Suboxone is a prescription drug that’s used to treat those who are addicted to opioids, legal or prescription. It contains the components Buprenorphine, Naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid antagonist. It blocks opiate receptors and reduces the urge to use. Naloxone is the second ingredient that reverses the effects of opioids. These drugs help to avoid the withdrawal symptoms that can be caused by opioid addiction.
Suboxone is now the most popular treatment for opioid dependence. It is used more often than Methadone which can lead to dependence.
Suboxone is not like other opioid substitute medications which require a prescription from a specialized treatment center. Suboxone can be prescribed directly by your doctor. Suboxone is often prescribed by doctors for both treatment and ongoing treatment. A personalized treatment plan can be developed by your doctor or addiction counselor.
How Suboxone Works
Suboxone has two components: buprenorphine, and naloxone.
The role of Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a combination of opioid drugs and buprenorphine. However, it blocks the effects of other opioid drugs. It is an opioid partial antagonist-agonist because of its unique effects.
Buprenorphine, a component of Suboxone, is what helps to treat opioid drug dependence. This is done by decreasing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioid drugs. It’s a partial opioid agonist-antagonist so it is less likely to give you a high than an actual opioid.
The role of Naloxone
Suboxone contains Naloxone to prevent the abuse of the medication. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It blocks the effects of opioid drugs.
The withdrawal symptoms of opioid dependence can be dangerous if you are using Suboxone and are dependent on it. It blocks opioids’ effects, which can cause withdrawal symptoms.
This withdrawal is much less likely when you use Suboxone film. Because the Suboxone film has a lower level of naloxone than an injection, this is why it is less likely to cause withdrawal.
How does Suboxone help with addiction treatment?
Suboxone is a medication that can be used at different stages of treatment. It also offers long-term solutions for treating opioid dependency. The medication can be used as part of a complete recovery plan to eliminate Opioid cravings.
Suboxone Blocks the “Opioid Effect”.
Suboxone is one of the many medications that are used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) which are known as “opioid antagonists.” This is the opposite of “opioid agonists” like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. An opioid agonist activates a pain-blocking signal in your brain. This alters your perception of pain and releases endorphins that stimulate pleasure. This is called the “opioid effects.” If you include Suboxone as an opioid antagonist in your recovery, it will block any opioids from activating the pain receptors. This will help you manage your cravings and decrease withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone is Less Habit-Forming than Methadone
Suboxone has been prescribed by addiction specialists over its MAT predecessor, methadone, since the early 2000s. Suboxone was created with the purpose of combating opioid addiction. It has a lower risk of dependence than methadone. Suboxone’s side effects are often less severe than methadone and more likely to be physical rather than mental.
Suboxone Comes in Two Forms
Suboxone was created to make it easy for patients in recovery to use. You can choose between a tablet or a sublingual film. Both dissolve in your mouth. Both methods provide the same results. Tablets can sometimes be more affordable than film and patients may feel that they are more discreet. Some patients prefer film because they can taper the dose in smaller and smaller amounts when they are trying to wean off the medication completely. Without the guidance of your doctor, this practice should not be undertaken.
Suboxone is Only One Part of Recovery
Although medication-assisted therapy is a great option to help patients overcome addiction, it should not be the only part of your recovery plan. To keep your body and mind healthy, a complete MAT plan includes a carefully monitored medication regimen and substance abuse counseling. Suboxone may not be the best choice for some people in recovery. Some patients may not even be able to benefit from any medication assistance. Each patient’s journey is different. Your addiction specialist will help you make informed decisions at every stage.
Suboxone, a depressant is slower than a Stimulant. Suboxone can cause:
- Pain relief
- Calmness and general well-being
- Feel less stressed and worried.
- Relaxation
It is crucial to keep in touch with your doctor for any follow-up visits.
How is Suboxone Administered?
Suboxone scripts can only be written by a doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions during each dose. Suboxone Film and tablets can be used to administer medication.
To get the correct amount of Suboxone Film under your tongue, you must place it under the skin. It’s important to keep these things in mind as the film dissolves.
- Avoid swallowing the film. This could cause the medicine to stop working.
- Talking while the film is in you mouth is not a good idea. This could also impact how the medicine is absorbed into your body.
Your doctor might adjust the dosage to ease you off medication.
Use Suboxone as part of a complete recovery program to get the best results.
Suboxone is not enough to treat your addiction. You should instead use Suboxone to supplement a comprehensive treatment plan that could include inpatient treatment or outpatient therapy, counseling, and support group.
Suboxone Side Effects
Suboxone can have serious or mild side effects. Here are some side effects of Suboxone. This does not cover all side effects.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for more information about side effects and how to manage them.
Most Common Side Effects
Suboxone has the following side effects:
- Headache
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms include body aches, cramps, rapid heart rate, and abdominal cramps.
- Anxiety
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping).
- Sweating
- Depression
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Fatigue or weakness
- Back pain
- Burning tongue
- Redness in the mouth
These side effects can disappear in a matter of days or weeks. Talk to your pharmacist if they persist or are more severe.
