I am wondering if someone can get a little more of a high from taking more suboxone than what is prescribed. My fiance was put on it on Tuesday night and the prescription calls for taking two in the morning and one at night. He seems to be acting like he was when he was using oxy's and it is making me sick to see it. I checked his pills and since Tuesday night, he has taken 28 pills.
If someone can answer this, I would be very appreciative.
Thanks,
Carolyn
today is the next step in the journey......paw
Hi Carolyn, This I know a little about having been on suboxone for 5 yrs now. The answer is no. There is no high, it is a calming of one's self. At this point he is still using like an addict, addictive behaviors. The more the better, not so with this drug, and he'll be regretting this when he's all out. Just starting out he should be closly monitored by his doc. Like every 2 weeks. I started out on 4 a day and my addictive behaviors screamed that it wasn''t enough. My doc and I went round and round with this. I wanted more, I didn't need more, and after awhile, turns out the doc is right. If he feels he needs more he can ask for 4 a day, 2 & 2. This may help him feel better. Four is normally the max a day. He just needs to give the drug and himself time to adjust, let the med do it's job. But the drug has a cut off/ a peak whereas it won't can't deliver any more to the receptors. So he's wasting it. He needs to research it, talk to dr & counsellor. Get with the program and all will be well for him real soon. Hope this gives you some input. If he follows the way of NA and gets honest in his addiction he will be fine in time. Did he do a rehab?
Peace, Woodlor
Hi Woodlor,
Thank you for responding. I can understand how he would take more to see if he will get a feeling from it being an addict and all, but he is taking about 10 pills per day. He was acting the exact same way as when he was taking oxy's which I thought was strange and maybe it does give a sense of euphoria but I'm sure after a week or so he feels back to normal but is maybe looking for a high feeling still? He met with the doctor and the doc gave him a 30 day prescription - 90 pills and he was supposed to take 3 per day. He has been only since last Wednesday and only has 21 left. I'm wondering if he is selling them and maybe buying oxy's. I read that he can take an oxy and still get a feeling while taking a small amount of the subs. I know he got a sponsor but don't think he joined a group yet. He doesn't meet with the doctor again for 3 weeks - he will have no pills left and won't he have withdrawal from just stopping these?
Hi Carolyn, Suboxone binds to the receptors in a way that makes us stop chasing the drug affects. If he gives it some time he won't feel the need to chase the drug. Four or forty, the affect is the same so he is wasting them, and yes he will experience withdrawal. I guess he's not ready to surrender. However, I assume he's going to be drug tested, if the opiates show up he'll lose the suboxone. Some tests check for the suboxone levels too. Let him know that mixing drugs with suboxone is dangerous, especially benzos. If he wants to stop he will, and suboxone is his best opportunity for doing so. It was the only thing that saved this addicts life. I wish you both all the best and good luck. Lori
Hi Lori,
I have read a lot about suboxone but he still seems to be acting the same way he did when he was using. When you first start taking suboxone does it give you the same effect as being on something for the first week? I realize he must be wasting what the doctor prescribed and when he goes to certain meetings he seems to bring them with him because they aren't in the usual spot so I'm wondering if he is selling them for opiates so he can remain in a high state. I'm not sure if he will be tested since he is meeing with his therapist and I don't think they will test him. I really don't think he is ready to give it up yet either since he will have none left and will go into withdrawal and then what? Thanks for your guidance and advice.
Suboxone, works for a short period of time. Not good.
Hi,
Your are on target with your feelings. It is NOT the answer. And, he is probably still using, and or selling. Take a step back, call the prescribing doctor, and let he/she know immediately.
You are at a crisis point. Act now to save a life.
And seek a new physician
Why are you saying that suboxone isn't the way to go? I don't think he is till using but I am wondering why he isn't withdrawing if he has no subs left....
Only a matter of time. Suboxone does not allow the opoid receptors in the brain to heal. This effects the pleasure center, amygdala, also. It may take up to 18 months for the physiological change to take place. Meaning the "urge" signals from the brain.
That is to the best of my knowledge. Attended many meetings on my son's behalf.
Carolyn, I have also wondered the same thing. My husband is an oxy addict. In January he decided that he had had enough. He went to a dr that specializes in addiction treatment. He was put on suboxone. He is a different person today. He is not in the "addict" cycle of his addiction. He does take it as prescribed. I do not see any evidence of him being high. Even though I believe (being a recovering alcoholic myself and in my own experience) that this is not being "clean". For me, being "clean" is being free from all mind altering substances. That being said though, it beats living in the hell of active addiction for both he and myself. So go figure. Is suboxone the lesser evil? Or is it a step in another direction? Just my own opinion.
Cheryl