Suboxone and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• joe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 7, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "I just recently quit Suboxone cold turkey from 24 mg. I was on Subs for over 6 years. I'm now in week three and I can still barely sleep. Still, my legs and back are in constant pain, and the only relief I get is to have hot baths. My advice is to quit whatever you're on instead of switching to a long-acting opiate. It takes so much longer to get off, and the withdrawals are pretty much the same but just prolonged. I can't wait to feel normal again!!! Worst experience ever, but I've been through so much the last few weeks I'll never touch an opiate again. Time to get on with life."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "My story is like most people’s. I took pain pills for period cramps and my back after a long work day. But then, when my relationship crumbled, so did I. I started taking pain pills so I wouldn’t feel the sadness, and it turns out I would be destroying my life. I used to take one 10mg Norco in the morning and one 10mg at night. Years later, my tolerance for them was through the roof. I was taking them just to feel normal, pawning anything I could when my paycheck would run out because I spent every dime of my money on pills. I didn’t get the euphoria of them anymore, just took them to avoid withdrawal. I was taking around 12-15 10mg a day, and I was miserable. I am on Suboxone, and believe it or not, I have my life back. This is a miracle drug, believe it or not. If your back is against the wall and you feel like you have nothing left, I promise you, give Suboxone a try. It might just give you your LIFE BACK!"

• Edd...
• December 6, 2009

For Opioid Use Disorder "I started on 16mg and tapered to 2mg in a 3-month period. Each taper from 8mg to 2mg, I experienced mild withdrawal symptoms. These lasted about 2 to 3 days and were mostly related to my stomach. After completely stopping from the 2mg dose, I started experiencing withdrawal about 24 hours later. The peak was at 3 days, and after 5 days, it was over. It's nothing, don't worry. The most important thing to do is to have a positive frame of mind. Don't forget where you came from. Remember it will be over before you know it. Don't just lay in bed all day. Get up, get out of the house, and do some things you have been doing while on it! Don't get wrapped up in your mind about it, focus on other things!"

• Bif...
• September 8, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "Been on Suboxone since 2006 after being hooked on Norcos for 5 years. I was taking way too many Norco (Hydrocodone 10/325) pills per day and stumbled across Suboxone on some message board I can’t even remember. Within 30 minutes of taking my first 8mg Suboxone pill, I was off the Norcos. I was dumbfounded by the realization that I could feel normal by taking Subs instead of the Norcos. So I was cured of my addiction to Norcos, but am now addicted to Suboxone. I say addicted because I’ve tried to wean off Subs and even went off them cold turkey for 3 weeks but ended up in the ER at the 3-week point because my withdrawals from Subs became worse as time went on and were so severe that I couldn’t even function. If you are considering Subs, please use them for a very limited time at the lowest possible dose... otherwise you may be on them forever. I’ve been on them for 13 years and may never be off them."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "Suboxone is a good drug to be used for a very short period of time to get through the detox off opioids, but taking it any longer than that is a horrible idea. I've been on it for almost 8 years, and my life has been horrible in most areas. I have tried several times to get off it, and I couldn't. Now I'm in a medical detox as I write this review on day 4 without it, and the withdrawal symptoms are 100 times worse than opioids. I'm only on day 4 and haven't slept in 4 nights, I have no energy, I can't eat, and I don't even want to move. I beg you not to take it. Doctors are just trying to make money off you. They don't care about you. The people on here writing positive reviews calling it a miracle have only been on it for a few months. I loved my first few months on it before my life became impossible! Please stay away from Suboxone. Go with the Vivitrol shot or Naltrexone. If anything, you will thank me when you're not going through months of withdrawals!"

• Elv...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was taking 2 to 4 mg a day for 7 years. I just got off of it. I had 1 strip left and tapered for 7 days, then quit. My withdrawal was very mild. Not sleeping was the worst, didn't have any other. So, it worked for me, I was over it in 3 days."

• Jan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 11, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "I have been on Suboxone for 10 years. I know that’s a long time, but I don’t think about opiates and can live my life. For the past three months, I have felt terrible withdrawal, thoughts of using again (after 10 years of not one thought of using), and I almost gave in. Come to find out it’s all because I was getting the generic Suboxone. Now that I’m back on the name brand, I’m fine. It’s terrible that big manufacturers and pharmacies can legally do this, and we, the small people, not only pay for these meds but then feel terrible and even go into withdrawal. I wish I could find a platform to do something, but I’m a nobody, and even if I found a platform, it wouldn’t help. If I were a celebrity or government official maybe. All I know is I almost lost my sobriety due to the generic and had the worst 3 months of my life."

