Opioids just a question of definitions...

[Opidopecake]

To put it simply -


Agonist - activtae something, turn it on.

Antagonist - block something, turn it off.


Opioid agonists activate or turn on opioid receptors. Opioid antagonists block the receptors preventing opioid agonists from having an effect.

Think of it like a key - agonists are keys that fit perfectly in certain receptors and unlock those effects. Antagonists are like pouring glue into the lock so keys can't get in.

As tri mentioned, buprenorphine is a mixed agonist-antagonist (or partial agonist) - it fits into the receptor like an agonist but only unlocks it part way and then, to use the earlier analogy, breaks off in the lock so other keys can't fit in and further activate the receptor.

This is the most simple and correct definition that has been posted, imho
antagonists block
agonists activate
think of it that way, in a story there is a protagonist (good guy) and an antagonist (bad guy) the antagonist blocks the chemical from activating the receptor in your brain. the agonist activates the receptor in your brain. Both of these occupy the receptor so if you have an opiate antagonist than that chemical will bind to the receptor thus not letting any other chemical bind in that spot, thus making an agonist unable to bind, and unable to activate that receptor. I hope this helps.

 

[Opidopecake]

^^^

I second that.


For the suboxone you can taper relatively quickly until you get to about closer to the end of 0 than 16, at which point the discomfort will begin. It's really up to you and how much discomfort your willing to handle, I always ask myself when tapering, would I rather feel mild-moderate discomfort during a long taper/withdrawal, or would I rather feel moderate-severe withdrawal during a faster taper/withdrawal.

The same applies for the clonazepam/klonopin, and I would have been able to give you little more detail about the taper but you've provided no dosages. Don't try to get off both drugs at once as it will be a failed disaster both physically and psychologically. Ditch the opioid first, so you can use the clonazepam to deal with its symptoms.

Also, since you've been on both drugs for quite a long time, I wouldn't attemp anything without your doctors supervision. Another thing to consider is you have a young boy at home and your going through a lot, so it's best to be courageous and put a lot of thought into how you plan to get off these drugs without shouldering the extra burden of withdrawal.

Talk to your doctor about using pregabalin for both the benzodiazepine and opioid withdrawal as it can eradicate most of the withdrawal symptoms from both substances. Also, try discussing clonidine or gabapentin(the cheaper and less potent alternative to pregabalin). If he approves these drugs I'd be more than happy to share with you how I've utilized them on several occasions to get off benzodiazepines and opioids relatively easily.

Good luck.

I honestly don't understand why people say it is hard to taper off of suboxone, it is actually really easy (for me) I've done it many times, where I got off of subs completely, mind you its a long process but it can be done without the discomfort of withdrawl if done correctly.