TOOK ALL AS PERSCRIBED . I SLEPT MOSTLY FOR WENDS,THURS,FRI.SAT I FELT EXTREMELY TIRED BUT WAS FUNCTIONING. DOWN TO .1 .05 CLONIDINE IF NEEDED 6-8 HRS FOR W/D SYMPTOMS. AT THIS DOSE YOU CAN FUNCTION AND 5MG VALIUM IF NEEDS BE. PLUS THE SLEEP AID.7 DAYS OPIATE FREE. ALOT OF NERVOUSE ENERGEY AND MAJOR TENSNESS? 5-10 MG VALIUM UPON ONSET WORKED.ABLE TO FUNCTION BUT TIRED. I WILL TAKE OCCASIONAL .1 MG CLONIDINE IF I FEEL I NEED TO . DOES NOT PUT ME OUT LIKE IT DID IN THE BEGINING. FOR THE MOST PART IM COMFORTABLE.ALL THESE MEDS IF ONE DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE WOULD BE NEAR THE, I WOULD GUESS ,$600-$700 RANGE.I LET MY WIFE IN ON MY LITTLE SECRET SO I WAS ABLE TO SHELL IT OUT AND SHE WAS SUPPORTIVE.THANK GOD. FEW FRIENDS HAVE HORROR STORIES.ANYWAYS IM ONLY 13 DAYS OPIATE FREE.I AM EXPERIENCING WHAT I THINK MIGHT BE DEPPRESSION IE TIRED ANXIOUS,A LITTLE CRANKY,ANXIETY AND JUST NOT HAPPY OR HIGH. THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ANY LONG TERM OPIATE ABUSER. IT TAKES THE HUMAN BRAIN THREE MONTHS TO GET BACK TO PRODUCING ALL THE CHEMICALS THAT MAKE PEOPLE FEEL THERE NORMAL AFTER LONG TERM INTENSIVE DRUG ABUSE.WE ARE NOT GOING TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES YET IM GIVING IT 3-4 MORE WEEKS.THAN I MIGHT TRY SHORT TERM PAXIL.MABEY A GOOD TALKING TO WOULD HELP.WHO KNOWS. I GOT AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SHRINK AGAIN. I ALSO HAVE A COUNSELER THAT I CAN CALL PRETTY MUCH WHEN EVER FOR WHAT EVER AND HE DOES HIS BEST TO HELP ME AND HE HAS GUIDED ME THRU THIS PROCESS.ALL FOR THE AMAZING LOW PRICE OF $2000 (ME TRYING TO BE FUNNY.)SOME SURGICAL FINANCE COMPANIES WILL GIVE LOANS IF YOU CAN QUALIFIE. NOW THE HARD PART KEEPING OPIATE FREE.WISH ME LUCK I HAVE NO ADVICE ON THIS AS I AM TRYING NOW TO DO IT MYSELF.I FEEL A GREAT ACCOPLISHMNET KICKING THE SHITTY HABIT AND I HAVE REMOVED MYSELF FROM THE SEEKING LIFE STYLE. DRUG FRIENDS CERTAIN PLACES VARIOUS TRIGGERS. THIS I FEEL IS A MUST.I JUST WANT TO ENJOY LIFE WITH OUT HAVING TO HAVE A SUBSTANCE OR SOME OTHER OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. GOOD LUCK I HOPE I WAS HELP TO AT LEAST ONE PERSON AS THE INTERNET HELPED ME LEARN ALOT ABOUT BUPE,DRUG ABUSE AND HOW TO GET OFF IT .
Posted by arrie on June 21, 2004, at 17:32:33
In reply to MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by sofarsogood on June 20, 2004, at 20:42:03
Congradulations Sofar, are you and Chuckie the same guy by any chance? I am so glad you posted your story.Going to go for Bup on 7/9, tried like you when I went to a clinic. Live in the midwest, city of almost 1 million, they put me through such an ackward experience at the clinic I almost ran out. The whole purpose of this med is to make the person come forward for help, in a private confidential manner, not to have these smart alecks pull your pants down and spank you. I was so excited, then they basically told me about their program, asked how many they were treating, told me "no body yet", I see why, left.
Got back on the Samsa site and found another doc. An Arab in the middle of nowhere, but he went to Harvard and will be thrilled to treat alittle city girl like me, I'm sure.
I have used about 100-150 mgs of opiates for about 3-4 years. They helped with fibro and depression. I dont EVER buy illegally, but the gap is closing in on me, I am always out. I get so sick, you know the drill. THINK ABOUT THAT REAL HARD before you use agin, that awful drill, it is not worth it. Tell yourself maybe in a few years when you are really over, if you cant bear the thought of not having it again.
