Suboxone

Suboxone is a life saving medication that allows patients to regain control of their life and health. It can be a critical component of addiction treatment and immediately relives the addicted patient from cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and allows them to avoid illegal activity due to its approval by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). It is composed of two drugs: Buprenorphine (pain relief) and Naloxone (prevents overdose).

Suboxone, a combination medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone, is one of the main medications used to treat opioid addiction. Using ‘medications for opioid use disorder’ is known as MOUD. Use of MOUD has been shown to lower the risk of fatal overdoses by approximately 50%. It also reduces the risk of nonfatal overdoses which are traumatic and medically dangerous.

Suboxone works by tightly binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opiates, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. By doing so, it blunts intoxication with these other drugs, it prevents cravings, and it allows many people to transition back from a life of addiction to a life of normalcy and safety.

A key goal of many advocates is to make access to Suboxone much more widely available, so that people who are addicted to opiates can readily access it. Good places to start are in the emergency department and in the primary care doctor’s office. More doctors need to become “waivered” to prescribe this medication, which requires some training and a special license.

The vast majority of physicians, addiction experts, and advocates agree: Suboxone saves lives. The U.S. Government has recently been lightening up on the requirements needed for doctors and nurses to “get waivered” in an urgent attempt to increase the availability of Suboxone prescribers, as the number of opioid deaths keeps rising.

Suboxone: Everything You Need to Know

It can be hard to know where to start when you’re looking for information about Suboxone. This powerful medication has the potential to help people struggling with addiction, but it also comes with a number of risks and side effects. What do you need to know before starting Suboxone treatment? How will you know if it’s working? And what should you do if you experience problems while taking Suboxone?

This guide provides answers to all of those questions and more. You’ll learn what Suboxone is, how it works, and why it might be a good option for addiction treatment. So if you’re considering Suboxone or have already started taking it, read on for everything you need to know.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a medication that contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin and OxyContin. However, buprenorphine only partially activates those receptors, which makes it a much safer and less addictive option than full opioid agonists.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids. It’s included in Suboxone to help prevent abuse and misuse of the medication. If someone tries to inject Suboxone, the naloxone will cause them to feel immediate withdrawal symptoms, deterring them from misusing the medication.

Suboxone is a Schedule III controlled substance, which means that it has a moderate potential for abuse and dependence. However, this potential is lower than that of other opioids, such as heroin or OxyContin.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Suboxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids. However, because it’s a partial agonist, it only partially activates those receptors. This makes it a much safer and less addictive option than full opioid agonists.

Suboxone also contains naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids, which helps to prevent abuse and misuse of the medication. If someone tries to inject Suboxone, the naloxone will cause them to feel immediate withdrawal symptoms, deterring them from misusing the medication.

Why Is Suboxone Used for Addiction Treatment?

Suboxone is used for addiction treatment because it has a low potential for abuse and dependence. It’s also a long-acting medication, which means that it stays in the body for a long time. This makes it a good option for people who are struggling with addiction, as it can help to prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone is often used as part of a tapering schedule, which gradually decreases the dose of the medication over time. This helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms and allows people to slowly adjust to life without Suboxone.

Some of the benefits of Suboxone include:

• It’s easy to take: While other addiction treatments, such as methadone, require people to go to a clinic daily for their doses, Suboxone can be taken at home.
• It’s less likely to be abused: Suboxone contains naloxone, which deters abuse and misuse of the medication.
• It has a low risk of overdose: Suboxone is a long-acting medication, which means that it stays in the body for a long time. This makes it less likely to be abused and less likely to cause an overdose.

How to Take Suboxone Safely

Suboxone is a safe and effective medication when used as prescribed. However, there are some things you can do to make sure that you stay safe while taking Suboxone.

• Never take Suboxone without a prescription from your doctor.
• Never share your Suboxone with anyone else.
• Store Suboxone in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of Suboxone properly when you no longer need it.
• Never crush or chew Suboxone tablets. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects.
• Take Suboxone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor first.
• If you miss a dose of Suboxone, take it as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule.
• Never stop taking Suboxone suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop taking Suboxone, talk to your doctor first. They will help you taper off the medication safely.

When to Take Suboxone?

Suboxone is generally taken once a day, although some people may need to take it more often. The best time to take Suboxone is in the morning so that it doesn’t interfere with your sleep. You can take Suboxone with or without food, but if you take it with food, it may take a little longer to work.

If you vomit within an hour of taking Suboxone, you should take another dose. If you don’t vomit within an hour, there’s no need to take another dose.

When to Call the Doctor?

If you are thinking about using Suboxone, it is important that you speak to a doctor first. They will be able to assess whether or not the medication is right for you and can help to create a treatment plan.

There are some situations where you should call your doctor right away if you are taking Suboxone. For example, if you are experiencing any of the following side effects:

• Severe drowsiness
• Difficulty breathing
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

If you are worried about any other side effects that you are experiencing, it is also best to speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on what to do next.

In general, it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you are ever unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for guidance.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call BendSuboxone today. Our trained staff can help you find the right treatment for you and get you started on the road to recovery. With BendSuboxone, you’re not alone in this fight. Call us today!