• Tuk...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 23, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "It's a huge mistake to get on Suboxone. They did not even study what this stuff does to people. It's us who are stuck taking it, we are the guinea pigs. My experience after a year on it is that it has depleted all ambition to do anything but sleep, yet it has caused major insomnia. It eats away at your gums, teeth, and liver. I can barely write this because of its effects on my brain. I can't articulate things like I used to. It messes up your endocrine system as well. I have symptoms of adrenal gland hypothyroidism. This has made me sick and stupid. It seems to be hurting my liver and rotting my teeth, yet I can't stop taking it or I'll become awfully sick with withdrawal for up to a year. This has ruined my life and has put a wall between me and God."

• Jly...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 7, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "Well Suboxone sure gave me my life back, however, with that being said, I've been on it for 18 and a half months. This is my second time coming off it. I feel ready. The problem is I was not told by anybody that runs the program that it is absolutely worse coming off than the drugs you were doing to begin with. The withdrawals are beyond horrible, and after 2 and a half weeks, I was still sick. I just firmly believe as an addict going for help, and the rest of us have a right to know all the information, instead, I feel misled, deceived, and lied to. But I'll make it, and so will all of you. Wish everybody the best of luck."

• Jag...
• December 13, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was on deadly drugs for about 5 years. I took a handful of pills with Xanax, Klonopin, or other sleeping aids. Remained high for 5 years. After that, I always tried to be off all drugs. But started again, then stopped, started, stopped, started. I went to a psychiatrist, she prescribed me 8 mg daily of Suboxone. But in the first 5 days, my heartbeat was up, and I was more high than on other drugs. But in time, I became sober. I never craved any opioid or even alcohol. Sometimes I tried to stop this medication, but withdrawals are bad, then I again started this treatment. But the point is, it is good to take Suboxone daily than to be on other drugs and take them every hour and crave when out of supply. So it is better to look and behave normal. So I recommend this medicine for all who want their life back. Stay healthy and live a normal life. Stay away from other drugs, give Suboxone one chance, it will change your life and ways of thinking. Live a legal life. Love it. Love you all, wish you a happy journey."

• Get...
• March 8, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "A classic story. I started abusing oxy after surgery. Until my body depended on it to function normally. To get out of bed, I needed to take oxy or my body would be in hell. So the hamster wheel spun and spun. The thing is, from the outside looking in, you would never know. I have a great job. I’d like to think I’m a well-rounded human. I’m a nurse. But addiction doesn’t care what or who you are, it will steal your soul. Anyways, I just started this medication a few days ago on a very low dose. Initially, you wait until you start to feel withdrawal symptoms until you can take half of a dose. Otherwise, it will make you go into withdrawal symptoms if you have any drugs in your system. I kind of feel like what’s the catch? The last three days have been really good. I feel great. I’m on 2mg a day and have to see the doctor daily to get a dose and adjust the mg. If you’re suffering, this medication could help you, if you use it properly. Since we are addicts, we can misuse things easily."

• Pun...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 22, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "I’ve been on subs now for about 10 years. Was on high doses of opiates. I see everyone saying Alvogen doesn’t work for them, but I think they’re great. I prefer the name brand, and there’ve been twice now I couldn’t find them, so I had to settle. The Alvogen did great, however, the other brand I was forced to get was Dr. Reddy's, and it was absolutely awful. It was like I couldn’t get enough in me to stop with withdrawals. This month the pharmacies were out again, and I ended up with Mylan brand. Anyone have any experience with these?"

• Lua...
• October 17, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "Told the doctor I didn't want to be on anything, I only wanted one Suboxone. I agreed to two 16 mg. After one year, he stated now it will take a year to detox me, and I called a detox, not satisfied with this answer and the length of the detox. He told me I'm looking at 2 months detox off 16 mg and told me to start dropping myself first because I will be sick a long time otherwise. I will admit this year has given me the chance to build my roots in a program, I'm just baffled that no one tells you this medication is meant for harm reduction. Basically, so opiates are blocked, cravings cease, and you're not sick, robbing, stealing, and spreading hepatitis C basically. So it's designed for long periods. The longer I've been on it, the worse the side effects. If you didn't know, this medicine also blocks your natural endorphins in your brain as well, from sex, working out, chocolate, etc. I'm upset, I'm not looking forward to this horrible withdrawal off 2 mg. Ignorance isn't bliss. Wish you all luck in whatever journey you choose."

• Dup...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was put on Suboxone so I could get off prescription oxycodone. I was told it would be an easier, gentler way to detox, with no withdrawal effects. The doctor said it would take a couple of months, then six months, then he said most people take 2 to 3 years to taper off this medication. The withdrawal from decreasing my dosage 2 milligrams from 16 milligrams was worse than the full-blown opioid withdrawal I got when I tried cold turkey off the oxycodone. I went to see an addictions counselor, and he said I made a big mistake going on this medication and that less than one percent of people ever get off it. I was lied to by the prescribing doctor who has many patients on it for 10 years plus. I wish I had known."

