Our Subutex Doctor
Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc believes that every person suffering from an opiate addiction deserves the opportunity to find a treatment that works for them. Because one size does not fit all, it’s important to have several options for addiction treatment services. Our addiction treatment centers offer Subutex® a trusted, FDA-approved medication that contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid used for the treatment of opioid use disorder. In addition to outpatient opioid dependence treatment, our Subutex doctors also provide medication management and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as well as remote treatment options via telehealth.
Contact us today to learn more about our available addiction treatment and psychiatric services and get Subutex treatment.
What Is Subutex?
Subutex is a brand-name medication for generic buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid addiction. The Subutex pill is a sublingual tablet approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating opioid dependence. Opioids are prescription drugs that include medications like oxycodone, in addition to illicit street drugs such as heroin. The United States of America is in the midst of a severe opioid epidemic, and medications used in the treatment for opioid use disorder, like Subutex are being relied upon to help users heal from their addiction to opioids.
Subutex doctors with Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc offer patients a holistic approach to treatment for opioid use disorder with comprehensive treatment programs using buprenorphine medications like Subutex and Suboxone®, as well as counseling, behavioral health care, psychotherapy, group therapy, and aftercare support to help our patients achieve sustainable, prolonged recovery.
How Does Buprenorphine Work?
Subutex generic, or buprenorphine, is a Schedule III controlled substance that is generally prescribed to patients during the acute withdrawal phase from opioids. Subutex tablets may be prescribed as a daily dose that the patient places under the tongue until the pill completely dissolves. In Subutex, the buprenorphine mechanism of action is buprenorphine hydrochloride, a partial opioid that binds to opioid receptors in the brain. Opioid receptors naturally occur on the membrane of brain cells, helping regulate the way in which we feel pain, which is why opioids are such effective painkillers. In contrast which other opioids, which fully attach to opioid receptors, Subutex only partially attaches to these receptors, making it great for treating opioid use disorder.
As this chemical binds to opioid receptors in the brain and only partially activates them, withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, reduce. Additionally, because it doesn’t fully attach, it can displace other opioids and prevent them from taking effect. Buprenorphine acts as a partial mixed opioid agonist at the μ- receptor and as an antagonist at the κ-receptor. Additionally, buprenorphine treatment with Subutex is an effective alternative treatment option for individuals who cannot tolerate or should not be exposed to the naloxone found in Suboxone. For more information about buprenorphine and treatment with Subutex, contact us.
Subutex Vs. Suboxone
When it comes to choosing between Subutex and Suboxone as opioid use disorder medications, it is important to know how they differ from one another. Both Subutex and Suboxone contain buprenorphine, a medication approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The main difference between Subutex medication and Suboxone is that Subutex only contains buprenorphine, while Suboxone contains buprenorphine as well as naloxone.
In buprenorphine-naloxone medications, naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it blocks the effects that opioids have on receptors in the brain. The inclusion of naloxone in opioid use disorder treatment helps prevent abuse of the drug, sometimes making it more beneficial for those with severe addictions or those in treatment following relapse. However, not every individual seeking opioid use disorder treatment can tolerate or should be exposed to naloxone. Subutex is an effective alternative to Suboxone and may be beneficial to your rehabilitation and treatment.
Treatment With Subutex
Unlike full opioids, Subutex does not induce a euphoric state or a “high” in patients. Consequently, it benefits patients with opioid addiction treatment in several ways, as it blocks withdrawal symptoms, stabilizes the brain, reduces cravings, helps prevent relapse, and promotes long-term recovery. When combined with behavioral health treatments and psychological counseling, Subutex, like other accepted forms of medication-assisted treatment, is an effective treatment option for those struggling with opioid addiction.
Treatment with buprenorphine and other forms of medication-assisted treatment continues for as long as the patient benefits from and does not experience any significant adverse effects. Because opioid use disorder is a chronic relapsing and remitting disease, it may require prolonged treatment through maintenance therapy to help ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Subutex Dosing
With regard to Subutex dosing, the medication is typically dosed sublingually or under the tongue in increments and decrements of 2 milligrams to 4 milligrams. When considering dosing, the primary consideration is dosing the medication at a level that adequately suppresses withdrawal symptoms that it is used to counteract. Some patients may receive 16 milligrams to 24 milligrams a day, yet the exact dosage you may be prescribed will depend on a number of factors unique to your needs. For additional information about Subutex dosing, please contact Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc.
Subutex While Pregnant
Individuals who are pregnant and suffer from opioid addictions receive medication-assisted treatment during their pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of opioid abuse and withdrawal as well as promote pre-natal and post-natal care to mothers as well as infants. Once the individual gives birth, the newborn babies are medically tapered off of the medication. Subutex is among the most widely used forms of maintenance during pregnancy and is considered safe for pregnant mothers. For more information about taking Subutex while pregnant, contact Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc.
How Long Does Subutex Stay In The System?
The effects of Subutex last for 24 hours. For most individuals, after completely stopping Subutex, no trace of the medication is left in the body after about a week. For individuals who have compromised liver health and/or function, it could take 7–14 days for Subutex to leave their bodies completely. Subutex is only for adults and children over the age of 16 years.
Your provider will provide you with specific information with regard to dosage and frequency of dosage. Tell your provider if you are taking any other medications or medicines, including any that you purchase without a prescription (over the counter) at a pharmacy, supermarket, health food store, or another location before you begin treatment with Subutex, as a number of medicines may alter the effects of Subutex.
Potential Side Effects Of Subutex
Like any medication, Subutex has the potential for some side effects. Potential Subutex side effects include constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, sweating, and other side effects. Not all or any of these side effects may occur and need not require immediate medical attention. If they do arise, they may very well be temporary and may occur as the body adjusts to the medication.
Our providers will discuss potential side effects with the patient and determine ways to help prevent or reduce these side effects. Patients should ask their provider or pharmacist to answer any questions they may have about Subutex at any time. For more information about the side effects of Subutex, contact Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc.
Subutex Withdrawal
Suddenly stopping the use of buprenorphine medications after a prolonged period of use can result in Subutex withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms from Subutex are similar to withdrawal from opioids in general, with physical symptoms including vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, as well as psychological symptoms including anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, among others. However, because Subutex is less potent than other types of opioids and since it is typically taken in smaller amounts than other opioids, withdrawal from Subutex is not typically severe. A medically monitored Subutex detox can help patients safely and comfortably manage their withdrawal symptoms, as can a gradual taper schedule overseen by our treatment professionals. Additionally, behavioral services and psychiatric care counseling can further facilitate the recovery process following detox and withdrawal.