Disclaimer: the information in this article is purely for educational purposed only. Please consult a licensed Suboxone physician before starting any Suboxone tapering schedule.
Suboxone is a very effective way to treat opioid addiction. Suboxone has been seen as a miracle drug ready to completely revolutionize the drug sector and the fight against the growing epidemic of opioids, there is a problem: Suboxone can also cause dependency.
Initially, it may seem surprising, that the medication used to treat opiate addiction is also an opiate. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which works by using a synthetic opioid to produce a weaker euphoric effect than heroin or prescription opiates and in this way prevents withdrawal symptoms. It also contains Naloxone which prevents misuse of opioids while on Suboxone treatment by preventing the patient from getting high while taking Suboxone. This combination has been proven to be an effective strategy in helping patients overcome their opioid addiction.
The fact remains that a Suboxone is also an opiate and for this reason the patient cannot just stop taking the drug cold-turkey. Your doctor will help you by recommending a Suboxone tapering schedule when the time is right. Here are the two most common tapering methods your doctor may suggest.
The 21 Day Suboxone Taper (the quick taper)
For individuals who are trying to figure out how to quickly get off of Suboxone, this is the Suboxone taper protocol your doctor may recommend.
Here are the basics.
First of all, you want to reduce the dose every four days and stop the taper under or near 0.5 mg daily dose. This is considered a safe level to completely stop taking Suboxone.
Depending on your current prescription, you can calculate to determine what your dosage will be over the 21 days.
The calculation behind the 21 Day Suboxone Taper:
CALCULATE THE X
5√ (O.5/S) = (X*100)
X = the percentage by which you will decrease your dosage every 4 days in order to end up at or below 0.5mg in 21 days
S = Typical daily Suboxone intake in mg
Your equation determines how much you need to reduce the consumption of Suboxone according to the quicker Suboxone taper method. S represents your typical daily consumption of Suboxone in mg. X represents a percentage of your consumption reduction every four days to reach a value up below at or below less 0.5 mg for 21 days.
Here are some examples of what a 21 day Suboxone taper would look like at different doses.
Start: 32mg – Day 5: 13.9mg, D9: 6.0mg, D13: 2.6mg, D17: 1.1mg, D21: 0.5mg
Start: 16mg – Day 5: 8.0mg, D9: 4.0mg, D13: 2.0mg, D17: 1.0mg, D21: 0.5mg
Start: 8mg – Day 5: 4.6mg, D9: 2.6mg, D13: 1.5mg, D17: 0.9mg, D21: 0.5mg
Start: 4mg – Day 5: 2.6mg, D9: 1.7mg, D13: 1.1mg, D17: 0.7mg, D21: 0.5mg
Start: 2mg – Day 5: 1.5mg, D9: 1.1mg, D13: 0.8mg, D17: 0.6mg, D21: 0.5mg
Start: 1mg – Day 5: 0.9mg, D9: 0.8mg, D13: 0.7mg, D17: 0.6mg, D21: 0.5mg
The Tried and True Taper (The longer taper)
This method is typically recommended by medical professionals and has proven to be the most effective method in eliminating your dependency on Suboxone. Your doctor will recommend a Suboxone tapering method that may span 60 days or 90 days or even longer depending on your specific needs. While this method may take longer it can insure your success in completely breaking free of your opioid addiction and the medication needed to treat it.
Here is an example of what a 90 day Suboxone taper may look like. Of course, depending on your starting dose, your taper may look different. Your doctor will help you work out a taper schedule that is best for you.
- Days 1-14: 2 mg
- Days 15-28: 1.5 mg
- Days 29-42: 1.0 mg
- Days 43-66: 0.5 mg
- Day 67: 0.0 mg
- Day 68: 0.5 mg
- Day 69: 0.0 mg
- Day 70: 0.5 mg
- Day 71: 0.0 mg
- Day 72: 0.5 mg
- Day 73: 0.0 mg
- Day 74: 0.5 mg
- The next process is to dose every third day:
- Days 75-76: 0.0 mg
- Day 77: 0.5 mg
- Day 78-79: 0.0 mg
- Day 80: 0.25 mg
- Days 81-82: 0.0 mg
- Day 83: 0.25 mg
- Days 84-85: 0.0 mg
- Day 86: 0.25 mg
- To taper off Suboxone completely, abstain for three days and then take one last dose:
- Days 87-89: 0.0 mg
- Day 90: 0.25 mg = Last Dose
What It Takes for Suboxone Tapering to be Successful
Willpower and motivation. You have already taken the first step of seeking help through Suboxone treatment and breaking free of your opioid or prescription drug addiction. Now you are taking the next step of ending your journey by tapering off of Suboxone to eliminate your dependency on opiates.
To insure your success, surround yourself with friends and family who will provide plenty of support during this time. Stay in communication with your doctor and medical support staff. Another method that is helpful is to buy a calendar and write out your tapering schedule. Cross off each day to help visualize your success. You can do it!
Click HERE to find a licensed Suboxone physician near you and start your journey today.