Are you on the Bup at all now, or completely off? Can you stay on this med long term for depression, pain control etc. You know I did alot of research and interesting thing is any doc can prescribe this off label for any reason like they do Botox, it is just they dont know much about it and it has the stigma. Anyway good luck and thanks for your account, I will read it again. Oh, and all the papers you had to sign, does that mean your name is on a hot list with local pharmacies or what? I am wondering why I hear so much about the papers???
Bye Arrie
Posted by arrie on June 21, 2004, at 17:46:50
In reply to MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by sofarsogood on June 20, 2004, at 20:42:03
And just in case you didnt hear me, remember the awful drill, the cycle, how crappy you feel, so stay off em dude. You should be proud, you pretty much did it on your own, so dont throw it away.
Posted by sofarsogood on June 22, 2004, at 0:21:22
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by arrie on June 21, 2004, at 17:32:33
Suprised someone read my saga cool. Today was a good day. Only 10 mg valium mid-day (it doesnt seem to have any negative affect and helps with cravings)and an extremely productive one at that.For arie , No longer on any bupe . What suprises me is I have a few left and I Thought about taking them when I first came off but I didnt. I might give em to a friend who wants to get off done. I have a full script of clonidine left as well. I have read about getting to a real low dose of done like 20-30mg and kinda use the clonidine for mid-late day w/d . This however is a 4-7 day process at most.I would almost guarantee he would be down and out for a few days.He would have to be extremely determined and I recommended some valium or xanax(with he would have to get off the street as well. He can not afford the $2000 but yet pays $70 weekly for done for like three years now????If he would quit his job and have a few children his done would be free.I dont get it . Help should be made more available to people for this thing . Its nasty.well 14 days now....no slip ups.I hope you can find something that works for you.The part about not having to seek is a plus at least you dont go thru that nonsense. It was a MAJOR reason I was so determined to quit.By the way im not chuck:}
Posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 9:58:05
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by arrie on June 21, 2004, at 17:32:33
Posted by arrie on June 22, 2004, at 9:59:09
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by sofarsogood on June 22, 2004, at 0:21:22
Reading your post was very beneficial. See, it does have merit to pour yourself out like water on these sites. it is a nasty problem, and I can only surmise that it may well become epidemic with the way it all works now. The remedy is not within reach, face it, unless you are determined and go thru alot of ropes. Recently, on our local la-la news the health editor told me "EEEwwww docs just treat you like garlic if you have an addiction" I had called her about my bup experience(inaccessable) after they did a segment on a 35 year old mom that OD'd on pain meds. I was disgusted, like stick to the pig hearts in babies stories lady. I guess I have alot of contempt because I begged them to treat me with the bup in the "other" office the doc had, which he could have done but was just too much of a ninney or didnt understand the waiver himself. He admitted clearly I knew more than him about it all. thats ok, I will go see the Eygptian, this is typical of my life, I am like Samantha on sex in the city, but have Vic for sex, not men. Maybe I can turn that around, ha ha. At any rate, keep it up, I found it really profound that you stated you got to the point where you were feeling it was all in your head. Thats great because it shows there is an end to the physical aspect.I am down now to about 70 mg of Vic from 150, I visualize myself as a 747 going thru a turbulent lengthy landing, I am cruising at mid altitude now looking down, cant see the runway yet, that is a few weeks off. Anyway, glad you posted and reinforced this bup thing, I was having doubts, but now I'm sure. that Chuckie disappeared, which annoyed me because i wanted to get finale on him, but you provided. Godd luck, and good luck.
Posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 10:14:10
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by arrie on June 22, 2004, at 9:59:09
> that Chuckie disappeared, which annoyed me
> because i wanted to get finale on him, but you
> provided. Godd luck, and good luck.I don't like to annoy people. I'm sorry if i missed something. I thought i had wrapped everything up.
You wanted a verdict on buprenorphine? Cuz i don't really have a verdict quite yet, i'm still working on me. And i'm not sure how much of me has to do with anyone else at this point.
Anyway sorry if i got confused and failed to do something i should have done. I do that in real life too, even when i'm relatively well. I was mis-wired at birth.
-Chuckie
Posted by arrie on June 22, 2004, at 11:26:22
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 10:14:10
I had only been very interested in learning how things went for you on the buprenephrine regime. I am sure you can understand...remember at one point you had some urgency " I INSIST YOU TELL ME MORE", well, others are hanging in the balance as well.
Anyway to the point, how are you and how is it going? Are you still on bup? Is the dr still being cool with you and are you going to continue the medication? Fill in the gaps when you are up to it. You sounded pretty optimist in the begining and hopefully you are staying the course. Take care
Posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 12:56:01
In reply to Chuckie- you misunderstood, posted by arrie on June 22, 2004, at 11:26:22
OK, i'm sorry again, still, if i missed any direct questions. Please forgive me, my medication issues are not my only issues, or even my most troublesome issues. I really didnt mean to leave anyone hanging.
I think that Bupe will be a good thing for me to use to get off opiates and leave them alone. I've almost given up the idea of using opiates for depression. I mean they work, very well, but they are problematic for me. On my first impression of buprenorphine, the stuff seemed so strong that i thought i'd only be taking maybe 4mg/day. My prescription is for 16mg/day and i've slowly worked my way up to that even though that wasn't my intent. Now i'm having to work my way back down again. So anyone hints that it isn't habit forming, they're wrong. But OTOH when i do cut down my dosage, it's not a crisis type thing and i don't miss it a lot.
I haven't seen my doctor again. I just call the pharmacy for my monthly refill and they call him.
Suboxone seems to cost approximately $4.00 per 8mg tablet, no matter where you try to get it. That's a big motivator for cutting it down to the minimum necessary dosage. Right now it costs $250/mo. for me, and i can't keep doing that for very long. So i'm shooting for a maintenance dosage of 1/2 tab per day, and eventually to quit.
Aside from all that, i'm doing pretty OK. I'm still not working because i been messed up in the head, but i don't think that has anything to do with buprenorphine.
Overall, i think it's a very good medicine. I certainly recommend it in place of pain medication s and/or illegal substances. But it's certainly not an innocuous medicine to play around with. It's very strong and it's made of the same stuff that gets some of us in trouble.
-Chuckie
Posted by sofarsogood on June 22, 2004, at 19:38:04
In reply to Re: Buprenorphine - Thanks! And..., posted by rianna on May 5, 2004, at 18:29:27
Cost even with decent insurance . BCBS can reach 40.00 per script (as this is a non covered med). I reccomend if you have insurance to request that the doctor give you @ least your first months supply of the suboxone @ once to avoid paying $40 for the first week $40 for the second week or so then so on .As for the subutex your kind of stuck paying as you are prescribed(THE FIRST WEEK OR SO OF TREATMENT ,FOR ME ANY WAY).I had to pay several 40.00 co-pays just for the bupe it self. MabeY they do this to prevent you from taking too much. It does no good to take more than you are suppose too so dont WAST YOUR EFFORTS.GOOD LUCK TOO ALL WHO ARE THINKING OF TRYING . IF YOU REALLY DONT WANT TO STOP, BUPE AINT GONNA WORK.IT HELPS YOU GO THRU W/D AND GET OUT OF THE RUTT ,NOT THE NEED TO HAVE OPIATES .DONE MAY BE THE ANSWERE IF YOU STILL WANT TO GET A BUZZ EVERYDAY OTHER THAN THE HAPPINESS YOU CAN FIND FOR YOURSELF.
Posted by sofarsogood on June 22, 2004, at 19:45:52
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 10:14:10
CURIOUS .HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON THE PROGRAM ? ARE YOU ATTEMPTING TO TAPER OFF OR ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MATINIENCE? EITHER WAY HOW IS IT GOING ?ANY SLIP UPS?
Posted by arrie on June 22, 2004, at 20:18:07
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by sofarsogood on June 22, 2004, at 19:45:52
Thanks to both Chuckie and Sofar, ya know I dont need the buzz, really dont get it anyway anymore, but I like the numbed up feeling because dah, I have a chronic pain issue, so I hope as a narcotic it still delivers. Gads, it must be strong because i dont think I am doing that much in comparison to what you guys have recorded. I am at about 100-150 mgs vics to really get pain control and well a bit of a buzz. This past week down to 80mgs on some hydro duds. I hurt and feel sort of ick, but I am OK. So what will my habit translate into, do you think about 4mg of bup a day, fyi no insurance at all but for everything else theres Mastercard. I am still very encouraged by what you both have reported. Chuckie, dont think so much its bad for you, just go something to get out if possible!
Posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 20:30:40
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by sofarsogood on June 22, 2004, at 19:45:52
Please don't talk to me in capital letters. Thanks.
