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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should The Suboxone Be Continued?

I have a 25 YO son who is taking 16 mg of suboxone daily in attempt to get off heroin. He seems to take that RX fine, but the doc also put him on Gabepentin for anxiety. The first visit, he was given a low dose (I believe 100mg TID). The next visit it went up, b/c the anxiety was not under control. He seemed lucid and fine on the first two doses. Yesterday, the Doc upped the dose significantly, and I don t even recognize my kid. He is hostile, forgetful, tired, and completely stoned, for lack of a better word. He slurs his words so much I can hardly understand him, and he is nearly falling over with every step he takes. I am concerned that he should not be taking the pills on his own, b/c he doesn t even remember conversing with me this morning. How is he supposed to remember what to take and when? Do I need to take him to the ER? Should we just call his doc tomorrow? He wants to take one more dose and go to bed but I don t know if more will depress his nervous system and cause him to stop breathing, etc. I d appreciate your thoughts.
Mon, 1 Sep 2014
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Gabapentin can cause sedation which can in turn cause slurred speech, unsteady gait etc. In my opinion, he should avoid taking any more doses without consulting with his doctor again. While it is unlikely to cause respiratory failure, there is a risk of getting injured if he falls.

Best wishes.
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Should The Suboxone Be Continued?

Hi, Gabapentin can cause sedation which can in turn cause slurred speech, unsteady gait etc. In my opinion, he should avoid taking any more doses without consulting with his doctor again. While it is unlikely to cause respiratory failure, there is a risk of getting injured if he falls. Best wishes.