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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Changed From Methadone To Suboxone. Still Have Withdrawal Symptoms. Why?

I recently switched from 30 mgs. of Methadone , after 11 years straight, to 8 mgs. of Suboxone . I took my last dose of Methadone a little over 99 hours ago, then took the Suboxone 45 hours ago, and have since then, taken 2 more doses of Suboxone. I m still feeling withdrawal symptoms, why????? Have I been on Methadone too long, or am I not taking enough Suboxone? HELP!!!!!
posted on Tue, 26 Mar 2013
Twitter Sat, 30 Mar 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 31 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there, thanks for asking. Suboxone acts in a complex way in the nervous system. It acts like methadone in some ways and also it acts against it in some other ways specially if it is taken in high dose. The second point which is also very important is that it has long half life, so it needs7 to 10 days to reach its steady dose in the blood and up to 14 days to reach its dose in the brain. This is the reason some people who take it, specially in the first few days might feel uncomfortable. wait for more 2 to 3 days and if you still feel not good, you may increase it a little bit temporarily. I wish you a good health.
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Changed From Methadone To Suboxone. Still Have Withdrawal Symptoms. Why?

Hi there, thanks for asking. Suboxone acts in a complex way in the nervous system. It acts like methadone in some ways and also it acts against it in some other ways specially if it is taken in high dose. The second point which is also very important is that it has long half life, so it needs7 to 10 days to reach its steady dose in the blood and up to 14 days to reach its dose in the brain. This is the reason some people who take it, specially in the first few days might feel uncomfortable. wait for more 2 to 3 days and if you still feel not good, you may increase it a little bit temporarily. I wish you a good health.