What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is the brand name for a prescription medication used in treating those addicted to opioids, illegal or prescription. It contains the ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, blocks the opiate receptors and reduces a person’s urges. The second ingredient, naloxone, helps reverse the effects of opioids. Together, these drugs work to prevent withdrawal symptoms associated with an opioid addiction.
Uses of Suboxone
Your doctor may prescribe Suboxone for dependence on short-acting opioids including heroin and prescription painkillers. Suboxone is typically not recommended for long-acting opioids. Instead, many people use a buprenorphine-only medication.
The first phase of Suboxone use is the withdrawal phase, where symptoms are most uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Suboxone helps alleviate and potentially eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Under the supervision of your doctor, you will move from the withdrawal phase to the maintenance phase. Once treatment has been completed, your doctor may begin reducing your doses until you no longer need the medication.
How Does Suboxone Help Addiction Treatment?
Suboxone can be used during different stages of treatment and offers a long-term solution for managing an opioid addiction. When included as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, the medication eliminates opioid cravings altogether.
Since Suboxone is a depressant, it slows you down rather than speeding you up like a stimulant. Those who take the medication may experience:
How is Suboxone Administered?
Only a doctor can write scripts for Suboxone. Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific directions during each dose. Medication can be administered through the Suboxone Film or a tablet form.
If you’re using the Suboxone Film, you will need to place it under your tongue in order for it to deliver the right amount of medicine. While the film is dissolving, it’s important to remember:
- Do not chew or swallow the film. This can cause the medicine not to work as well.
- Do not talk while the film is in your mouth. This may also affect how the medicine is absorbed in your body.
Side Effects of Suboxone
Although used to help manage opiate abuse, it’s important to know Suboxone can lead to dependence. Those most likely to develop a dependence on the medication include:
- Individuals with a current or previous problem in abusing narcotics
- Individuals unaware of the potential dangerous side effects
- Individuals addicted to heroin, looking to avoid any withdrawal
Additionally, you should not discontinue taking Suboxone without talking to your doctor first. Stopping treatment immediately can cause adverse effects and potentially lead to symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as:
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any negative side effects that may be associated with Suboxone. Some of the symptoms caused by Suboxone can include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Stomach pain
- Low energy
- Headache
- Suboxone Interactions
Some other medications, herbal remedies or supplements can cause negative effects when taken with Suboxone.
Below is a condensed list of various products that may lead to complications if consumed with Suboxone. Make note of all your current medications and speak with your doctor about any drugs you should refrain from using while on Suboxone.
- Acetaminophen
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Fluoxetine
- HIV-treatment drugs
- Niacin
- Oral contraceptives
- Verapamil
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