codeine withdrawal, buprenorphine

Hi John

Sorry to hear of your struggles.

I'm by no means an expert but, all I will say that by taking something like Tramadol, you will just end up swapping one drug for a stronger one & could end up back to square one but in a much bigger mess than you were in on the codeine.

If you Google vitamins etc or stuff to help withdrawals, there are supplements you can take that can help you.

Sorry I can't be of any more help, good luck mate

Ritchie

       the problem is tramadol ( allthough seen as a opiate ) is actually chemically different and were opiates such as codeine bind to opiate receptors tramadol also partially bind to this receptor but also has a anti-depressant action which is turn will help with pain 

      buprenorphine on the other hand is a Partial Agonists which bind to receptors and activate them, but not to the same degree as do full agonists,so buprenorphine wouldnt be recommended as a replacement medication for codeine or dihydrocodeine ( as these are full agonists ) 

      another reason to avoid buprenorphine is its half life ( the time it takes to leave your system ) ... it can have a half life of up to 60 hrs ... this means it would be difficult to assess a dosage and could be dangerous if taken incorrectly ... also most gp,s and drug workers wouldnt prescribe it as a replacement for opiate reduction therapy 

     any reduction from codeine or dihydrocodeine should be done slowly ... even though not as powerful as morphine,methadone or fentanyl they metabolise to morphine and thus will present similar withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly 

      on a positive note there is a medication thats been used during opiate withdrawal ..... gabapentin is normally used for nerve pain but the sedation side effect can help with hot flushes and other common symptoms .... gabapentin is prescription only  ..... another medication ( avalible over the counter ) is buscopan which stops cramps in stomach and bowel .....  finally lopramide ( also avalible over the counter ) stops any diarrhea which is also common when stopping opioids 

      i strongly advise against buprenorphine and tramadol mainly due to their strength ( compared to codeine ) and their similar chances of addiction ..... 

       i hope this helps john ... any questions let me know 

I dont actually have either drug on prescription but have a patch of buprenorphine and about 15, 50mg of tramodol.  My intention will not to be getting more as ive managed to get help from friends.   

I think my question is will either drug delay the withdrawal or manage the sweats/flushes over the next few days.

Or am i just prolonging things

This is a suggestion & taking LESS meds &fewer kinds should be safer..check w/doctor if you can...If you are using these meds w/o medical supervision you must be very careful...to my knowledge codeine has a short half life so it leaves body quickly, the other opiods are long lasting & will totally be working AGAINST what you want, it helps w/wd symptoms b/c its an opioid & its what your body wants, but it wont help you quit, you will just change addictions to stronger longer lasting opioids...If you havent had ANY codeine, after 7 days youre doing great, stop using the other opioids, youre better off coming off codeine more gradual,then adding stronger longer lasting opioids to the issue...treat your symptoms,over the counter things(use only as directed more isnt better) for nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, use cold packs and fans for sweats, take showers, eat good food in small meals, exercise releases natural endorphines & distracts from your suffering...using your gaba in lower doses everyday keeps it at constant level and may work better, drink water as dehydration is an issue in wd....the first few weeks will be the worst...if you started/start back on codeine (b/c of side effects)cut back to a point thats bearable, after 3 days cut back again, let your body adjust to lower dose and then do it again...gradual reduction can take longer but you can do it, stick with it...if you slip up its NOT a failure, you keep going and get back on track..I really wish you the best, a rehab facility/Dr assisted treatment w/b better solution but I know it isnt always an option..Good for you taking control, Take Care?

Hi john 

        taking other meds to counteract symptoms of other medications can help in certain cases ( such as librium for alcohol and valium for reduction from ativan ) but with opiates the only way is simply reduction .....

        using a opiate such as codeine to aleviate symptoms from opiate reduction/withdrawal is simply prolonging withdrawal symptoms ..... i found this out when coming off methadone ( around 10 times more potent than codeine ) 

         luckily i did a reduction but the mental side was with me for months .. and this isnt unusual ... even with codeine your brain needs time to adjust as the opiate "cushion" has been removed .....

         its not because your physically unwell but its your brain reacting to less opiates ( or no opiates ) in your body and because of this it can create many symptoms ... main one is depression and lethargy .... 

         i apologise if this sounds hard but imho the only way is to ride the storm ...allow your body and brain to repair .. but remember every day you will be better .. not by alot but around in around a few months you should be feeling alot better 

          i hope you feel better soon and stick with it john ... keep us posted mate 

Its day 11 and most of my sweats have.

I feel a bit weak and get dizzy when i get up too quick but other than that feel ok.

I gave my friend the remaining tramodol and codeine back as i was getting tempted to get a buzz. Better out of arms reach.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Keep it up mate

It will get easier

Ritchie

No more junk for me.