I'm not trying to kick at this time. I have posts about it all over this board but the upshot was that i wanted opiates to treat my depression. Originally, i actually wanted buprenorphine because of all the stuff i'd read about it. But it seemed impossible... couldn't find a doctor, and surely couldn't talk one into prescribing for that purpose. So i got an illegal poppy habit. When it got out of control, i tried detoxing in the hospital and couldn't take it and went back to the drugs. After which i found a doc to prescribe bupe for my chemical dependence. Heh, so i couldn't get it for my depression so i got it for my bad habit instead. %)
I've been on it about two months now and i still feel like i'm adjusting to it. Or adjusting it to me, or something. I'm taking more than i intended to, although not more than i'm prescribed. I'm going to cut it back down again. Like i said, i have no specific plans to quit at this time, i'd just like a lower maintenance dosage and decide from there what i'm gonna do next.
I don't know for sure because i haven't tried, but i understand it's impossible to "slip up" when on Bupe because your regular drugs won't work for like three or four days after you quit the bupe. So it doesn't make any sense to do that, unless i'm wrong.
Posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 20:43:31
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by arrie on June 22, 2004, at 20:18:07
Arrie,
I'm confused about your dosages. Or mine, or something. Aren't the big fat Vicodins 750mgs? And i thought the regular ones were 500mgs?
I told the doc my poppy habit was approximately equal to four big fat vics per day. That was after detox, when i was trying to keep it contained. Before detox i don't have any idea... six... ten? I could easily take that many vics without a problem.
Anyway, what i told him is what he translated into the 16mgs/day of bupe. Which i now come to find out is a pretty hefty dosage, although i think the max is 32mgs. In any case, i'm sure i'll be fine when i taper back to 8mgs, and i think you would be too.
Someone else around here was taking two or three mgs and being OK with that. So i'm gonna keep tapering until i get too uncomfy.
-Chuckie
Posted by arrie on June 22, 2004, at 23:30:20
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP » arrie, posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 20:43:31
These vics or hydro are marketed like 5/500, 10/650, 15/300 etc, the first number is the mg of the narcotic agent, the second is the mg of tylenol or ibuprofin, that is why the risk to liver damage is so great. If you take 10/650 a day that was 6500mg of tylenol, which is much worse for you than the narcotic part, that is why some people do a extraction process to remove the tylenol, just one more hassle with this habit. Stay the course, you sound 100% better than before. At least you are free now to really explore your head without killing your body, which dah supports the head ( unless your in Iraq)those assholes, dont watch the news, its such a trigger. See how minimal are problems realy are, ya just gotta appreciate life even if it seems suckey. Perhaps you started on bup so high because your dr didnt really understand your habit and over estimated it?
Posted by arrie on June 23, 2004, at 23:37:25
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by sofarsogood on June 22, 2004, at 0:21:22
http://www.heroin-detox.com/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=68&whichpage=2
Posted by so far so good on June 24, 2004, at 8:15:18
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP » arrie, posted by Chuckie on June 22, 2004, at 20:43:31
VICODIN IS TYLENOL AND HYDROCODONE (OPIATE) THE DOSES ARE 5,7.5 AND 10 MG of hydro WITH VARYING AMOuNUTS OF TYLENOL. The fat ones are probaly 7.5 mg hydro 750 mg tylenol.all the tylenol makes em pretty big pills.
Posted by so far so good on June 24, 2004, at 8:49:34
In reply to Re: MEDICATION ASSISTED W/D W/BUPE 2 THUMBS UP, posted by so far so good on June 24, 2004, at 8:15:18
I wrote the prior before I read arri sorry same info . Chuckie you will never find a doctor to treat your deppression with opiates.At least none ive ever heard of . Its not medically practical. Im in the field. Go figure. My best advice to you is taper down of the bupe go thru a few days of shit. The doc will perscribe anti deppresants like candy.Start them immediatly . You already know you have a depression prob. Do your home work mabey there is one out there that you could benefit from. Be honest with the doc about how you feel.(See a shrink) seriuosly.They specalize in this area . A primary care doc will give you cookie cutter treatment. Just because a doc gives you something does not mean you have to take it . You plead your case .If you can back up your idea of whats best for you you can usually get what you want. I know several people that anti-depressants turned there life around. Beleive me Chuckie I would be very happy to be high all the time.With opiates long term you reach such a tolerance you would get to a point of just nodding out. ive been here as well on a good day. My father did that. Youll have to take so much just to feel something you would sit there and have a body buzz and fall in and out of cons.I grew up watching this happen . NEVER feel as high , like the first few times of taking them. Opiate s do not treat depression they cover it up by making you feel good. You must get to the root of it dude .If you feel im preaching let me know and Illl stop.Im just trying to help you or anyone else that reads . Good luck . USE THE FORCE .peace.
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