• Big...
• May 31, 2013

For Opioid Use Disorder "I had 19 procedures on my lower back and four procedures on my neck. I was taking very high doses of OxyContin and Oxycodone for ten years. I wanted to quit taking pain medicines, but they got a hold of me. Now I'm on Suboxone 16 mg a day, and I'm very pleased with the results so far. I'm also taking Suboxone for pain management. I have more pain than I care to have, but I take Motrin for breakthrough pain. When you decide to take control of your life again, then get on the Suboxone, you will not regret it. No withdrawal, no urges, and no worries! Good luck and remember you can now have your life back."

• Ste...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 15, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was on Suboxone for over 12 years. No one is in a hurry to get you off of them unless you're the one pushing the issue. Just like opiates, I got tired of paying cash visits to line the pockets of the legalized drug dealers. November will be one year Suboxone-free. Withdrawal the first couple of weeks is tough, but it comes and goes. At 11 months, I’m about 95% back to where I should be. Ensure you are in a drug-free environment, and with the commitment to stopping, you can do it. Clonidine from my family doctor helped me quit without weaning and jumping off 2 mg. 4-6 Clonidine a day and something for sleep, and you can certainly do it!! Guaranteed."

• Ske...
• September 6, 2016

For Opioid Use Disorder "I don't know if this is hurting my kidneys. I don't know if it will be extremely hard to get off of it. I do know that I would be dead without Suboxone. I lied, stole money... anything to not have withdrawals. I didn't have much hope for Suboxone. I thought it would be like a patch when you try to quit smoking (helps but doesn't do the trick). Day one... immediately... I felt no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. I was ecstatic! If you are on drugs... you must do this now! I was skeptical, but this is the best choice I've made in my life. Suboxone gave me my life back. No exaggeration."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2014

For Opioid Use Disorder "This medication saved my life! After 6 yrs of major oxy addiction, I went into detox scared to death! I was sedated for three days, then transferred to Subs! Man, what a difference, I felt like a new man. Started at 12mg a day and gradually tapered off over a 4-month period! I had a doctor in Seattle who put me on Clonidine, a high blood pressure med! This takes away almost all withdrawal symptoms! 5 months off everything, and I have my life back!! If it wasn't for the doctor and these meds, I'd be in a box by now! God Bless!"

• Twi...
• May 27, 2017

For Opioid Use Disorder "My personal experience with Suboxone is good so far. I have been on a prescribed Fentanyl patch 25 mcg/48 hrs. I have dropped to this dose over the last year. (I also left the old patch on.) I have been on opiates for 12 years, full-time prescribed. At my highest prescription, I was using 180 mg of Oxycodone and 180 mg of morphine per day. I have had several adjustments on medicine, including extended-release doses. Five years ago, I was put on 50 mcg of Fentanyl with 3-10 mg of Oxycodone per day for breakthrough. I started leaving my old patches on to increase my daily dose. This last year, I tapered down to 25 mcg patches for 48 hours (still leaving my old patches on). I went to a doctor that prescribes Suboxone. Lucky for me, my insurance pays for Suboxone. He gave me the 8/2 mg strips. I take half a strip twice a day. I was checking every forum to see how long I needed to wait to start the Suboxone. The replies are all very different. Some say 16 hours, most say 24. Others say 48-36-72 hours. Yikes! How do I keep out of precipitated withdrawals? I already have withdrawals every other day on my patch! So, I removed my patch last night around 5 PM. (I already have my Suboxone script at home.) I started feeling withdrawal symptoms coming on around 11 PM. They didn't get super intense. I checked the COWS scale, as many articles suggested, but only scored mild. I had the stretching of limbs symptom, anxiety, so I took half of a strip, which was the suggested dose. I took it at noon today. That's only 19-20 hours. I was in withdrawals, but not the worst I have ever had. I was scared of the precipitated withdrawals I heard about. Ten to fifteen minutes after I took it, I felt a hot sensation wash over me. I thought I would get those withdrawals, but I took a quick bath, laid down for an hour, and I feel pretty good. It took my withdrawals away. I still have some muscle pain, but not the kind that comes from withdrawals. Suboxone stopped the withdrawals right away. No headaches or sick feeling. Not high, but even my regular dose meds haven't made me high for years. So, if you're guessing on when it's okay to take Suboxone after opiates, and Fentanyl seems to be the highest strength, then I say shoot for 24 hours. If you are not in withdrawals at 24, then wait until you are. If you are in withdrawals before 24 hours, then just wait as long as you can. You will know when it's too bad to wait anymore. You know your body. You can always take half the amount prescribed and see how it reacts if you're afraid of precipitated withdrawals. Trust me, it will stop the withdrawals within a half-hour. I have not gotten the precipitated withdrawals so far. Hope this helps someone. Good luck to you!"

