Suboxone is a medicine that is frequently prescribed as part of a medication-assisted therapy (MAT) program for those suffering from a heroin or opiate painkiller addiction. Suboxone, when used as advised as part of an opioid addiction treatment plan, can be a safe and effective tool for promoting recovery. It includes buprenorphine and naloxone as active components.
Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, inhibits opiate receptors and decreases cravings. The second component, naloxone, aids in the reversal of opioid effects. These medicines act together to prevent the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction.
Suboxone is available as a branded mixture of buprenorphine plus naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Although Suboxone was first thought to have a low misuse risk, the Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) cautions that this drug, even as a partial opioid agonist, has some abuse potential.
While safety precautions have been implemented, including using naloxone to deter efforts at abusing the medicine to get high, Suboxone addiction has been recorded throughout the United States.
According to the FDA, the long-term negative consequences of Suboxone usage and abuse can be substantial and harmful to physical and mental health. The hazards rise when Suboxone is used with other drugs, such as alcohol or sedatives. Suboxone usage over an extended period may result in physiological dependency, addiction, and even overdose.
Suboxone may be prescribed by your doctor if you are addicted to short-acting opioids such as heroin or prescription pain relievers. Suboxone is not generally prescribed for long-acting opioids. Many people instead take buprenorphine-only medication. Suboxone can be taken at various phases of therapy and provides a long-term solution for opioid addiction management. When used as part of a thorough rehabilitation strategy, the drug completely removes opiate cravings.
Suboxone is a depressant, so it slows you down rather than speeds you up as a stimulant would. Those who use the drug may suffer the following side effect:
Following up with your prescribing physician is critical to a successful recovery while on Suboxone.
When used with Suboxone, certain other medicines, herbal treatments, or supplements might have significant side effects.
The following is a simplified list of numerous drugs that may cause problems when used with Suboxone. Make a list of all your existing medicines and consult with your doctor about any substances you should avoid while on Suboxone.
Suboxone is commonly used at the outset of therapy, as well as during ongoing treatment and recovery. Suboxone prescriptions can only be written by a doctor. A tailored treatment plan can be developed with the assistance of your doctor or an addiction counselor. During each dose, make sure to follow your doctor’s exact instructions. Medication can be taken in the form of a Suboxone Film or a pill.
If you use the Suboxone Film, you must place it beneath your tongue in order for it to deliver the appropriate quantity of medication. It is critical to remember the following while the film is dissolving:
As time passes, your doctor may adjust the dose to help you wean yourself off medicines entirely.
Suboxone alone will not cure your addiction. Instead, use it to supplement a comprehensive treatment strategy that may include inpatient or outpatient care, support groups, and counseling. Get in contact with us today if you need to discover a treatment center.
The withdrawal phase of Suboxone use is the most unpleasant and potentially hazardous period of the drug’s use. Suboxone reduces and, in some cases, eliminates the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. You will transition from the withdrawal phase to the maintenance phase under the guidance of your doctor. When your therapy is over, your doctor may begin lowering your dosages until you no longer require the medicine.
You might experience various side effects if you use Suboxone, including nausea, headache, constipation, and diarrhea. Additional side effects may include:
Suboxone is not a one-size-fits-all treatment for opioid addiction. While it aids in the treatment of addiction, it should be taken in conjunction with other recovery treatments to achieve long-term abstinence. To get started, contact a treatment provider and make an appointment with a treatment center.
