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Originally Posted by KamikazePimp
I'm currently on 4mg Suboxone and have been for well over a week.
Problem is I'm constipated, it's hard for me to pee, can't sleep well. Suboxone sucks IMO.
If I stopped my dose tomorrow, what am I in for? I wanna pee n poo again like normal.
That mad face icon is how red my face is when I'm on the can BTW trying to poo.
--KP
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KP,
I've been on Buprenorphine maintenance for almost two years now.
Most people solve their constipation issues by taking their entire dose in the morning (Or at night if you can). I am guessing you split your dose anywhere from 2-4 times a day and that's why the majority of people who are constipated are known to dose more than once a day.
The reason for this is because the analgesic and other side effects are much stronger within the first 4-6 hours after dosing, and most people who dose more than once a day are trying to get the most analgesic effects of the drug by taking it more frequently, but as I said, the more you split/frequent your dose during the day, the worse the side effects.
So my advice would be to dose once a day so that your body can adjust to the effects properly instead of hitting it every 4-6 hours or so.
Now, if you are currently taking it once a day, continue to do so. And I would recommend an over-the-counter med/stool softener [either on top of the Miralax, or instead of] called Colace [Generic name, Docusate Sodium, take 1 capsule twice daily], this med can be bought at any pharmacy OTC, though it may be behind the counter, so you will probably need to ask the pharmacist.
Try to avoid taking stimulants on a regular basis, or all together. Go to GNC and get some gel caps that contain Psyllium Husk. This is a very high source of fiber, and taken on a regular basis, will do wonders to get your digestive tract going, back to regular, and keep it that way. Most sources of Psyllium Husk are taken by mixing it with liquid and drinking it, but I absolutely can not take the gritty texture of sand going down my throat, as with most people; so I just by the already capped supplement.
If you like yogurt, Dannon Activia also has probiotics specially added to it to help regulate and aid your digestive tract. A few other items that help, if you enjoy, or don't mind eating them are prunes (They are just dried plums, taste great if you've never had them) and/or prune juice and steel cut [or any other type really] oatmeal.
Also, opiates in general actually de-activate our natural thirst mechanism; meaning we don't drink as much as we normally would. So making sure to keep yourself properly hydrated is key. Drink as much water throughout the day as possible; at least 1 gallon per day if you can. Just keep reminding yourself to drink throughout the day whether you are thirsty or not.
Taking these on a daily basis will take up to 2 weeks to notice, completely regulate and maintain, but as little as 3-4 days for it to make a difference/for you to really notice it.
There are plenty of other natural supplements as well, the best, which contains absolutely no stimulants, is one called CleanseMORE by Renew Life. You can read more by going to their website at http://www.renewlife.com/cleansing/CleanseMORE.aspx
This supplement can be found either online, or at most health food/supplement store like GNC. It would also be wise to start taking a multi-vitamin [without iron] on a regular basis, if you aren't already doing so.
And I would also recommend keeping your diet as clean as possible, as much vegetables and fruits as possible and keeping it that way. On top of this, I would also see if you can find time to go to the gym at least 2-3 times a week for 30-45 minutes [to start]. Just doing light weights and cardio or whatever you enjoy; this also helps jump-start your entire body and get the juices flowing.
Now I know this may sound like a lot of things to do, but it really is worth it, and after a few weeks, most of it will start coming automatically to you without even thinking about it.
K, now, you started taking Suboxone because you want to get better right? Get back on track? Well if you stop taking it, I can guarantee at least 2 things will happen. One, you will relapse and two, you will withdraw from every single opiate you have ever touched/taken in your entire life, and it will not be pleasant.
Most people have a misconception about opiate withdrawal. If one is on Suboxone, one would have the idea that if you stop, you would experience withdrawal symptoms from the Suboxone. However, all the Suboxone does is prevent withdrawals from opiates period. When you are in withdrawal, you are withdrawing from every opiate you have tasted in your entire life; think about it, add up every dose and every hour from every half-life and see how many hours it will take for your body to be back to square one. Probably years (If you have been using for a while). Every time you use, it takes you out of withdrawal, but also adds onto the half-life of every opiate in your system. This also obviously changes your brain chemistry quite drastically, which also takes even more time to regulate itself.
In other words, Suboxone and any drug used in opiate replacement/maintenance therapy works by "delaying" the withdrawal symptoms so you can carry on and maintain your life in a healthy fashion without worrying about your next "fix" to prevent the withdrawals you would normally be going through. The meds used are not silver bullets, it is probably and honestly only 35% of treatment/rehab and getting better. The other 65% is doing the rest of the work on your own. Such as keeping busy throughout the day by getting a job, cutting off ties from people you know who can get you drugs or may be a potential problem in the future and most importantly, going to therapy and NA meetings (If you are comfortable with NA/AA, otherwise, just therapy).
I could go on and really write a book about what I've learned on this topic, but the key points are keep working at it, don't stop taking it without talking to your doc first, get a therapist [if you don't already have one] and stay active! And even then, you have to want to change. Though if you really want to discontinue your Suboxone, it is really important that your doctor setup a taper program to help slowly reduce your dose so that your body can adjust along the way. Though I don't recommend this, the only time one should stop treatment (At least with meds) is when they are ready and if they feel it absolutely necessary. It has also been researched that in order for one to reap all the benefits of Suboxone/Buprenorphine treatment, they must have been stabilized on it and taking it for a period of at least one year. Some people plan to stay on it for their entire life with doses of as little as 1mg, just to hold them over and keep the anti-depressant effects working, preventing PAWS (Post-acute withdrawal syndrome) and PWD (Precipitated withdrawal), or basically the feelings of depression and lethargy after one who has been taking opiates for so long, finally stops. Though it is obviously and completely up to the patient and what they want to do. At this point though, just take things one day at a time; try not to think about the future.
If you need any more advice, you can always let me know and I'll be more than happy to give you my e-mail/AIM screen name.
And one more thing, if you want to educate yourself more about Buprenorphine treatment, the absolute best board on the net for educating yourself on this topic is NAABT (National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment). They have a forum which I am a senior member of with doctors who frequent there, as well as knowledgeable people like myself who are also currently in treatment or have been in the past or are simply planning on or curious about it. Their website is www.naabt.org
Take care and keep your head up. Things will get better! Just keep at it!
Mike.
PS: If all else fails, there is always enemas to get the "flow going".
2008-01-15, 21:46
Suboxone Withdrawals