• KMD...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2015

For Opioid Use Disorder "I too took Suboxone to treat opiate withdrawal, and it truly is a miracle drug. However, after 7 years of being on Suboxone daily, I'm now dependent on this. The withdrawals are just as bad as withdrawing from any opiate, and some say worse. So my advice to you from my own experience is to immediately start tapering off Suboxone the second you start taking it. My first attempt using Suboxone only took 3 days of usage, I stopped before my body became dependent, and for a month after, I felt perfect. I then started taking it regularly out of fear of relapsing with opiates. Now I'm haunted by the fact I'm totally dependent on Suboxone. It's a very strong drug, and I personally think it is way over-prescribed dosage-wise."

• Ruc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2016

For Opioid Use Disorder "I'm only 20, but I've already developed a pretty serious skag habit, had a mild OD just two days ago (woke up before EMTs arrived), and that was the last straw. Tried 10 times to quit in the last 2 months, but I'm a pussy and could never get past the second day. Luckily, after I OD'd, I received the right resources to quit once and for all. Today was my first day on Suboxone after going to a clinic that is truly a godsend. I was able to walk in without an appointment and walked out with a 7-day supply (look for clinics with multiple doctors so you don't have to wait to get in). Anyway, I feel FANTASTIC. The withdrawals and cravings are completely gone. Took 30 minutes to start to feel and about an hour to really kick in. I feel normal! Bless this drug!"

• Cle...
• August 17, 2018

For Opioid Use Disorder "Some users seem to be confused about this medication. It is a true opioid, the same as fentanyl or natural opiates like morphine. It could be considered natural in the same way as codeine and morphine, as it's made from thebaine, a naturally occurring alkaloid in the poppy. It is very, very addictive, the same as the others. Yes, we are trading one addiction for another in the same class of drugs. The major difference is that we don't have to visit dangerous areas of town or sick dealers who adulterate the product. We can go about our lives just like any non-addict in society. There is also the antidepressant property due to the kappa activity. You will have typical withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. And just so you know, you do get a bit of a buzz from the stuff. More a feeling of everything is okay now."

• Dec...
• May 3, 2018

For Opioid Use Disorder "For 5 years, I was taking up to eight 30 mg Roxicodone daily. I've been researching Suboxone for almost 2 years, but was always too scared to make the switch. Well, in January of this year, I decided to go for it, and so far it was the best decision I ever made. On the day of my induction, I waited 24 hours from my last Roxy dose and took a full strip. I waited about 10 minutes and didn't feel much relief, so then I took another one, and within 5 minutes I felt great. I think I needed two strips because of the high amount of Roxy I was on. Anyways, less than 5 months later, I'm taking 4 mg a day, and SO FAR I FEEL GREAT!! I am more motivated, I got most of my libido back, I'm not as constipated, I HAVE ZERO WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS. I feel much better, and my mind is much clearer than it's been in a long time. So for anyone who has agonized over taking Suboxone and is scared to make the switch, all I can say is DO IT. If you don't like it, you can always go back, but you gotta try."

• Jer...
• March 14, 2015

For Opioid Use Disorder "I started taking this medication out of desperation. I was taking 50 pills a day: a mix of Norco, methadone, and tramadol. After multiple emergency room trips and close calls, I knew I had to do something quick or I wouldn't live to see my 6-year-old son grow up. I was referred to a Suboxone doctor. After a few different doctors (most were not educated enough on addiction), I found a decent one. I started on 12 mg a day, and I have now made it off Suboxone in almost exactly 1 year's time. I did experience withdrawals while I tapered down, but it was bearable. I was able to save my business, become a better father, and most of all re-learn who I am and discover my purpose. I recommend this to anyone suffering from opiate addiction."

• Joe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 15, 2016

For Opioid Use Disorder "OK, love you all first off, but can't believe what I am reading, people saying opiate withdrawals are three days, lmao. You are not even dependent on them then. I've been to day 25 and felt worse than day three. The shits, cramps, no sleep, every muscle and bone hurt, can't eat, lost 20 pounds. And none of it is in your head, no shrink can help your pain, how stupid. Couldn't even possibly make it to a shrink. And I have a degree in chemical dependency drug counseling. It's a joke. Helps no one. Now on to Suboxone, sure it keeps you from opiate withdrawals, but it's ten times worse to kick. Post-acute withdrawals from Suboxone can last up to two years. You can never get off it, it could kill you for real. No one on box is even close to out of hot water."