Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for managing opioid use disorder. This prescription medication contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, can balance your brain’s chemistry, reduce opiate cravings, and improve withdrawal symptoms. It is slowly released into the brain when the correct Suboxone dosage is consumed.
Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, works to block the psychoactive effects of the buprenorphine. Additionally, naloxone can help prevent buprenorphine misuse and overdoses. When too much Suboxone is taken, or if it is combined with other medications, naloxone knocks opioids off of the opioid receptors in the brain, reversing the overdose.
Suboxone is typically prescribed as an oral or sublingual treatment. In other words, it is available as an ingestable Suboxone pill or a dissolvable Suboxone film. Suboxone should never be injected or taken intravenously. This act will prevent the buprenorphine from binding to the receptors in the brain. Naloxone will bind instead, blocking any effects and sending the individual into withdrawal.
If you are interested in Suboxone treatment, or are looking for more information on getting started, contact our addiction treatment centers today.
What Are The Side Effects Of Suboxone?
Suboxone side effects might include nausea, diarrhea, headache, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, and drowsiness, among others.
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Our doctors can reassess your current Suboxone dosage and adjust it accordingly.
We do not recommend fully quitting Suboxone after you experience negative side effects. Quitting ‘cold turkey’ can worsen your current symptoms and have a negative impact on your health. It is always best to have a trusted professional who specializes in medication management advise you through weaning off of Suboxone.
Suboxone Overdose
Unfortunately, as with any other opioids, Suboxone does carry a risk of overdose. The naloxone present in this medication has a shorter half-life than the buprenorphine, and will wear off over time.
When consumed properly, Suboxone is safe to use and will not lead to an overdose. However, some individuals may attempt to bypass the medication’s ‘ceiling effect.’ They may attempt to mix suboxone with benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other opioids with Suboxone to dodge the effects of naloxone and achieve a more pleasurable sense of euphoria.
This combination of multiple substances is highly dangerous and can quickly lead to an overdose. If you are someone you know is currently experiencing a Suboxone overdose, administer naloxone and call for emergency medical attention immediately.
Managing Buprenorphine Side Effects
When taking Suboxone, nausea and constipation are not uncommon. We suggest taking Suboxone after eating a meal, consuming more fiber, and drinking more fluids to lessen these problems and reduce discomfort.
For headaches, back pain, or other body aches, talk to your healthcare provider about taking an over-the-counter pain medication while on Suboxone.
Suboxone Addiction
As with any controlled substances, some people may develop an addiction to Suboxone. Because of this, our clinics offer psychotherapy, telehealth, and support groups to help individuals overcome their physical dependence on Suboxone.
For those who undergo medication-assisted treatment at one of our Florida clinics, group therapy sessions are offered free of charge. These groups allow people facing opioid addiction to meet each other and share their struggles. Members of these groups are also encouraged to work alongside our psychiatrists to learn healthy coping mechanisms, develop better habits, and understand the root cause or trigger for their addiction.
Schedule a psychiatric care appointment or consultation today at Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc. and get started on the road to recovery.