Sublocade Withdrawal - How Long Is It?

What experiences do you all have with coming off of Sublocade? Would you say it’s a lengthy process? I took 1-100mg dose 4 months ago and for the last month I’m very fatigued and lethargic. Idk if it’s an extended withdrawal but that’s what it’s feels like. It’s not horrible, but I want my regular energy back. I’ve gone through this dog and pony show before, and after I get another injection, I feel like my regular self. My doctor wants me to suck it up as I may need it for life. I refuse to buy into that. I want to be free from these substances.

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I wish I had an answer for you but I'm still on the shot myself. How long were you on the shot for? I'm coming up on 8 months and looking at stopping at the year mark. My Doc is saying the same about being on it longer, I too am ready to get on without it.

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Re: McWiz (# 1)

I was on it for about a year and a half. I kept stretching out my time in-between injections. The longest I went was 6 months before feeling super lethargic and zero energy for over a month. I had my regular doctor check me for everything and said I was fine. As soon as I got another injection, I felt normal again. After that, I figured I could ween myself off of Suboxone strips easier since the withdrawl from Sublocade seems to be very, very drawn out and slow. I had ended up back on Suboxone for about 6 months before realizing I couldn't ween myself and deciding to try one last injection of Sublocade. That was 4 months ago. I'm back to feeling tired and weak and like I have lost any amount of energy I used to have. It sucks.

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Re: JB (# 2)

Thanks for the info. By chance have you had your testosterone levels checked? Good chance it's low and that would make a world of difference. I'm assuming you're a dude. Good luck

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Re: McWiz (# 3)

I'm actually a female, but it's ironic that you mention that because I thought of that. I ordered a home health kit to check all of my hormone levels: Estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid (TSH, T3, T4). I am mailing back the samples this weekend. If all of these levels come back normal, then I'll know with 100% certainty that it's my body's reaction to not having Sublocade. I had my thyroid levels checked the last time I tried coming off it (feeling lethargic 6 months after injection), and they were normal. As soon as I got another injection, I went back to feeling like myself.
Buprenorphine activates the same neurotransmitters as opiates, which is why it works so well taking away cravings. I've never had physical withdrawals last longer than 30 days (from methadone), so this whole experience is very weird for me. And it's not withdrawals like we're used to.
I feel so crappy that I caved and contacted my doctor about getting half a 100 mg shot next week. Sublocade only comes in 300 and 100 mg doses, so I asked them to give me half of the 100. Maybe having them half the dose every time I start feeling this way will help my body taper? What is your doctor's plan to taper you off?
Are you aware of any other forums that have discussions about Suboxone?

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Re: JB (# 4)

Good luck with your tests. I'm not on any other forums. So just got my shot today... always fun. Doc said that the plan is cold turkey but if I had withdrawal they could go back to the films or another shot. He claims most people are fine that route. I talked to him about spreading my shots out longer and he's said he doesn't recommend that so that sucks

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Re: JB (# 4)

If you think about it, let me know how that half shot works for you. Sounds like a good idea

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Re: McWiz (# 5)

Do your injections hurt? I numb my stomach with ice at least 30 minutes prior. It works wonders! I already know what spot they are going to inject it, so I start numbing with an ice pack on the car ride there. You won't feel a thing.
I will keep you posted as to how this method works.
I'm sorry your doctor won't let you stretch your injections out. I think a lot of it is to make money but can also to keep track of the patients to make sure they're clean, rather than coming in whenever they want to get a shot. Good luck on your journey! Feel free to remind me if I forget to post my results.

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