Subutex for Fentanyl

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NewGuy62

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I am a 62 year old man who was severely injured 10 years ago. Since then I have had numerous back surgeries including a 7 level fusion. In addition, I suffer from post polio and my pain level is sometimes off the chart.
I was on a high dosage of Fentanyl for 4 years. Due to problems with the patches not lasting long enough, I told my doctor I wanted to get off and he gave me Subutex. It wasn't easy, but I got off the Fentanyl and continued taking Subutex for about a year, along with 8 Norco per day, but unfortunately Subutex isn't very good for severe pain. After another surgery last year, I decided to go back on Fentanyl.
I have been seeing the same pain management doctor for 9 years. I've never been a problem for them, never asking for meRAB early, although I have been told that they've "received letters from the DEA" about me because of my high dosages. Unfortunately, without going into the gory details, I have had a really bad month and this month I find myself short patches. I was honest with my doctor today and told him that I changed them more frequently then I was supposed to and they basically said there was nothing they could do.
So...I know what Fentanyl withdrawal feels like and I don't want to face that. I have a lot of Subutex left. What would happen if I went on the Subutex for 5 days on my own, then back on the Fentanyl when I can get my prescription refilled? I know I have to be in withdrawal before I can take them, but would it be harmful to take them for a short period of time?
 
Hello newguy,

Honestly, I wouldn't try that. Patients on Sub need to be monitored. Making up your own dose is definitely not a good idea.

Call your doctor back and tell him you are terrified of the withdrawal and he should not be letting you go without. If you've never asked for a script early, your doctor should give you the benefit of the doubt.

Ask him if he can make just this one exception, and tell him it will never happen again.

I really think you should be firm with your doc. If he still says no, I'd go to an emergency room and ask for a couple patches before I'd even think of trying Sub.

Good luck, keep us posted on the outcome.

emsmom
 
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