Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can One Switch From Suboxone To An Opioid Drug To Manage Chronic Pain?

I am currently taking suboxone 8 mg. However, over the last 5 days, I have had major dental work. I had Eleven extractions. Six last Sat, five yesterday and after the extractions I immediately inserted my brand new smile :) The dentures fit and I promised my husband (and dentist!) that I would never complain... just so happy to have my smile back. I had been taking oxycodone for many years due to numerous issues from a gastric bypass (my body wasn t absorbing enough nutrients) as well as complications from chemo. I am 55yrs old. I never had a problem with opiates. My doctor retired (poor man had colon cancer). I live in CA and everybody swears by marijuana. Not for me. So for the last 8 months my G.P. has me taking suboxone 8mg and 800-2400mg of Ibuprophen. I have apt w/G.P. tomorrow he has always been very difficult when it comes to writing prescriptions. Just asking for an antibiotic has been like pulling teeth....! So, my question is.... can I stop the suboxone today and take an opiate tomorrow for a few days and then go back to the suboxone? My dentist wrote a prescription for tramadol?? But the pharmacy said the insurance company denied it. Are there ant other STRONG pain medications out there that I m not aware of? It hurts so badly and I am a bit nervous because my next issue is foot surgery. I have always had a very high tolerance to medications. The anesthesiologist at Mt. Sinai had to give me 3 injections of ?? to put me out before my mastectomy! I sound like a cry baby, but it really hurts! The dentist said it should take about a week to heal. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Fri, 26 Oct 2018
Report Abuse
Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

This would have to be done by a physician of course. The blocker in suboxone is short-acting and 2 days at the very most (and more likely 12 hrs) would be enough to get the blocker out of the system.

The suboxone is still there. It is a strong narcotic. It often helps the pain.

The first thing which you may have already done is to go with a heavy dose of anti-inflammatories since this does not interact with the suboxone and is a strong pain reliever for dental pain.

The suboxone could be stopped BUT anyone on suboxone is a high risk of having addiction problems when not on it.

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

Take care

Regards,
Dr Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
I find this answer helpful

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can One Switch From Suboxone To An Opioid Drug To Manage Chronic Pain?

Hello, This would have to be done by a physician of course. The blocker in suboxone is short-acting and 2 days at the very most (and more likely 12 hrs) would be enough to get the blocker out of the system. The suboxone is still there. It is a strong narcotic. It often helps the pain. The first thing which you may have already done is to go with a heavy dose of anti-inflammatories since this does not interact with the suboxone and is a strong pain reliever for dental pain. The suboxone could be stopped BUT anyone on suboxone is a high risk of having addiction problems when not on it. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist