Suboxone is a prescription medication that helps address some of the side effects of opioid withdrawal. It is a frequent part of a medication-assisted treatment program or MAT. Suboxone is a combination of two other medications, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps control a person’s craving for opioids, while naloxone helps minimize their side effects. Suboxone is typically taken as an oral medication via a film that dissolves in the mouth. Many consider it a breakthrough when it comes to treating individuals addicted to opioids.
What is Suboxone Used For?
Doctors usually prescribe Suboxone to treat people who are dependent on opioids like heroin, which are short-acting. It’s not considered ideal for treating patients addicted to longer-acting opioids. A physician may instead give them buprenorphine by itself or a similar medication.
Drugs like Suboxone are typically given to clients as part of a medication-assisted therapy program. Unlike other medications used to help people withdraw from drugs, Suboxone can be prescribed by a doctor for at-home use instead of administered at a drug treatment center.
Can Suboxone Help With Addiction?
Suboxone is generally one part of a comprehensive treatment program. Drugs alone typically aren’t enough to overcome opiate addiction. Therapy and counseling services are often needed to work through the underlying reasons people abuse opioids.
Suboxone continues to grow in popularity for addiction treatment because it can be administered at different stages. The combination of Suboxone and therapy can allow people to focus on recovery without severe opioid cravings.
Clients who receive a Suboxone prescription for opioid addiction should follow the doctor’s instructions. The film form should be placed under the tongue so that you receive the proper dosage. You should not chew the film or talk while it is still dissolving. Either action might affect the amount of medicine your body receives. The effects of taking Suboxone can include:
- Relief from pain
- Feelings of calmness and relaxation
- Reduced stress levels
Your physician may alter your Suboxone dosage as time passes and eventually wean you off the medication. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to have a complete treatment plan in place to help you fully address the roots of your opiate addiction.
Are There Side Effects From Suboxone Use?
While it can help people manage the side effects of opioid withdrawal and curb cravings, people can develop an addiction to Suboxone. They may be unaware of the drug’s side effects or use Suboxone to substitute for heroin or other opioids.
It is not a good idea to try to wean yourself off Suboxone without a doctor’s help. You may find yourself dealing with adverse side effects, including:
- Joint and muscle pain
- Feelings of irritability
- Insomnia
- Jitteriness
- Diarrhea
Taking Suboxone as prescribed may still produce symptoms like:
- Feeling like you have the flu
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Lack of energy
What Else Should I Know About Suboxone?
It would be best to make yourself aware of any substances that might cause a negative reaction when taken with Suboxone. Some products that have been known to cause adverse effects when consumed alongside Suboxone include:
- Medications for lowering cholesterol
- Acetaminophen
- Drugs for HIV treatment
- Niacin
- Fluoxetine
- Verapamil
- Oral contraceptives
Most doctors want you to check-in at different intervals so they can monitor the effects of the Suboxone. The drug should not be taken for any reason other than its prescribed use. Suboxone should not be considered a magical elixir for addiction. You can improve your chances of recovering from opioid abuse by committing to the entire process of recovery.
Get Help For Opioid Addiction at Pines Recovery Life Detox
Pines Recovery Life Detox provides clients with the opportunity to receive medication-assisted treatment, including a prescription for Suboxone. We offer a variety of detox programs to help with substance use disorders, including:
- Alcohol Detox Program
- Heroin Detox Program
- Prescription Drug Detox Program
- Meth Detox Program
- Opiate Detox Program
Find out how you can start pulling yourself out of the grips of opiate addiction by calling 800.263.3869, or contact us online.
