Can You Stop Suboxone Cold Turkey?

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction It contains two active ingredients – buprenorphine and naloxone Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and is added to discourage misuse of the medication,

Many people take Suboxone to help wean off opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. It can be an effective treatment when used properly under medical supervision. However, Suboxone itself also carries a risk of dependence and addiction. Quitting Suboxone “cold turkey” can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

What Happens When You Stop Suboxone Cold Turkey?

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms are often compared to opioid withdrawal They can include

• Muscle aches
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Goosebumps
• Cravings

These symptoms may begin within 12-24 hours after the last dose. They tend to peak around days 3-5 and improve within a week or two. Some people report continued cravings and psychological effects like depression for several weeks after quitting.

The naloxone in Suboxone can cause more intense withdrawal if misused intravenously. This is due to naloxone’s blocking effects on opioids. Withdrawal precipitated in this way is often called “precipitated withdrawal”.

Is Stopping Suboxone Cold Turkey Dangerous?

Quitting Suboxone abruptly carries some risks:

• Severe withdrawal symptoms – As with other opioids, cold turkey withdrawal from higher doses of Suboxone can occasionally be severe enough to require hospitalization.

• Relapse – The cravings and psychological effects during withdrawal make relapse more likely. One study found 56% of people relapsed within a month after abruptly stopping buprenorphine treatment.

• Other health issues – Withdrawal can sometimes exacerbate underlying medical conditions like heart disease. Extreme vomiting and diarrhea from withdrawal can also lead to dehydration.

For these reasons, suddenly discontinuing Suboxone is not recommended. Working with a doctor to gradually taper the dosage is much safer. However, some people do choose to stop taking Suboxone cold turkey despite the difficulties.

How to Cope With Suboxone Withdrawal

There are ways to manage the symptoms and avoid complications if discontinuing Suboxone cold turkey:

• Hydrate – Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. Broths or sports drinks with electrolytes can help.

• Try over-the-counter medications – Ibuprofen, antacids, anti-diarrheal agents, etc. can relieve some physical symptoms.

• Ask about clonidine – This blood pressure medication may ease some withdrawal side effects. But it requires a prescription and medical monitoring.

• Consider taking time off work – The first few days of withdrawal can be very difficult to work through.

• Get support – Having help and encouragement from loved ones or a support group can make a big difference.

• Avoid triggers and stress – Try not to put yourself in tempting situations or add extra stress until the worst has passed.

• Watch for complications – Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, fever over 102°F, dehydration, or thoughts of self-harm.

• Consider restarting Suboxone – If withdrawal becomes unbearable, taking a small dose of Suboxone can provide relief. This is preferable to returning to other opioids.

Is Suboxone Withdrawal Ever Fatal?

While opioid withdrawal can feel awful, it is generally not life-threatening. Very rarely, complications like severe dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, or unchecked vomiting could potentially become serious. But there are no documented cases of a fatality directly due to Suboxone or buprenorphine withdrawal.

However, the mental health effects of withdrawal like depression can lead some to suicidal thoughts. And the cravings may drive others back to dangerous opioids, risking overdose. So while withdrawal itself is unlikely to be deadly, it does carry serious indirect risks in some cases.

How to Stop Suboxone More Safely

Quitting Suboxone cold turkey is possible but can be very difficult. It is much easier and safer to taper gradually under medical supervision. This allows your body to adapt slowly as the dosage is lowered over weeks or months. Tapering also reduces cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and chances of relapse.

If you have become dependent on Suboxone but want to stop, talk to your doctor. They can help you create a customized tapering schedule. Supportive therapies and counseling are also recommended to help deal with cravings during this process. With patience and the right support, tapering off Suboxone is very achievable for most people.