new-to-belbucca

QuestionsCategory: Opioid Dosingnew-to-belbucca
Melissa asked 5 years ago

Hello, I have been on oxycodone 15mg 3 times a day for central neuropathic pain syndrome from a stroke and spine herniations that resulted in 2 spine surgeries. I felt like I was chasing pain with the oxycodone and my pain mgmt. Dr placed me on belbucca 75mcg twice daily and 2 oxycodone for break through pain.  Belbuca is wonderful at night but in the past month I have only been able to tolerate belbucca at night and continue my oxycodone during the day because the belbucca makes me tired and somewhat hungover feeling. I wish that I could have an even lower dose of belbucca during the day so that I can get use to it, as i am in a professional setting and i am afraid I will not be able to tolerate the belbucca 75mcg in the morning as prescribed. Can the belbucca be cut in half during the day so that I can get use to it while at work and then if needed take my oxycodone for break through pain until my next dose of belbucca is due to be taken at night?  Any advice or suggestions that I could talk to my dr about would be greatly appreciated.  I realize I am being very conservative with the transition but I have to function in a professional setting. Thank you.

1 Answers
Jeffrey Fudin Staff answered 5 years ago

Melissa,  The Belbuca should not be cut in half.  I believe the sluggishness and “hangover” feeling may be due to competitive opiate receptor binding between oxycodone and buprenorphine.  I also believe that if your doctor increases the Belbuca and eliminate the oxycodone, you may not have these issues anymore.