Buprenorphine and loss of appetite?

[Riversong]

Hello,

I got off Pramipexole after 6 tough months because of long term use and severe augmentation. Life changing doesn’t come close to how it feels now as I was lucky to have GP willing to prescribe low dose sub lingual Buprenorphine after seeing neurologist in Manchester privately.

No RLS at all during the day, none in any other body parts a d only minor leg symptoms pm that settle quickly with the Bup. Magic, wish I had come of the DA years ago. My first GP in Scotland said no help available to get off DA drugs, just stick it out. I put it off another two years but tried again in England after moving there, fortunately, a more sympathetic reception.

My question is about loss of appetite, not nausea, had a bit of that at first but settled quickly.

Now have aversion to foods I used to love like fish and no real interest in food at all. Assume its the Bup but keen to hear if anyone else had it. Taking two to three 200 micrograms at night, hoping to reduce that to two soon.

Glad to hear of others experiences, its like getting a ‘skinny jab’! But not that much weight loss needed.

To those struggling to get off the DA, just keep going, life is so much better once these drugs are out of your system, it’s tough but worthwhile,

[SueJohnson]

It is a rare side effect from buprenorphine. Your doctor may prescribe something to stimulate your appetite. You can also try frequent smaller calorie rich nutrient dense meals rather than the 3 meals a day.

[Simkin in reply to SueJohnson]

Sue, I know you live in the US.We have just arrived in Idaho & are here for 6 weeks to help our son, who is having problems.

Is there anything you can suggest for bulking out my weight loss.

I don't know if there are protein drinks.

When I go into your HUGE supermarkets & drug stores I simply don't know where to start!?!?

Simkin

[SueJohnson in reply to Simkin]

There are protein drinks in both drug stores and grocery stores. Ask a clerk where they are. Your best bet may be to speak with a pharmacist and explain your problem and ask what s/he would suggest.

[Simkin in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue. Will do.

[Simkin in reply to SueJohnson]

I found a really lovely small family run drugstore & they were so helpful on advising me as to which protein drink to try.

[SueJohnson in reply to Simkin]

That's great!

[Huntingleroy]

Hi there , well done getting off the Da's ! I was on them 26yrs and after augmentation went on to Buprenorphine 0.4 , wow amazing ! Nearly a year on and Ive lost well over a stone ( I needed to lose it !) My appetite is very poor , I basically just eat what I fancy and not very much . It makes eating out quite hard, often have just a starter but to be Rls free , its a small price to pay . I had a little bit of nausea but that passed luckily . Good luck

[Simkin in reply to Huntingleroy]

Thanks. Same as me then. One thing being in the US for 6 weeks is that they immediately box up the food you cannot finish in a restaurant & you can take it home to eat the next day.

[Joolsg]

I'm delighted to hear you managed to get Buprenorphine and that it has stopped your RLS.I have heard a few reports of loss of appetite and aversion to food.

I would suggest you add cannabis. It stopped my nausea AND increased my appetite. It might work....

[Ticki]

I have been on that medication for over three years now and I have dropped a dangerously low weight what I found was I had to go on the carnivore diet because I just want protein and I’m doing much much better. I’d rather have even though this can be scary too.❤️‍🩹

[Simkin in reply to Ticki]

Hi Ticki. I was interested to see your comments about weight loss.I have lost so much weight after nearly 2 years on buprenorphine that I try not to scare myself by looking in the mirror!!

I have dropped from a size 12 (UK) & now even a size 10 clothes size hangs on me

Everyone tells me I MUST eat more but I simply cannot.

My physio & pilates teacher say I MUST eat more protein.

Have totally gone off bananas. Now hate the taste

But coming off buprenorphine is NOT an option.

Had better look at the carnivore diet.

[Ticki in reply to Simkin]

it is scary. I mean I never wanted be heavy but I never imagined I’d be so thin either. I’ve talked to a great nutritionist and she’s informed me that if I keep my protein level up with the 30 g protein drinks that I use and then I nibble on and off throughout the but never a whole but for me as far as like I take the skinny over the nightmare of the. I know what we’re talking about is hard to eat, but at least get the protein drink in you if you can, your muscles need that energy and you’re in my prayers. we’re talking about hard to eat, but at least get the protein drink in you if you your that energy and you’re in my❤️

[Simkin in reply to Ticki]

Thank you Ticki.I will look for the protein drinks. Am sure they will have equivalent in the US.

[Simkin in reply to Ticki]

Ticki, I have started a protein drink today so fingers crossed I start putting on weight.Apart from the worry of losing so much muscle mass & being nagged by everyone that I must put on weight & eat more, I honestly look at least 10 years older than I am since I have become SO thin.

[Ticki in reply to Simkin]

Yes, me too!

[Simkin in reply to Ticki]

Ticki, do you have one of those 30g protein drinks a day for weight gain or 2 a day?Simkin

[Ticki in reply to Simkin]

Most of the time just the one at breakfast when I take my vitamins, but there are occasions where I do two sometimes ,that medication doesn’t give me a appetite so this is why it’s so much Nicer just to drink it.💜

[Simkin in reply to Ticki]

That is helpful. Thanks. Maybe when I get back to the UK I ought to see a dietician, as you did.While in America I am trying to make myself eat more (not easy when you don't feel that hungry) but I do find the protein drinks great.

[Ticki in reply to Simkin]

Good, its at least something.❤️‍🩹

[Simkin in reply to Ticki]

Indeed.

[Mongolia2020]

I lost my appetite after starting methadone ( another opioid) following withdrawal from DAs, and lost 15 kg. After about 5 months my appetite settled and weight loss stabilised. I am not unhappy about the weight loss because I believe I had several overeating habits on DAs.